WHY UKAS ACCREDITATION IS CRUCIAL FOR LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENTS

Legionella control is a critical aspect of water hygiene management, particularly for businesses with complex water systems. Whether you're in healthcare, hospitality, or commercial real estate, ensuring that your water systems are free from Legionella bacteria is a legal and operational requirement. One of the most effective ways to ensure compliance and safety is by ensuring your risk assessments are suitable and sufficient and carried out by a competent person.

Why UKAS Accreditation Matters for Legionella Risk Assessments

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is the sole national accreditation body recognised by the government to assess organisations that provide services such as testing, inspection, and certification. For businesses managing water systems, working with a UKAS-accredited provider for Legionella risk assessments offers a significant assurance of quality and compliance.

UKAS accreditation is a rigorous process. It ensures that the service provider follows internationally recognised standards, uses best practices, and has the technical expertise to carry out Legionella risk assessments accurately. For businesses, this means that your water systems are assessed and managed by a team with the highest level of expertise, minimising the risk of Legionella outbreaks and ensuring compliance with both HSG274 and COSHH regulations.

The Legal and Operational Implications of Non-Compliance

Failing to meet the required Legionella control standards can result in significant legal and financial consequences. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other regulatory bodies require businesses to demonstrate that they have implemented effective risk management strategies to control Legionella risks. If your organisation undergoes an inspection or investigation and fails to show evidence of a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, carried out by a competent person may face penalties or, in more severe cases, legal action. One way of ensuring a suitable and sufficient risk assessment has been carried out by a competent person is by using a company that is UKAS accredited for Legionella Risk Assessments under ISO17020.  ISO/IEC 17020 is an international standard that establishes requirements for inspection bodies. It ensures that inspection bodies are competent, impartial, and consistent.  

A UKAS-accredited Legionella risk assessment isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it's about safeguarding your employees, customers, and stakeholders. Proactively ensuring that your systems are safe supports your business’s reputation and operational resilience, especially in industries where health and safety are paramount.

The Benefits of UKAS Accreditation for Your Business

Choosing a UKAS-accredited provider for Legionella risk assessments provides multiple advantages:

1. Compliance Assurance: UKAS accreditation ensures your business is meeting all required regulatory standards and can demonstrate due diligence in the event of an audit or inspection.
2. Expert Guidance: UKAS-accredited assessors bring extensive knowledge and experience, providing you with accurate risk assessments and actionable recommendations to keep your water systems safe.
3. Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to the highest standards of safety and compliance builds trust with stakeholders, clients, and regulators, enhancing your organisation's reputation for responsible risk management.
4. Reduced Operational Risk: By identifying and addressing Legionella risks early, you reduce the potential for system failures or outbreaks, ensuring operational continuity and reducing downtime.

How SMS Environmental Can Help

At SMS Environmental, we are fully UKAS-accredited to conduct Legionella risk assessments, providing our clients with the confidence that their water systems meet the highest standards of safety and compliance. Our team of experts works closely with you to ensure your systems are regularly inspected, treated, and maintained in line with current regulations, helping you stay compliant and mitigate risk.

By choosing a UKAS-accredited service provider like us, you are investing in long-term safety, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience.

Get in touch to find out more.