Protecting Your Tenants from Legionnaires' Disease: Essential Tips for Landlords
As a responsible landlord, ensuring the health and safety of your tenants is of utmost importance. One potential risk that you need to be aware of is Legionnaires' Disease. This blog will provide you with simple and actionable steps to minimise the risk of Legionella bacteria in your rental property. Plus, we have an exclusive offer for you at the end, so keep reading!
Understanding Legionnaires' Disease:
Legionnaires' Disease is a serious illness resembling pneumonia, caused by the inhalation of Legionella bacteria. While anyone can be affected, certain individuals, such as those over 45 years old, smokers, heavy drinkers, people with chronic respiratory or kidney disease, and those with weakened immune systems, are at a higher risk.
The Responsibility of Carrying Out a Risk Assessment:
As a landlord, it is your legal duty to carry out a risk assessment to identify and manage the risk of Legionella bacteria in your rental property. This assessment should be conducted by a competent person who has the necessary knowledge, training, and experience to evaluate potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures.
Remember, conducting a thorough and regular risk assessment is vital to ensure the safety of your tenants and to demonstrate your compliance with legal obligations. (Click HERE to get free no obligation quotation)
Legionella Bacteria and Domestic Water Systems:
Legionella bacteria can grow and thrive in domestic hot and cold water systems. To prevent their proliferation, it is crucial to maintain the following conditions:
Keep it Hot: Ensure that the hot water in your property's system is maintained at a high temperature. Legionella bacteria are killed by temperatures of 60 °C or above. Regularly check and adjust the temperature setting of the hot water cylinder (calorifier) to meet this requirement.
Keep it Cold: Similarly, cold water should be kept cold. This can be achieved by maintaining a wholesome mains supply without any stored water tanks. Make sure all cold water outlets, including toilets and wash basins, receive a clean and uninterrupted water flow.
Keep it Clean: Maintain cleanliness in your water system by regularly cleaning and descaling shower heads. Encourage your tenants to perform this task as part of their regular cleaning routine. Prevent debris from entering the system by ensuring tight-fitting lids on cold water tanks, where applicable.
Keep it Moving: Stagnant water provides a breeding ground for Legionella bacteria. To avoid this, encourage your tenants to use all outlets regularly, at least once a week, to maintain a steady water flow. For properties left vacant for extended periods, consider implementing a suitable flushing regime or draining the system.
Take Action Today and Safeguard Your Tenants:
By following these simple and practical measures, you can significantly minimise the risk of Legionnaires' Disease in your rental property. Your proactive approach to health and safety will not only protect your tenants but also demonstrate your commitment as a responsible landlord.
To support you in your efforts to create a safe living environment for your tenants, we have created a helpful poster summarising the key steps for controlling the risk of Legionella bacteria. Subscribe to our emailing list today and receive a free copy of this poster! Stay informed about the latest guidelines and best practices in tenant safety.
As a landlord, it is your duty to prioritise the health and safety of your tenants. By understanding and addressing the risk of Legionnaires' Disease, you can create a safe and secure environment in your rental property. Implement the simple steps mentioned above, and don't forget to subscribe to our emailing list for valuable resources, including a free copy of our informative poster.
Remember, a proactive approach to health and safety not only protects your tenants, but also ensures your compliance with legal responsibilities. Let's work together to safeguard the well-being of everyone in your property!
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