Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA), the UK’s health and safety law, it is the duty of a responsible person to understand the health risks associated with the legionella bacteria. 

Legionella water testing requirements are part of the responsible person’s legal duty of care which includes identifying, assessing and managing any risks in order to prevent an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease. 

As part of legionella regulations, it is up to the employer, landlord or designated representative to understand and manage the health and safety risks involved in the management of all substances hazardous to health, part of which involves regular legionella risk assessments to prevent legionella growth and implement legionella control procedures.