Health and safety advice
If you are unable to use any documents or require alternative formats, please contact us on 0300 456 0107 or email at publicprotectionwest@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) for assistance.
Duties of employers and employees
Both employers and employees have a number of duties and responsibilities that they must meet to protect themselves and others.
Legionella - advice to employers and landlords
COVID-19 Advice - It is essential that that while many buildings, retail premises, offices and leisure facilities remain shut down due to the pandemic, that water systems within them are still well maintained to prevent future health issues like Legionella outbreaks. People who are recovering from COVID-19 are particularly susceptible to Legionnaires Disease. This could be members of your staff. It is important to ensure all water systems are managed safely at this time.
Water systems that are not being used and maintained effectively are very likely to have increased levels of bacteria present, including Legionella bacteria. Unless water systems are maintained, the closure of buildings due to COVID-19 restrictions may result in the growth of Legionella to a level which may cause illness when buildings are re-opened. The warmer summer months will lead to a greater proliferation of Legionella bacteria in water systems that are not being used or maintained. Aerosolized water from systems containing Legionella can cause Legionnaires' disease.
Please act now - read Legionella control COVID-19 guidance for businesses and the Health and Safety Executive web pages - what you must do (legionella) (opens new window) provided on the Health and Safety Executive's web pages. Similar guidance is also available from GOV.UK: Guidance for organisations on supplying safe water supplies (opens new window). This will guide you on the simple steps you can take to make sure your water system is safe. The procedures you follow now will have an impact on how soon you can open your facilities safely.
If you have any queries about this guidance - please contact the Food and Safety Team at publicprotectionwest@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) or on 01225 770411.
Health and safety
Regulations
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Related links
- HSE (Health and Safety Executive): Health and Safety at work Act 1974 (opens new window)
- Legislation.gov.uk: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (opens new window)
- HSE (Health and Safety Executive): Books (opens new window)
- HSE (Health and Safety Executive): Health and safety basics for your business (opens new window)