Swiftclean is warning companies about the importance of implementing a stringent legionella management plan, following Basildon Hospital's recent admission in court that it failed to protect non employees from risks to their health or safety.
The hospital pleaded guilty to the single offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on 29 January this year.

Swiftclean legionella expert, Anthony Hoare said: 'Basildon Hospital must be greatly concerned by the outcome as the case has been referred to Chelmsford Crown Court for sentencing on 14 March. This means that there is no limit to the fine that will be imposed.

'Others should take note of this and take measures to ensure that they do not find themselves in similar circumstances. It is a legal requirement to identify and assess the sources of risk; prepare a scheme for preventing or controlling the risk; appoint a person to be managerially responsible; implement and manage precautions; and keep records of the precautions implemented.'

Mr Hoare continued: 'It's also vital to ensure that all legionella prevention work is carried out in accordance with the Legionella Control Association (LCA) code of conduct, and that risk assessments and control schemes are carried out according to L8, BSRIA and CIBSE guidelines. And to be fully compliant and enjoy the best safeguards against prosecution, you must also keep log books and comprehensive records of all work, checks and inspections completed.'