[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-category-legionella-risk-assessments-1":3,"footer-navigation:footer-nav-1":447,"main-navigation:https:\u002F\u002Fportal.easycompliancetools.com\u002Fux\u002Fget-main-nav":465,"hub-sidebar":492,"footer-navigation:footer-nav-2":532},{"data":4,"posts":11,"seo":225,"theme_styles":226},{"id":5,"parent_id":6,"slug":7,"title":8,"created_at":9,"updated_at":10,"meta_title":6,"meta_description":6,"label":8},1,null,"legionella-risk-assessments","Legionella Risk Assessments","2025-10-17T13:02:34.000000Z","2026-07-14T10:25:44.000000Z",{"current_page":5,"data":12,"first_page_url":215,"from":5,"last_page":5,"last_page_url":215,"links":216,"next_page_url":6,"path":223,"per_page":103,"prev_page_url":6,"to":224,"total":224},[13,102,160],{"id":14,"user_id":5,"slug":15,"full_url":16,"title":17,"excerpt":18,"featured_image":6,"featured_image_alt":6,"data_model":19,"text_content_only":73,"html_content_only":74,"publish_date":75,"is_template":31,"created_at":76,"updated_at":77,"settings":78,"categories":79,"tags":82,"pivot":101},15,"thermostatic-mixing-valves-legionella","\u002Fhub\u002Fthermostatic-mixing-valves-legionella","Thermostatic Mixing Valves and Legionella: UK Guide","This guide explains what a thermostatic mixing valve is, how to recognise one, why its location matters, what maintenance may be required and how temperature checks should be approached.",[20,55],{"name":21,"id":22,"componentName":23,"bgImage":6,"bgColor":6,"margin":6,"parentAlign":24,"padding":6,"classes":6,"colSpan":6,"cols":25,"colsMD":26,"originalModel":27,"bgColorOpacity":36,"bgImageVisibility":37,"bgImageSize":38,"bgImagePosition":39,"bgImageRepeat":40,"bgImageAttachment":41,"bgImageOpacity":36,"bgImageVisibilitySM":6,"bgImageVisibilityMD":6,"bgImageVisibilityLG":6,"bgImageSizeSM":6,"bgImageSizeMD":6,"bgImageSizeLG":6,"bgImagePositionSM":6,"bgImagePositionMD":6,"bgImagePositionLG":6,"borderWidth":6,"borderPosition":6,"borderColor":6,"borderRadius":6,"sticky":31,"stickyTop":53,"stickyDisableSmall":31,"equalHeightRows":31,"fillParentHeight":31,"containerWidth":54},"Full Column Block","ff0d2e86-bf31-45e8-8da0-3a64be195e84","ColContainer","w-full","grid-cols-1","md:grid-cols-12",[28],[29,42],{"classes":30,"customColSpan":31,"id":32,"colSpan":30,"colSpanSM":33,"colSpanMD":34,"colSpanLG":35,"borderWidth":6,"borderPosition":6,"borderColor":6,"borderRadius":6,"bgColorOpacity":36,"bgImage":6,"bgImageVisibility":37,"bgImageSize":38,"bgImagePosition":39,"bgImageRepeat":40,"bgImageAttachment":41,"bgImageOpacity":36,"bgImageVisibilitySM":6,"bgImageVisibilityMD":6,"bgImageVisibilityLG":6,"bgImageSizeSM":6,"bgImageSizeMD":6,"bgImageSizeLG":6,"bgImagePositionSM":6,"bgImagePositionMD":6,"bgImagePositionLG":6},"col-span-1",false,"9f70a470-eaa9-44d7-8a6f-ed859bec92e5","sm:col-span-12","md:col-span-12","lg:col-span-12",100,"visible","cover","center center","no-repeat","scroll",{"name":43,"componentName":44,"group":45,"margin":6,"padding":6,"classes":6,"bgImage":6,"id":46,"originalModel":47},"WYSIWYG Editor","Wysiwyg","content","f0adc479-2965-4156-a22c-669643c5768b",{"proseEnabled":48,"content":49,"lineHeightClass":50,"trackingClass":51,"spacingClass":52,"margin":6,"marginSM":6,"marginMD":6,"marginLG":6,"marginTop":6,"marginTopSM":6,"marginTopMD":6,"marginTopLG":6,"marginRight":6,"marginRightSM":6,"marginRightMD":6,"marginRightLG":6,"marginBottom":6,"marginBottomSM":6,"marginBottomMD":6,"marginBottomLG":6,"marginLeft":6,"marginLeftSM":6,"marginLeftMD":6,"marginLeftLG":6,"padding":6,"paddingSM":6,"paddingMD":6,"paddingLG":6},true,"\u003Carticle class=\"blog-article\">\u003Cheader class=\"article-header\">\n\u003Cp class=\"article-introduction\">Thermostatic mixing valves help protect people from scalding, but they also create sections of warm, blended water that need to be considered during a Legionella risk assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This guide explains what a thermostatic mixing valve is, how to recognise one, why its location matters, what maintenance may be required and how temperature checks should be approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can also record whether TMVs are present as part of our \u003Ca href=\"\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\" draggable=\"false\"> guided Legionella risk assessment \u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fheader>\n\u003Cfigure class=\"article-figure\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasyonlinecompliance.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fuploads\u002Ftmv-example.png\" alt=\"Examples of thermostatic mixing valves, including an exposed three-way valve, a thermostatic shower control and a valve fitted beneath a basin\" loading=\"lazy\" draggable=\"false\">\n\u003Cfigcaption>Examples of thermostatic mixing valves and where they may be found. The exact appearance and installation arrangement can vary.\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\n\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What is a thermostatic mixing valve?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A \u003Cstrong>thermostatic mixing valve\u003C\u002Fstrong>, commonly called a \u003Cstrong>TMV\u003C\u002Fstrong>, automatically blends hot and cold water before it reaches a tap, bath or shower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The valve is designed to deliver water at a controlled temperature. If the temperature or pressure of either supply changes, a correctly functioning TMV adjusts the mixture to help keep the outlet temperature stable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>TMVs are primarily used to reduce the risk of scalding. They are especially important where an outlet may be used by:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>young children;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>elderly people;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>people with reduced mobility;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>people with sensory loss;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>people who may not be able to react quickly to hot water.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>The blended water delivered by a TMV is commonly cooler than the hot water circulating or stored elsewhere in the system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Where are TMVs normally found?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A TMV may be:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>built into a thermostatic shower control;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>fitted directly beneath a washbasin;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>installed beneath or beside a bath;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>located behind an access panel;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>installed in nearby pipework serving one or more outlets.