Skip to content
August 9, 2022

What is HSG274? Parts 1, 2 and 3 Explained

The HSE HSG274 ā€œLegionnaireā€™s disease: Technical guidanceā€ is a document that provides technical advice and guidance on controlling Legionella bacteria in water systems. It supports the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8, which offers specific guidance on the control of Legionella bacteria in purpose-built water systems.

In this guide, we will break down the advice found in HSG274, how it affects different businesses and properties, and why a Legionella risk assessment is essential for full compliance.

Who is HSG274 For?

The guidance is to help anyone who falls into the below comply with legal duties:

  • Dutyholders
  • Employers
  • Those in control of premises
  • Those with health and safety responsibilities for others

What Are the Legal Duties Surrounding Legionella?

These legal duties include:

  • Identifying and assessing sources of risk
  • Preparing schenes to prevent or control any risks
  • Implementing, managing, and monitoring precautions
  • Keeping records of precautions
  • Appointing a manager responsible for others

What is In HSG274 Legionnairesā€™ Disease Technical Guidance

The legal requirements covered in HSG274 Legionnairesā€™ Disease technical guidance document relate to the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 concerning risks from exposure to Legionella bacteria. It also contains guidance on compliance with relevant parts of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

The document is split into three parts:

What Is Legionnairesā€™ Disease and How Is It Caused?

close up of 3d illustration microscopic blue of Legionella pneumophila bacteria

Legionella is a type of bacteria which can be found in any water system when the conditions are right. It thrives on water sources with any kind of sediment, scale or bacteria and at temperatures between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius. 

Exposure to Legionella bacteria happens when infected water droplets are spread through aerosol release and subsequently breathed in. This can then lead to chronic lung diseases and lung infections, known under the collective term Legionellosis.

The most severe of these is Legionnairesā€™ disease, which is a form of pneumonia that is potentially fatal. 

Anyone who falls under the following is at increased risk of contracting Legionnairesā€™ disease:

  • People over 45 years of age
  • Smokers and heavy drinkers
  • People suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease
  • People suffering from diabetes, lung and heart disease
  • Anyone with an impaired immune system

What Water Systems Are at Risk of Legionella Growth?

Any artificial water system is at risk. These are the most common:

  • Spa pools
  • Hot tubs
  • Swimming pools
  • Dental apparatus
  • Showers
  • Healthcare Properties
  • Vehicle cleaning machines
  • Food manufacturing sites
  • Washing facilities
  • Industrial facilities like manufacturing sites

Any building or site that includes the above will need regular risk assessments.

Why You Need a Legionella Risk Assessment for HSG274 Compliance

a worker wearing a mask and holding a clipboard

HSG274 is an accompaniment to ACOP L8, the Health and Safety Executiveā€™s Approved Code of Practice for controlling Legionella in purpose-built water systems. The first step to ACOP L8 compliance is to get a Legionella risk assessment in line with HSG274 guidelines.

What Does a Legionella Risk Assessment Involve?

A Legionella risk assessment must involve a combination of physical and administrative checks. It consists of a technical review of your previous assessments and current records in order to ensure your water systems are compliant and safe.

Administrative checks:

  • A comprehensive review of your current records and previous assessments
  • A consultation with everyone involved in health and safety on your premises
  • A verification of management procedures and relevant paperwork
  • Risk level assessment of occupants of the building, focussing on age and health considerations

Tour of the site:

  • A physical inspection of all of the water systems in your building
  • Tests for Legionella bacteria in water
  • Water temperature checks
  • An inspection of any place where aerosols have potential to be created

Who Can Carry Out a Legionella Risk Assessment?

A Legionella risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act in 1974. It must be carried out by a Responsible Person who has adequate training to comply with HSG274 guidelines. This is where the professionals at Guardian Hygiene Services come in. 

How We Can Help Get You HSG274 Compliant

We supply essential services for Legionella compliance that are fully in line with complex Government legislation, including HSG274 part 1, HSG274 part 2, and HSG274 part 3.

Guardian Hygiene Services are one of the most trusted Legionella companies in the UK, specialising in a number of Legionella services that prevent or control the risk of Legionnairesā€™ disease forming. We are fully accredited by the Legionella Control Association and also hold accreditations and memberships with CHAS, Constructionline and Safecontractor. 

Our bespoke services take in the unique needs of every space and our detailed reporting system means everything you need to do to get ACOP L8 and HSG274 compliant is clearly set out for you. We will work collaboratively with you and support you at every step. 

The business sectors and property types we cover include:

Guardian hygiene van
  • Hospitals
  • Care Homes
  • Funeral Homes
  • Landlords
  • Retail
  • Restaurants
  • Hairdressers
  • Dental Practices
  • Health Clubs
  • Sports Centres
  • Local Authority
  • National Trust
  • Universities
  • Schools
  • Hotels
  • Leisure Clubs
  • Factories, including food production
  • All commercial properties

Speak to our specialist advisors today to get a fully compliant HSG274 Legionella risk assessment and ensure the safety of all workers or occupants of your business or property.