Legionella control is a serious matter in commercial settings. Identifying who is responsible and ensuring systems meet legal standards can protect occupants and your reputation. In this guide, we’ll clarify the roles of the legionella duty holder, show why legionella compliance matters, explain available legionella responsible person training, and detail legionella duty holder training options.

Understanding the Legionella Duty Holder

In commercial premises, the legionella duty holder holds ultimate responsibility for controlling and identifying risk from exposure to legionella bacteria. Whether managing hotels, schools, offices, care homes, or industrial plants, the duty holder must:

1. Arrange for a competent person to carry out risk assessments for all water systems

2. Implement control measures (e.g., temperature management, disinfection)

3. Arrange routine system monitoring and maintenance

4. Keep detailed records

5. Provide staff training and competency checks

The duty holder is the employer or person in control of the premises (eg a landlord). Importantly, the person in this role needs appropriate legionella duty holder training to understand standards, methods, and legal obligations.

The Role of the Responsible Person

A responsible person is someone appointed by the duty holder to oversee day-to-day legionella management. With the right legionella responsible person training, they can:

• Monitor water temperatures and sample results

• Ensure maintenance schedules are followed

• Record and report changes in system performance

This role is vital. Quality training empowers them to fully understand how to prevent and control the risk of legionella bacteria and keep their buildings compliant.

Why Legionella Compliance Matters

Failing to meet legal standards for legionella control can lead to outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease – sometimes fatal. It also risks:

• Prosecution under health and safety regulations

• Costly legal settlements or fines

• Reputational damage

• Disruption of business operations

Dantek’s commercial legionella risk assessment service, water hygiene service, and water treatment service help ensure ongoing legionella compliance. You can read more about these services by clicking below:

• Legionella Risk Assessment

• Water Hygiene Services

• Water Treatment Services

Training for Duty Holders and Responsible People

Effective training is the key to staying compliant. Dantek offers tailored legionella duty holder training and legionella responsible person training to equip teams with knowledge on:

• Relevant regulations and approved codes of practice

• Recognising high-risk systems

• Control measures such as temperature checks, flushing, and disinfection

• Record keeping, auditing, and reporting protocols

Well-trained staff can keep your systems safe and compliant, and they form the backbone of your water safety plan.

Who Should Take Training?

• Property owners and freeholders

• Facilities and estate managers

• Maintenance and engineering teams

• Health & safety officers

• Maintenance staff with water system responsibilities

Ensuring staff attend the correct training reduces risk and improves operational oversight.

In Summary

Responsibility for legionella compliance sits with the legionella duty holder, supported by trained responsible person staff. Investing in robust legionella duty holder training and legionella responsible person training ensures safety and legal compliance. Our mix of risk assessment, system maintenance, and expert training delivers peace of mind and helps keep commercial water systems safe.

Stay compliant and confident with expert support from our team at Dantek Environmental. Get in touch today for a tailored water safety plan that fits your property.