L8 Risk Assessments
L8 Legionella Risk Assessments for Your Building's Safety and Legal Compliance
If you’re responsible for a building, its water systems and the people who use them, you need to know the water is safe and compliant.
Legionella bacteria can grow in any water system if conditions are right, creating serious health risks and legal responsibilities for building owners and managers. An L8 Legionella Risk Assessment, as required by the HSE’s ACOP L8 and BS 8580 standards, is the first step in identifying, evaluating and controlling those risks.
At Sutton Services International, our experienced assessors carry out thorough inspections, use a clear risk scoring system and provide you with practical, jargon-free recommendations to keep your building safe, compliant and protected from potential Legionella outbreaks.
What is Legionnaires' Disease and why should I worry about it?
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by inhaling small droplets of water contaminated with Legionella bacteria. These bacteria thrive in water systems where conditions allow them to multiply to dangerous levels.
The illness can affect anyone, but people over 45, smokers, heavy drinkers and those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. For businesses and property owners, it’s not merely a health concern — it’s a legal responsibility.
What is an L8 Legionella Risk Assessment?
An L8 risk assessment is a structured review of your water systems to identify, evaluate, and control the risk of Legionella growth. The name comes from the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Approved Code of Practice L8, the official guidance for preventing and controlling Legionella in water systems.
At Sutton Services International, our risk assessment process follows both ACOP L8 and BS 8580:2010 (Water quality – Risk assessments for Legionella control).
Our experienced assessors use a unique risk matrix scoring system, giving you a clear view of where risks exist, how severe they are and what actions you need to take to comply with the law.
Identifying and Managing Dead Legs
A critical part of the Legionella risk assessment is identifying “dead legs” — sections of pipework where water stagnates due to infrequent or no flow. These areas create ideal conditions for harmful bacteria like Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to grow, posing serious health risks.
Dead legs can be difficult to spot without expert knowledge of your water system, but our experienced assessors at Sutton Services are trained to detect and evaluate these hidden risks. We provide practical recommendations to eliminate or manage dead legs, helping you reduce bacterial colonisation risks and maintain a safer water system overall.
Why Are L8 Risk Assessments important?
Without proper control, Legionella can grow in:
- Hot and cold water systems
- Cooling towers and evaporative condensers
- Spa pools and hot tubs
- Spray humidifiers and air washers
- Safety showers, sprinklers, and vehicle wash systems
- Decorative fountains and water features
Any system that stores or circulates water at the wrong temperature, allows stagnation or accumulates debris can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. A suitable and sufficient risk assessment is your first line of defence — and your legal obligation.
Who needs an ACOP L8 Legionella Risk Assessment?
The law is clear: if you are an employer, landlord, facilities manager, or anyone who controls water systems in a workplace or public building, you must assess and manage the risk of Legionella.
This includes:
- Offices, factories and warehouses
- Hospitals, care homes and clinics
- Schools, colleges and universities
- Hotels, leisure centres and spas
- Rental properties and housing associations
You can carry out your own assessment if you are competent and trained. However, for complex systems or high-risk environments, it’s strongly recommended to use qualified professionals like our Sutton Services assessors.
How often should an L8 Risk Assessment be carried out?
Under ACOP L8, the risk assessment should be reviewed regularly and specifically whenever there’s reason to suspect it’s no longer valid.
You should review your risk assessment:
- At least every two years (best practice)
- Whenever your water systems are modified or extended
- If building use changes
- If key personnel change
- If Legionella control measures fail
- After an outbreak or suspected contamination
Even simple systems require periodic review to ensure controls remain effective.
What's included in a Sutton Services Legionella Risk Assessment?
When we carry out an assessment, we provide a full, end-to-end service that includes:
Site Inspection
Full review of all water systems, from tanks to taps
Inspection of cold-water storage tanks, hot-water cylinders, pipework, and outlets
Temperature Testing
Checking water temperatures at multiple points to identify conditions that encourage bacterial growth
System Schematic Review
Reviewing (or creating) diagrams of your water systems for clarity and compliance
Risk Scoring
Using our unique matrix to prioritise risks and identify where immediate action is needed
Recommendations
Clear, actionable guidance on remedial work, control measures, and ongoing monitoring
Comprehensive Report
Jargon-free documentation including asset register, photographs, and compliance checklist
Can I do a Legionella Risk Assessment myself?
For very simple systems — for example, a small office with a single hot and cold supply — it may be practical to carry out the risk assessment yourself, provided you have the right training.
However, the risk increases significantly with more complex systems. In those cases, using a qualified assessor ensures:
Compliance with ACOP L8 and BS 8580
Identification of hidden risks you might miss
Assurance for auditors, insurers and regulators
What happens after the Risk Assessment?
The risk assessment is only the first step.
ACOP L8 also requires you to:
- Prepare a written scheme to control the risk
- Implement and manage those precautions
- Keep records of all actions taken
- Appoint a responsible person to oversee Legionella control
Our team can help with all these stages, from creating your written scheme to carrying out regular monitoring and maintenance.
Why choose Sutton Services International?
Expertise Across Sectors – We work with healthcare, education, commercial and industrial sites.
Experienced Assessors – Highly trained, with years of practical on-site knowledge.
Unique Risk Matrix – Clear, visual scoring helps you prioritise actions.
End-to-End Service – From assessment to control measures and documentation.
Compliance Confidence – We align with ACOP L8, BS 8580 and all relevant HSE guidelines.
We make the process simple with no unnecessary jargon, no over-complication, providing clear, actionable guidance so you can protect your people, your property and your reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does a Legionella risk assessment take?
A: Most small to medium sites can be assessed in a single day. Larger or more complex systems may take longer, especially if multiple buildings are involved.
Q: Will it disrupt my operations?
A: We aim to carry out assessments with minimal disruption, working around your schedule where possible.
Q: What if you find a problem?
A: You’ll receive immediate verbal feedback for urgent risks, followed by a written report with recommended actions.
Q: Do you provide training?
A: Yes, we can train your staff to carry out regular monitoring and basic control tasks, ensuring long-term compliance.
Stay Compliant – Protect Your People
If you’re a Facilities Manager, Property Manager or Compliance Lead, you already have enough on your plate. Sutton Services International can take the stress out of your Legionella compliance.
Our assessments give you:
Peace of mind – Knowing you’re meeting your legal duties
Clear priorities – So you can focus time and budget where it matters
Ongoing support – We’re here to advise, train and assist whenever needed
Call us today on 0330 100 4990
Email: info@sutton-services.co.uk
Or submit your risk assessment online: