The Changes to ACOP (L8) BS 8580:2010

Okay; There have been some changes to the way things work around here, and it seems no ones really noticed...

What We All Know about the ACoP (L8) and the Control of Legionella Bacteria...

Most of us are aware, in layman's terms, that bacteria beasties can accumulate in water that isn't 'looked-after'. We also know, as duty holders, we have to abide by some rules, namely the ACoP (L8). We know we need an annual monitoring plan, and a legionella risk assessment, at least once every 2 years as a matter of routine to keep these beasties at bay.

This is No Longer the Case!
Not many people realise, some changes were made to the overall approved code of practice, late in 2010. Some added literature, which is available at a rather large sum of money, can tell you the nitty-gritty. All I know is, there's one thing that my customers really need to know, and I'll tell you for free.

Legionella Risk Assessments are now considered 'live' documentation. These changes also specify that the document must be updated in anticipation of changes to the system, and then reviewed after too.
I think it's safe to say, not coordinating the risk factor with your system designer (if indeed, they are separate), is a huge mistake, since modifications to pipework systems is a main contributor in creating 'deadlegs' (a piece of unused or capped pipework, where the legionella can grow quickly in stagnant water).

Luckily, this new course of practice makes way for a lower and more controlled risk. This also means that your supplier of water treatment services could be updating your building's risk assessment as frequently as monthly if needed!

This doesn't mean that you'll never need a full risk assessment again, since the amount of added documentation could crowd and confuse the risk assessment document itself.
It does mean, that any authority or duty holder looking for a water treatment contractor, or has a current contractor working for them, should make sure these new features of the ACoP(L8) are followed.

For a water treatment contractor that does, visit www.spectrum-env.co.uk - stay tuned, more updates of the ACoP (L8) coming soon ...

(For more info see our blog post: How often do I need an ACoP (L8) Risk Assessment?)