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>An exposed TMV will often have three pipe connections:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>a hot-water inlet;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>a cold-water inlet;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>a blended-water outlet.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\u003Cp>The valve may also be marked with arrows or labels such as \u003Cstrong>H\u003C\u002Fstrong>, \u003Cstrong>C\u003C\u002Fstrong>, \u003Cstrong>MIX\u003C\u002Fstrong>, \u003Cstrong>TMV2\u003C\u002Fstrong> or \u003Cstrong>TMV3\u003C\u002Fstrong>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Caside class=\"information-box\">\n\u003Ch3>Do not dismantle fittings to look for a TMV\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>A landlord or property manager is not expected to remove shower controls, open sealed panels or dismantle plumbing solely to answer a risk assessment question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where the valve cannot be seen, check installation records, appliance instructions or ask a plumber during the next suitable visit. Until then, record the answer as \u003Cstrong>not confirmed\u003C\u002Fstrong>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Faside>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Is every mixer tap a TMV?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A standard mixer tap allows the user to combine hot and cold water manually. This does not necessarily mean that the tap thermostatically controls the temperature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A true TMV responds automatically to changes in the hot and cold supplies. For example, it should help prevent a sudden rise in outlet temperature if the cold-water pressure falls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Similarly, the presence of a single lever or two pipes beneath a tap does not prove that a TMV is fitted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thermostatic showers are more likely to contain a thermostatic valve, but the valve may be concealed inside the shower control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>How do TMVs relate to Legionella?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>TMVs create a balance between two different safety considerations:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Scalding prevention:\u003C\u002Fstrong> reducing the temperature delivered to the person using the outlet.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Legionella control:\u003C\u002Fstrong> avoiding sections of the water system where warm water can remain and support bacterial growth.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Hot water may be supplied to the TMV at a temperature intended to control Legionella. The valve then mixes it with cold water and produces cooler, blended water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE technical guidance explains that the water downstream of a TMV may provide an environment in which Legionella can multiply. This is because blended water may sit within the temperature range that supports bacterial growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This does \u003Cstrong>not\u003C\u002Fstrong> mean that TMVs are inherently unsafe or that they should automatically be removed. It means that their need, location, maintenance and pattern of use should be considered as part of the Legionella risk assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Read the official \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Fpubns\u002Fpriced\u002Fhsg274part2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" draggable=\"false\"> HSE HSG274 Part 2 guidance for hot and cold water systems \u003C\u002Fa> for the complete technical guidance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Why should a TMV be close to the outlet?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>HSE guidance recommends fitting TMVs as close to the point of use as reasonably practicable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The \u003Cstrong>point of use\u003C\u002Fstrong> is the tap, bath or shower where the water is delivered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Positioning the valve close to the outlet reduces the length of pipe containing blended water after the valve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Examples of a close installation include a TMV that is:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>built into the shower control;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>fitted directly beneath the basin it serves;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>located beneath or immediately beside a bath;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>positioned behind a nearby access panel.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If a TMV is installed some distance away, a longer section of pipe may remain full of warm, blended water between uses. The significance of this depends on factors including:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>the length and volume of pipework after the valve;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>how frequently the outlet is used;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether one valve supplies several outlets;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether water is allowed to stagnate;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>who uses the outlet.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>A remote TMV is not automatically proof of an unsafe system. It should, however, be recorded and considered in the context of the whole water system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Can one TMV supply several outlets?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Some installations use one TMV to supply more than one tap or outlet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE guidance notes that the Legionella risk may be increased where one valve serves multiple outlets. This arrangement can create a larger volume of blended-water pipework and may include branches that receive little use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Relevant questions include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>How many outlets does the valve serve?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Are all those outlets used regularly?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Is the TMV located close to the outlets?