HSE eBulletin: Legionella risks during the coronavirus outbreak

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HSE eBulletin

Legionella risks during the coronavirus outbreak

Employers, the self-employed and people in control of premises, such as landlords, have a duty to identify and control risks associated with legionella.

 

If your building has been closed or had reduced occupancy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, water system stagnation could have occurred due to lack of use, increasing the risks of Legionnaires’ disease.

 

For further guidance visit this webpage


Setting workplace exposure limits (WELs) in Great Britain (GB) following the end of the EU Transition Period

The legal framework in GB continues to ensure that standards of protection for those working with hazardous substances are maintained.

 

HSE has a robust and well-established regulatory framework in place to protect workers from health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace through the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.

 

WELs form part of COSHH and are set for specific hazardous substances and must not be exceeded and exposure to asthmagens, carcinogens and mutagens must be reduced to as low as is reasonably practicable (ALARP). 

 

We will continue to review and introduce new WELs and are currently developing our long-term delivery model for GB.  This will continue to focus on those substances where we can have most impact in terms of reducing cases of occupational ill-health and will consider, where relevant, limits set outside GB.

 

Our GB model will continue to include a review of scientific data and evidence and an economic analysis. Independent expert advice will also be sought on any proposals and we will continue to consult with stakeholders on any new or revised limits to be introduced in GB.

 

Whilst we embed our GB approach, we will continue to consider, then apply as appropriate, those limits set under the EU regime that are of significance to GB. 

 

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