Frequently Asked Questions for Businesses
Common questions about legionella risk assessments, legal responsibilities, and compliance for businesses in the UK.
This page addresses frequently asked questions from businesses, facilities managers, and duty holders responsible for managing water safety in commercial and non-domestic premises.
For Businesses
Do businesses legally need a legionella risk assessment?
Yes. Most businesses in the UK are legally required to assess and manage the risk of legionella bacteria where water systems are present.
This duty arises under health and safety legislation and applies to employers, building owners, and those responsible for controlling premises where employees, customers, or visitors may be exposed.
Which businesses are required to have a legionella risk assessment?
Most non-domestic premises require a legionella risk assessment, including:
- Offices and shared workspaces
- Retail premises and shopping centres
- Hotels, leisure, and hospitality venues
- Care homes and healthcare facilities
- Schools, colleges, and nurseries
- Warehouses and industrial buildings
- Public and local authority buildings
If your business controls water systems, an assessment is likely required.
Is a written legionella risk assessment required for businesses?
In most cases, yes.
A written assessment:
- Demonstrates legal compliance
- Supports audits and inspections
- Provides evidence for insurers
- Helps manage ongoing water safety
For commercial premises, relying on undocumented or informal checks is rarely sufficient.
Who is responsible for legionella compliance in a business?
Responsibility usually sits with the duty holder, which may be:
- The employer
- The building owner
- A facilities or property manager
- A managing agent acting on behalf of the business
Where responsibilities are shared, roles should be clearly defined and documented.
How often should a business review its legionella risk assessment?
There is no fixed legal timeframe, but assessments should be reviewed:
- At regular intervals (commonly every 1–2 years)
- When water systems are modified or extended
- When building use or occupancy changes
- After periods of low occupancy or shutdown
- If the assessment is no longer considered valid
Ongoing review is an important part of compliance.
Can a business carry out its own legionella risk assessment?
In limited circumstances, a business may carry out an assessment internally if a competent person is available.
Competence requires sufficient knowledge of:
- Legionella risks
- Water system design
- Control measures
- Relevant legislation
Many businesses choose to use specialist providers to ensure assessments are suitable, defensible, and compliant.
What happens if a business does not comply?
Failure to manage legionella risk can lead to:
- Enforcement notices
- Prosecution and financial penalties
- Increased liability in the event of illness
- Insurance or contractual issues
- Reputational damage
Maintaining a suitable legionella risk assessment helps demonstrate due diligence.
Are legionella risk assessments expensive for businesses?
Costs vary depending on:
- Premises size and layout
- Water system complexity
- Type of business and occupancy
- Location and number of sites
Business assessments are typically more expensive than residential ones due to increased complexity and compliance requirements.
See Typical Costs & Pricing for Businesses for guidance.
What documentation should a business receive?
Businesses should typically receive:
- A written legionella risk assessment report
- Identification of potential risks
- Recommended control measures
- Guidance on review frequency
This documentation should be retained as part of health and safety records.
Is legionella risk higher in certain types of businesses?
Risk depends on water system design and usage rather than business type alone. However, higher-risk environments may include:
- Healthcare and care settings
- Hotels and leisure facilities
- Premises with stored water or complex systems
- Buildings with vulnerable occupants
A suitable assessment helps identify and manage these risks.
How does Legionella Risk Assessment UK help businesses?
Legionella Risk Assessment UK does not carry out assessments.
We help businesses by:
- Explaining responsibilities clearly
- Providing transparent information
- Connecting businesses with qualified providers
- Supporting informed, compliant decision-making
We remain independent, with no paid rankings or preferential listings.
Still Have Questions?
If you aaIf you are responsible for water safety in a business and need help finding a suitable legionella risk assessment provider, you can use our platform to connect with qualified professionals operating in your area.re responsible for water safety in a business or commercial property, we can help you find a qualified legionella risk assessment provider in your area.