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Are there long or redundant branches after the valve?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Can the pipe layout be clearly understood?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If one concealed valve appears to supply several rooms or outlets, it may be sensible to ask a competent plumber to confirm the arrangement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Do TMVs need to be maintained?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Yes, where a TMV is required, it needs appropriate maintenance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scale, debris and wear can affect the internal parts of the valve. Associated strainers or filters may also become restricted or contaminated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE guidance recommends that, where needed, strainers or filters associated with TMVs are inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>annually; or\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>at another frequency determined by the risk assessment and the manufacturer’s recommendations.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Routine TMV maintenance should be carried out by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Caside class=\"information-box\">\n\u003Ch3>Landlords are not expected to dismantle TMVs themselves\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Technical maintenance will normally be completed by a competent plumber, maintenance contractor or other appropriately trained person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The landlord or responsible person should make sure that suitable maintenance is arranged and that any findings or remedial work are recorded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Faside>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What might a TMV maintenance check include?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The exact work depends on the valve model and the manufacturer’s instructions. A competent maintenance check may include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>checking that the delivered temperature remains stable;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>checking whether the valve responds safely to supply changes;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>checking the fail-safe operation where applicable;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>inspecting and cleaning strainers or filters;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>removing scale or debris;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>checking for leaks or restricted flow;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>checking for sticking or damaged controls;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>confirming that the valve remains suitable for its users;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>adjusting, repairing or replacing the valve where necessary.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Maintenance requirements can vary considerably between products. The valve manufacturer’s instructions should therefore be retained where available.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>How often should a TMV be serviced?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>There is no single service interval that can be applied blindly to every property and every valve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE’s hot and cold water guidance gives an annual frequency for relevant inspection, cleaning, descaling and disinfection, or another frequency defined by:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>the Legionella risk assessment;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the condition of the valve;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the manufacturer’s recommendations;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the type of premises;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the vulnerability of the people using the outlet.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Annual maintenance should not automatically be treated as inadequate merely because a more frequent option exists. The correct frequency should be appropriate to the valve and the risks identified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In higher-risk environments, such as healthcare or care settings, more detailed requirements and monitoring arrangements may apply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What if there is no TMV service record?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A missing service record does not by itself prove that a TMV is defective. However, it does mean that its maintenance status cannot be confirmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A practical response is to:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>check property and plumbing records;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>look for manufacturer or installation information;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>ask the current maintenance contractor;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>include the valve in the next appropriate plumbing or maintenance visit;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>retain a record of the inspection and any work completed.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\u003Cp>During a risk assessment, the most accurate answer may therefore be:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Cp>TMV maintenance not confirmed. Check available records and include the valve in the next appropriate plumbing inspection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cp>It is better to record an honest uncertainty and create an action than to state that maintenance has taken place without evidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>How should water temperatures be checked where a TMV is fitted?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A common source of confusion is that the water leaving a TMV is intentionally cooler than the hot water supplying it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Measuring only the blended temperature from the tap or shower does not necessarily confirm that the upstream hot-water system is achieving an appropriate temperature for Legionella control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE’s TMV demonstration refers to checking that the \u003Cstrong>hot-water supply to the TMV reaches at least 50°C within one minute\u003C\u002Fstrong> of running the water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is different from checking the mixed temperature delivered to the user. The blended outlet may be deliberately set considerably lower to reduce the risk of scalding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where the hot-water inlet cannot be accessed safely, a landlord should not dismantle the valve or pipework. The check may need to be completed by a competent plumber or assessor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE provides a demonstration of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fthermostatic-valves-video.