Safety Considerations for Businesses as They Begin to Re-open
As restrictions are starting to lift and many of us are preparing for that long-awaited return to the office or workplace, employers should be aware that there are some extra safety measures that may need to be taken. As well as ensuring COVID-secure measures such as increased hand hygiene are maintained, employers should make sure that their workplace has an up-to-date COVID-19 Risk Assessment. Furthermore, the risk from Legionella bacteria developing in water systems and air conditioning units will need to be addressed, and in this article, we explain how to identify and manage this risk.
COVID-19Workplace Risk Assessment
A COVID-19 Workplace Risk Assessment is an assessment of your workplace to specifically identify the risk of transmission of COVID-19 as a result of your organisational operation and is compiled in accordance with the issued Government guidance.
A COVID-19 Risk Assessment is something that you, as employer, can carry out following guidance issued by the government. However, it is important to note that the Risk Assessment should be updated regularly to reflect any changes in legislation or guidance that may impact how you carry out your work activity, e.g., a change in local or national restrictions. In addition to this, if you have five or more employees, you have a legal duty to ensure that the Risk Assessment is recorded.
Risk ofLegionella
If yourbuilding or workplace was closed or operating at a reduced capacity during thecoronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, then there is an increased risk ofLegionnaires' disease. This is because whilst offices and workplaces may havebeen left abandoned, water systems were likely left to stagnate thereforecreating a risk of Legionella bacteria developing.
It isimportant to note that you should have a LegionellaRisk Assessment carried out if you start using a water system again. Youshould also begin to manage, prevent and control the risks.
TheHealth & Safety Executive’s ACOP L8 requires that the Duty Holder should appoint a ‘ResponsiblePerson’ to take day-to-day responsibility for controlling Legionella bacteriaand Legionnaires’ disease. This will involve implementing the recommendationsfrom the Risk Assessment, selecting contractors to maintain the system andarranging for routine monitoring as required.
Furthermore,if hot and cold water outlets are used infrequently, it is recommended to flushthem weekly to prevent water stagnation. If you cannot do this, you can workwith a competent person or organisation to ensure that systems are cleaned anddisinfected before the building is occupied, if required.
Finally, ifyour workplace has been closed for an extended period and has air conditioningunits that have a source of water that can generate aerosol, you will need toassess the risks of Legionella before restarting them. Small units with closedcooling systems should not present a risk, however, larger units may.
If you would like further information about COVID-19 Workplace Risk Assessments or Legionella Risk Assessments, please get in touch.