The Approved Code of Practice L8 (ACoP L8) provides detailed guidance on controlling Legionella bacteria in water systems. Compliance is essential to prevent health risks to employees, tenants, and the public. Failure to follow these guidelines can be used as evidence of negligence under health and safety law.
At Marlowe Environmental Services, our experts help building owners, landlords, and facilities managers meet their obligations under ACOP Legionella. We provide comprehensive risk assessments, water system monitoring, and treatment programmes designed to minimise Legionella risk and maintain compliance with legal standards.
ACOP L8 outlines the responsibilities of anyone who has control over a building’s water system. The guidance requires a thorough identification and assessment of all potential Legionella risks, the development of a prevention and treatment scheme, and the appointment of a responsible person to manage the scheme.
Key duties under ACOP Legionella include:
All of Marlowe Environmental Services Legionella Risk Assessors are City & Guilds-qualified engineers with specialist knowledge of domestic and commercial water systems, ensuring professional, reliable compliance support.
A Legionella risk assessment evaluates all factors that could contribute to the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria. Assessments typically include:
By analysing this information, Marlowe Environmental Services helps employers, landlords, and building managers fully understand their responsibilities under health and safety law, ensuring safe water systems across all business premises.
At Marlowe Environmental Services, we provide end-to-end support for ACOP Legionella compliance, including:
By partnering with Marlowe Environmental Services, you can ensure your water systems are safe, and compliant with ACOP Legionella, and regularly monitored to prevent bacterial outbreaks.
Information from The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlining the guidance on ACOP L8 can be downloaded from here.
ACOP L8 is the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance for controlling Legionella bacteria in water systems. It sets out how employers and building managers should assess, prevent, and manage risks.
Any employer, landlord, or person responsible for a building’s water system must comply. This includes commercial, residential, and healthcare premises.
A risk assessment examines system design, water quality, existing control measures, chemical dosing, maintenance records, and potential hazards to identify where remedial action is required.
ACOP L8 itself is guidance, but failure to comply can be used as evidence of negligence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Following the guidance helps meet legal obligations and reduce risk.
Marlowe Environmental Services offer comprehensive risk assessments, system monitoring, chemical treatment, and record-keeping support to ensure full ACOP Legionella compliance and safeguard building occupants.
