LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENTS & WATER TESTING PORTSMOUTH
LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENT & WATER HYGIENE SERVICES in PORTSMOUTH
From the naval dockyards of HMNB Portsmouth to the bustling waterfront of Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth is a city defined by water. But behind every flowing tap, cooling tower, and storage tank, there’s a potential risk that often goes unseen: the growth of Legionella bacteria.
At Optima Compliance, we help Portsmouth businesses, landlords, and public institutions protect their water systems and comply with the law through expert Legionella risk assessments and water hygiene management.
With over 40 years of combined industry experience, our consultancy provides transparent, high-quality Legionella control solutions, which are always guided by ACoP L8, HSG 274, and BS 8580-1:2019. We work with organisations across the South Coast to make compliance simple, affordable, and effective.
To reach out to us, call 07754 246912 or
book your consultation here.
Why Portsmouth Properties Face Legionella Risks
Portsmouth’s unique geography and infrastructure mean that water systems often face conditions that favour Legionella growth. Common contributing factors include:
- Coastal humidity and marine air can accelerate corrosion and biofilm formation.
- Historic and converted buildings with outdated or complex pipework.
- Seasonal occupancy in student accommodation and holiday lets.
- Large commercial systems serving hotels, leisure centres, and naval facilities.
When these factors combine with warm water temperatures (20 °C to 45 °C) and stagnation in unused outlets, conditions are ideal for bacterial growth. Our Legionella risk assessors in Portsmouth identify those hazards and help you introduce effective, practical controls before problems develop.
Our Legionella Risk Assessment Process
Our approach goes beyond just ticking boxes. Every Optima Compliance assessment is built around your specific building, water systems, and management responsibilities.
Here’s what to expect:
- Consultation & Planning: We discuss your property’s layout, usage, and any existing control measures to tailor the assessment scope.
- On-Site Inspection: A qualified consultant (City & Guilds or equivalent) inspects the entire system, from mains entry to outlets, tanks, and hot-water generation.
- Water Sampling & Analysis: Where necessary, we conduct Legionella water testing in Portsmouth using UKAS-accredited laboratories for accurate, traceable results.
- Detailed Reporting: You receive a clear, plain-English report outlining compliance with ACoP L8 and HSG 274, along with prioritised actions.
- Consultation & Support: We talk you through every recommendation so you understand what’s required and how to implement it.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Through our digital client portal, you can track results, corrective actions, and site documentation in real time.
Our mission is to make water compliance something you can manage with confidence.
WATER HYGIENE MONITORING & LEGIONELLA TESTING in PORTSMOUTH
After the initial assessment, regular water hygiene monitoring keeps your systems safe and compliant.
Optima Compliance provides ongoing support, including:
- Flushing of little-used outlets.
- Routine temperature monitoring.
- Shower head and spray-tap cleaning and disinfection.
- Inspection of storage tanks and calorifiers.
- TMV (thermostatic mixing valve) maintenance.
- Laboratory water testing for Legionella and other parameters.
All monitoring activity is recorded in our secure online portal, providing complete traceability and proof of action, vital during audits or HSE inspections.
Legionella Policy & Written Scheme of Control
Every duty holder under ACoP L8 must have an up-to-date Legionella Policy and Written Scheme of Control. These documents set out how risks are managed, who’s responsible, and what procedures are in place.
Optima Compliance can:
- Draft or review your Legionella Policy to align with the Health & Safety at Work Act, COSHH, and RIDDOR requirements.
- Create a tailored Written Scheme of Control that reflects your site’s systems and management structure.
- Provide ongoing updates as your building or occupancy changes.
Unlike generic templates, our written schemes are living documents that evolve and guide your team’s daily operations.
Legionella Training for Portsmouth Duty Holders
Competence is the foundation of compliance. We deliver accredited Legionella training courses for maintenance staff, facilities managers, and duty holders in Portsmouth.
Training options include:
- Legionella Awareness.
- Responsible Person (Hot & Cold Water Systems).
- Evaporative Cooling Systems.
- Operative-level water hygiene training.
- Bespoke courses tailored to your site and written scheme.
Training can be provided on-site or online, helping your team gain the knowledge and confidence to proactively manage water safety.
Legionella Risk Assessments for Landlords in Portsmouth
Suppose you own or manage rental property in Portsmouth. In that case, whether you are in student housing near the University of Portsmouth, HMOs in Southsea, or apartments around Gunwharf Quays, you have a legal duty to assess and control Legionella risk.
