Staff Spotlight: Stephen Bullock, Senior Legionella Risk Assessor

What does it take to become a Legionella Risk Assessor? We spoke with Stephen Bullock, Senior Legionella Risk Assessor at SMS Environmental, to learn more about his role, the variety of environments he works in, and the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry. From technical investigations to client relationships, Stephen shares an insight into a career that plays a vital role in keeping water systems safe and compliant.

1. Can you tell us a bit about your role as a Risk Assessor at SMS Environmental?

• As a Risk Assessor and Senior Technical Lead, my primary responsibility is investigating, identifying, and advising on issues within complex water systems to ensure compliance and safety. Beyond the day-to-day assessments, I assist with training new starters and providing technical support for the team and the wider company as required

2. What does a typical day look like for you?

• My day is split between physical investigation and technical documentation. It begins on-site with coordinating access, followed by pre-assessment interviews and a detailed review of all historical records. I then conduct a comprehensive walk-through and survey of the building(s). The latter part of the day involves discussing any identified issues with the client and completing the technical write-up and schematic drawings.

3. What kind of sites or environments do you usually work in?

• I work across an exceptionally diverse range of environments, from routine domestic properties to highly complex, specialized systems. This scope includes large commercial buildings, universities, hospitals and healthcare facilities, and public leisure sites like swimming pools.

4. What do you enjoy most about your role?

• What I enjoy most is the challenge of problem-solving—investigating complex buildings and records to identify issues and advising upon solutions. It's rewarding to translate that technical analysis into clear schematic drawings that ultimately help clients maintain safety and compliance.

5. What’s one thing people might not realise about being a Risk Assessor?

• Many people assume the role is purely technical, but a huge, yet often unseen, part of the job is client interaction. You meet and build productive relationships with a wide range of clients over the years, which is crucial for identifying and implementing long-term solutions

6. What skills do you think are most important in your role?

• The most important skills are time management, interpersonal skills, and a willingness to continually expand technical knowledge. Crucially, attention to detail is paramount, as overlooking a single detail during a survey or in the records can compromise the integrity of the entire assessment.

7. What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about becoming a Risk Assessor?

• Embrace the steep learning curve and the expanded use of technical resources that come with the role. My key advice is to immediately familiarize yourself with all relevant industry guidance documents and, most importantly, dedicate time to learning as much as possible about the mechanics of various water systems.