Which types of business in the UK require a Legionella Risk Assessment to be carried out?
Posted in: News on October 4, 2026 by...
HSE says employers and people in control of premises have duties to assess and control Legionella risk. To do this we would carry out a full Legionella Risk Assessment for your business and we are happy to answer any follow up questions you have after the assessment as well.
Businesses and premises that commonly need one:
- Hotels, B&Bs and guest houses — showers, stored hot water, low occupancy and periods of stagnation can create risk.
- Care homes and nursing homes — particularly important because residents may be more susceptible to Legionnaires’ disease.
- Hospitals, clinics and healthcare premises — complex water systems and potentially vulnerable occupants.
- Dental practices and medical centres — water systems and aerosol-generating equipment can require consideration.
- Gyms, leisure centres and sports clubs — showers, spas and other water systems.
- Swimming pools, spas and leisure facilities — particularly where spa pools or other aerosol-generating water systems are present.
- Schools, colleges and universities — particularly larger premises with stored/recirculating water systems.
- Offices and commercial buildings — especially larger buildings, buildings with complex water systems or infrequently used outlets.
- Factories and manufacturing premises — particularly where there are process-water systems, showers, cooling systems or other relevant equipment.
- Warehouses and distribution centres — especially larger sites with welfare facilities, showers or infrequently used water outlets.
- Construction sites and temporary accommodation — where water systems may be temporary, altered or subject to periods of non-use.
- Residential landlords and property managers — HSE specifically states that landlords responsible for residential accommodation/water systems have a legal duty to assess and control Legionella risk. HSE
- Housing associations and social housing providers — particularly where they control communal or more complex water systems.
- Care-at-home/supported accommodation providers — depending on the premises and water systems under their control.
- Prisons, secure facilities and military establishments — often involving large or complex water systems.
- Local authority buildings — offices, leisure facilities, care facilities, housing and other premises.
- Places of worship and community buildings — particularly premises with showers, stored water or low/intermittent occupancy.
- Agricultural and rural businesses — where relevant water systems, accommodation or process systems create exposure.
- Commercial premises with cooling towers or evaporative condensers — these can present a particularly significant Legionella risk and have additional control requirements. HSE
