Water Safety Policy

1.1  As a landlord, Gateshead Council must meet the legal obligations which require us to deal with the risks associated with legionella bacteria within the properties we own or manage. Legionella bacteria can cause a potentially fatal form of pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease. People contract Legionnaires' disease by inhaling small droplets of water containing the bacteria.

1.2 As far as is reasonably practicable, we must introduce measures to reduce and/or control exposure to legionella bacteria, including managing the conditions that support the growth of the bacteria in water systems.

1.3 The key objective of this policy is to ensure that our Cabinet, Senior Management Team, employees, partners, and tenants are clear on our legal and regulatory water safety obligations. This policy provides the framework our staff and partners will operate within to meet these obligations.

1.4 This policy forms part of our wider organisational commitment to driving a health and safety culture amongst employees and contractors (as detailed within our Health and Safety Policy). It will be saved on our shared drive and distributed to all employees.

1.5 This policy should be read in conjunction with the following related policies and procedures:

• Water Safety Operating Procedure
• WHO - water safety planning (opens new window)
• Legionella Control - Written Scheme of Control (opens new window)
• Legionella Risk Assessments (opens new window)
• Gateshead Council Tenancy Agreement