Written Control Schemes

(by City & Guilds qualified assessors)

A vital stage in your Legionella control strategy

If you identify a risk that you are unable to prevent, you must introduce a course of action. This is called a ‘written control scheme’…

Health & Safety Executive
hse.gov.uk

Written Control Schemes – a vital part of your Water Management Policy

It is an important document, designed to help you manage the risks associated with Legionella and Pseudomonas bacteria in water systems and helping to protect the health and safety of those around you.

The scheme should be compiled following the Legionella Risk Assessment or Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Risk Assessment as part of an overall Water Management Policy.

Its importance in relation to Legionella is outlined in the Health and Safety Executive Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) and guidance L8 ‘Legionnaires’ disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems’:

“Where the [risk] assessment shows that there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of exposure to legionella bacteria, the use of water systems, parts of water systems or systems of work that lead to exposure must be avoided so far as is reasonably practicable. Where this is not reasonably practicable, there should be a written scheme for controlling the risk from exposure that should be properly implemented and managed. The written scheme should specify measures to take to ensure that it remains effective.”