Water Safety Policy

5.1 The Management Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (opens new window) place a duty on us, as an employer and landlord, to ensure our employees and others affected by our undertakings (for example, tenant(s), are not exposed to health and safety risks, including the risk from legionella.

5.2 We have a legal obligation under COSHH to prevent or control exposure to biological agents, including legionella.

5.3 Gateshead Council is the 'Duty Holder' as defined by Approved Code of Practice L8 (ACoP) and we must take necessary precautions to prevent, reduce or control the risks of exposure to legionella.

5.4 As the Duty Holder, we must:

• Carry out a risk assessment for all domestic properties hot and cold-water systems, cooling plant and any other systems that can produce water droplets to identify and assess potential risks.
• Implement measures to either eliminate, reduce or control identified risks.
• Appoint a Responsible Person to take managerial responsibility for:
  • Carrying out risk assessments.
  • Producing written schemes of control (a practical, risk management document used to control the risk from exposure to legionella); and
  • Implementing the written scheme of control.
• Appoint a Deputy Responsible Person who will provide cover to the responsible person in their absence.
• Keep associated records for five years.