The Role of the Responsible Person for Legionella Control
Every organisation with a water system must appoint a responsible person for managing Legionella risk. This guide explains their duties and why the role is essential for compliance.
What Is a Responsible Person?
The responsible person is someone with sufficient authority, knowledge and training to manage and monitor the Legionella control plan.
They could be:
- A landlord or managing agent
- A site manager or maintenance lead
- An external Legionella consultant
As the responsible person, you’re also in charge of ensuring a proper Legionella risk assessment is carried out.
If you’re unsure how the process works, view our step-by-step guide to carrying out a Legionella risk assessment or review your legal obligations under ACOP L8 and COSHH.
Key Responsibilities
The responsible person must:
- Ensure a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is completed
- Maintain control measures (e.g. flushing, temperature checks)
- Keep records of maintenance and monitoring
- Arrange retesting or reassessment as needed
- Act on remedial recommendations from the assessor
Training Requirements
While there’s no legal requirement for formal qualifications, responsible persons must:
- Understand the risks of Legionella bacteria
- Be familiar with ACOP L8 and HSG274
- Know how to manage flushing, disinfection and record keeping
Many choose to complete a certified Legionella awareness or WH004 training course.
When to Appoint an External Assessor
If the responsible person lacks technical competence or time, an external specialist should carry out the assessment and advise on control measures.
Need support with Legionella responsibilities? Contact us to arrange a consultation.
