preparing for a hSE visit - our tips from experience
If you are involved in the legionella risk control programme for your organisation, especially if you are the duty holder or responsible person, you need to know how to prepare for a visit from the HSE.
MAKE SURE YOUR DOCUMENTS ARE ALL UP TO DATE
The key documents are:
- Legionella Risk Assessment
- Log Book containing inspection records, test results etc
- Training records
- Legionella test results
- Cleaning & disinfection certificates
Read more about legionella documents here
Read more about legionella training here
DOWNLOAD AND COMPLETE THE HSE AUDIT CHECKLIST
Download and complete the HSE’s own audit checklist, which will help you to identify any areas you need to address.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/ck02.htm
Read more about the HSE Audit Checklist here
ARRANGE FOR ACCESS TO THE SYSTEMS
The HSE inspector may want to inspect systems such as cooling towers so you might have to consider arranging for them to be accessed safely.
CONSULT YOUR WATER TREATMENT COMPANY
Get advice on preparing for the visit from your chosen supplier – it’s part of their responsibilities. The HSE inspector may ask for your water treatment consultant to be present at the visit which they should be able to accommodate.
Read more about choosing a water treatment supplier here
POSSIBLE OUTCOMES
After the inspector has finished looking round your workplace, they might:
- offer advice (either verbal or in writing)
- give you a notification of contravention
- give you an improvement notice
- give you a prohibition notice
- prosecute you for breaching health and safety laws
You can download the HSE guidance of what to expect here
