Supporting documents: new provider registration applications
Downloads
Legionella risk assessment
Services that need to send this document with their application:
- Care homes
- Oral health services (from 5 May 2026)
Why we want to see this evidence
A Legionella risk assessment is a legal requirement. It shows you have identified and are managing the risk of legionella bacteria in your water systems.
Legionella can cause Legionnaires' disease, a serious form of pneumonia. It is particularly dangerous for elderly people and those with weakened immune systems.
We assess this under Regulation 12: Safe care and treatment and Regulation 15: Premises and equipment.
Even if you do not manage or own your premises, you are still responsible for legionella control.
Before you apply to register with us, you must:
- assign someone to be responsible for legionella control at your service.
- complete any actions identified by your risk assessment.
What to include
Provide a copy of your current Legionella risk assessment, this should cover:
Water system identification
We want to see mapping of your:
- hot and cold water systems
- showers, taps and sinks
- water tanks and cylinders
- thermostatic mixing valves
- appliances using water, such as washing machines and dishwashers
Identification of risk factors
You should identify any issues with:
- areas of stagnant water or low usage
- inadequate water temperatures
- corroded or scaled pipes
- dead legs or redundant pipework
Inspection and testing
We want to see evidence of:
- temperature checks at outlets
- water sampling, if required
- visual inspection of tanks and pipework
- showerhead and tap descaling schedules
Control measures
Tell us about your:
- regular flushing of infrequently used outlets
- temperature control and monitoring
- cleaning and disinfecting of showerheads and taps
- maintenance of water tanks and pipework
- use of approved fittings
Record keeping
Include your:
- risk assessment report
- maintenance logs
- temperature monitoring records
- cleaning and disinfection schedules
- action plans for any remedial work
Review schedule
We expect to see that you carry out an annual review, or sooner if:
- there are changes to the water system
- new residents move in
- building alterations occur
- a case of Legionnaires' disease is suspected
Staff training
We want to see evidence that staff are:
- trained to recognise risks
- able to carry out basic checks
- know how to report issues promptly
Related regulations
- Regulation 12: Safe care and treatment
- Regulation 15: Premises and equipment
- Regulation 17: Good governance
- Legislation.gov.uk: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Legislation.gov.uk: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)
- Legislation.gov.uk: The Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999