How Often Should You Review Your Legionella Risk Assessment?

If you own or manage a building in Scotland, especially in cities like Glasgow, it’s important to know about Legionella risk assessments. These checks help keep the water systems in your building safe from a dangerous bacterium called Legionella. But how often should you review this assessment? Let’s explore the answer in a way that’s simple and easy to understand.

What is Legionella?

Legionella is a type of bacteria that can live in water systems. If someone breathes in water droplets that contain this bacteria, they can get very sick. The illness caused by Legionella is called Legionnaires’ disease, and it can be very serious, especially for older adults or people with weak immune systems.

Bacteria hot, still grows best in water. This is the reason why places such as storage tanks, hot tubs, showers, and even air conditioning units have to be checked regularly. You cannot see bacteria, but they can still be hidden in the pipe.

What is a Legionella Risk Assessment?

A Legionella risk assessment is a process where professionals come to inspect the water systems of your building. They check whether the water is stored and managed in such a way that prevents Legionella from growing. These inspections also test the temperature, review the patterns of water use, and ensure that everything is clean and safe.

In places like Glasgow and all entire Scotland, this is not just a good idea – it is often essential by law, especially for landlords, hotels, offices, and care homes. If you do not do this, you can put people at risk and also face legal problems.

Why is Reviewing the Risk Assessment Important?

Doing a Legionella risk assessment once is not enough. Your building, water system, and how people use water can change over time. If something changes, the risk can go up.

For example:

• You install a new shower system
  
  
• A building is left unused for a few weeks or months
  
  
• The number of people using the building increases or decreases
  
  
• The water system becomes older or damaged
  
  

In such cases, your old Legionella assessment might not be valid anymore. That’s why regular reviews are essential.

So, How Often Should You Review It?

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but here are some general guidelines:

1. At Least Every Two Years

In most cases, experts recommend reviewing your Legionella risk assessment in Scotland every two years. This is a common standard and helps ensure that any changes or problems are found and fixed quickly.

2. Sooner If There Are Changes

If anything changes in your water system, such as new plumbing, new equipment, or a large renewal, you should review the evaluation immediately. In addition, if the building is closed for a while (eg, during the holidays or due to repairs), the water can still sit and become a high risk. In such cases, a new Legionella risk inspection in Scotland should be done immediately after reopening.

3. If Someone Reports Health Issues

If anyone gets sick and Legionnaires’ disease is suspected, you must carry out fresh Legionella testing in Glasgow as part of the investigation. Waiting too long can make things worse and put others in danger.

What Does the Review Process Include?

When you review your Legionella risk assessment in Glasgow or anywhere in Scotland, professionals will usually:

• Re-inspect the water system
  
  
• Check for any updates or changes since the last inspection
  
  
• Look for signs of water stagnation or damage
  
  
• Take temperature readings
  
  
• Test water samples in some cases
  
  
• Review records of previous maintenance or cleanings
  
  

They will then update the risk assessment report and let you know if you need to take any action.

Who is Responsible for This?

In most buildings, the responsibility falls on:

• Landlords – if you rent out homes or apartments
  
  
• Business owners – if you operate an office, factory, or shop
  
  
• Care home or hotel managers – where there are shared water systems used by many people
  
  
• School or nursery owners, especially where young children could be exposed
  
  

Even if you hire someone else to manage the building, you’re still legally responsible for making sure Legionella testing in Glasgow or your city is done regularly.

What Happens If You Don’t Review It?

Not reviewing your Legionella risk assessment on time can lead to:

• Health risks – people getting sick, or even dying, from Legionnaires’ disease
  
  
• Legal trouble – local health and safety authorities may fine you or take legal action
  
  
• Loss of business reputation – especially in hotels, schools, and care homes
  
  
• Building shutdowns – in some cases, unsafe buildings can be closed until they’re safe again
  
  

In short, it’s not worth the risk.

How to Stay on Track with Reviews?

Here are a few tips to help you stay on schedule with your reviews:

1. Mark the Date – Keep a calendar or digital reminder set for your next Legionella check.
   
   
2. Hire a Reliable Service – Choose a trusted company that offers Legionella risk assessment in Scotland, and keep their contact details handy.
   
   
3. Keep Records – Always store copies of previous assessments, test results, and maintenance logs. These help during reviews and are required if officials ask for proof.
   
   
4. Educate Your Staff – If you run a business, train your staff to report any issues like low water pressure, odd smells, or water temperature problems.
   
   
5. Don’t Wait for Problems – Always act before something goes wrong. Prevention is cheaper and safer than dealing with an outbreak.

How Professional Testing Helps?

Getting help from a company that offers Legionella testing in Glasgow means you get:

• Peace of mind that your system is safe
  
  
• Clear advice on what to fix or improve
  
  
• Legal protection in case of inspections
  
  
• Support from trained experts who know what to look for
  
  

Many companies also offer regular contracts so that your reviews are done automatically every year or two.

Conclusion

So, how often should you review your Legionella risk assessment?

At least every two years is the basic rule. But do it sooner if anything changes in your building, if there’s an illness reported, or if your last assessment has expired.

If you are in Glasgow or anywhere in Scotland, staying up to date with your Legionella risk inspection is not just about following the law; it’s about keeping people safe. Water systems may seem harmless, but when they are not managed well, they can become dangerous. Reviewing your Legionella risk regularly is a smart, simple step to protect your business, your tenants, and yourself. Greenheat Scotland is here to help you stay compliant and safeguard your property with expert Legionella assessments and inspections.