Our Legionella assessments for landlords in Portsmouth are straightforward, affordable, and fully compliant with HSE expectations. We inspect water systems, identify low-use outlets, and outline simple actions such as flushing and temperature checks.
This ensures your tenants’ safety and demonstrates due diligence to letting agents, insurers, and local authorities.
WATER HYGIENE RISK ASSESSMENTS PORTSMOUTH
Supporting Key Sectors Across Portsmouth
We’re proud to support clients in a wide range of industries and sectors, including:
- Defence and naval sites across the dockyards.
- Education: schools, colleges, and the University of Portsmouth.
- Healthcare: care homes, clinics, and medical centres.
- Hospitality and tourism: hotels, restaurants, and leisure centres.
- Commercial offices and retail in Gunwharf Quays and Lakeside North Harbour.
- Residential property portfolios: landlords, housing associations, and property managers.
Whatever the scale or complexity of your systems, we’ll ensure your Legionella management is efficient, compliant, and thoroughly documented.
Why Choose Optima Compliance in Portsmouth?
- Local expertise: Our consultants are based along the South Coast for fast response and regional knowledge.
- Experienced professionals: Over 40 years of combined industry experience.
- Full compliance: Every report meets ACoP L8, HSG 274, and BS 8580-1:2019 standards.
- Technology-driven transparency: Our digital platform keeps you in control of your compliance.
- Clear communication: We explain risks and solutions in plain English, not technical jargon.
- Complete service: From risk assessments and testing to policies, training, and monitoring.
With Optima Compliance, you’re not just ticking boxes; you’re building a safer environment for your staff, residents, and visitors.
Book Your Legionella Risk Assessment in Portsmouth
Don’t wait until an inspection or incident to review your Legionella compliance. Whether you manage a dockside facility, an office block, a school, or a residential portfolio, our team is ready to help.
Call 07754 246912 or
book your consultation here.
At Optima Compliance, we deliver transparent, high-quality Legionella risk assessments and water hygiene services throughout Portsmouth and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Question's
WHAT IS LEGIONELLA?
Legionnaire’s Disease, frequently caused by Legionella Pneumophila serogroup 1, is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and everyone is susceptible to infection. It is a bacteria readily found in natural water sources but usually harmless as the numbers of bacteria commonly found in natural water sources is low. Additionally, the conditions found in these sources are unlikely to lead to infection.
WHEN DOES LEGIONELLA BECOME DANGEROUS?
Legionella becomes a danger to us all when conditions are right for the bacteria to breed. Water temperature plays a key part in encouraging bacteria growth. Temperatures between 20-45˚C are ideal for bacteria growth. Infection is normally caused by inhaling small droplets of water (aerosols) and that is why showerheads in domestic and commercial properties are a key source of Legionella infection. Testing these sources may be a key part of a regular testing programme, but how do you know what to do? The short ansewer is that it begins with a Legionella Risk Assessment which is a legal requirement under the Control of Substances Hoazardous to health (COSHH). This will evaluate the causal chain and can include inspection of water storage.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Everyone is at risk of infection. However, the risk of infection increases for people who are or have;
IS A LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENT A LEGAL REQUIREMENT?
Employers and landlords have certain legal responsibilities when it comes to assessing and controlling the risk of Legionella exposure. If methods of Legionella testing and control measures using HSE guidance are not carried out accurately, they could face fines and legal action. Legionella bacteria and other waterborne pathogens are responsible for causing a significant amount of serious health conditions and deaths each year, and the number of cases is on the rise. The guidance set out by the HSE are effective methods in ensuring water systems can be kept as safe as possible to all. A Legionella Risk Assessment is a key step toward making the water systems in your building/workplace are safe.
DO I NEED A LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENT FOR MY BUSINESS?
Yes! All UK businesses need a Legionella Risk Assessment. The document should provide you with a list of actions/recommendations, a scheme of control in which should be implemented to site and a risk rating. A suitable and sufficient Legionella Risk Assessment cost can be anything between £200 - £1000+ depending on the size and type of building.
DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING ELSE AFTER I HAVE ASSESSED THE RISKS?
Risk assessment is just the start but no further action maybe required apart from regular review should no foreseeable risk be identified. If a reasonably foreseeable risk is identified then a written scheme of control will be required to drawn up, implemented and adjusted as necessary.
DO I NEED TO COLLECT LEGIONELLA SAMPLES?
Routine legionella sampling is not advocated for well controlled hot and cold water systems apart from in certain situations such as a high susceptible population and/or where problems with water quality controlled are identified.