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" draggable=\"false\"> checking the hot-water supply temperature at a TMV \u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Does having a TMV mean a property is high risk?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A TMV is a normal safety component in many homes and buildings. Its presence alone does not make a property high risk and should not automatically cause a Legionella assessment to fail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assessment should consider:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>why the valve is needed;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>where it is located;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>how much blended pipework it serves;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether the outlet is used regularly;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether maintenance is confirmed;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether temperatures are stable;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether the users are particularly vulnerable.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>A valve installed close to a regularly used shower, with appropriate maintenance and satisfactory supply temperatures, may present little cause for concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More attention may be required where the valve serves several little-used outlets, is remotely located, has no known maintenance history or is associated with unstable water temperatures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>When should a plumber or competent professional be contacted?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Professional assistance should be considered where:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>the location of the TMV or pipework cannot be understood;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>one valve appears to serve several outlets;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the valve is leaking or damaged;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>water temperatures fluctuate unexpectedly;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the outlet becomes excessively hot;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the water flow has reduced significantly;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>controls are stiff, sticking or difficult to adjust;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the valve has no known maintenance history;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>there is significant scale or debris;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the outlet is used by particularly vulnerable people;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the hot-water supply temperature cannot be checked safely.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>A competent plumber should use the valve manufacturer’s instructions and consider both scalding protection and water-hygiene risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What should a landlord record about a TMV?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A simple record may include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>which tap, bath or shower the TMV serves;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether the valve is visible or concealed;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether it is close to the outlet;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether it serves one or several outlets;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the valve make or model, where known;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the date it was last checked or maintained;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>who completed the work;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the temperatures recorded;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>any faults or remedial work identified;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the planned date or trigger for the next check.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>This does not need to be a complicated commercial logbook for a simple domestic property. A maintenance invoice, inspection note, spreadsheet entry or property-management record may be sufficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>How should TMVs be answered in a Legionella risk assessment?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A clear assessment should allow honest, non-technical answers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Are TMVs fitted?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Yes:\u003C\u002Fstrong> one or more TMVs can be identified.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>No:\u003C\u002Fstrong> no TMVs are known to be fitted.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Not sure:\u003C\u002Fstrong> the valve or pipework is concealed or cannot be confirmed.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch3>Are the TMVs maintained?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Confirmed:\u003C\u002Fstrong> checks or maintenance are carried out in accordance with suitable instructions.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Not in place:\u003C\u002Fstrong> there is no known maintenance arrangement.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Not confirmed:\u003C\u002Fstrong> no record or reliable information is currently available.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch3>Are the TMVs close to the outlets?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Yes:\u003C\u002Fstrong> the valve is built into or located immediately beside the outlet.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>No:\u003C\u002Fstrong> there appears to be a substantial length of pipe between the valve and outlet.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Not sure:\u003C\u002Fstrong> the valve or downstream pipework is concealed.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>An unknown answer should generally be recorded as a limitation or action to confirm the arrangement. It should not be presented as proof that the system is defective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection class=\"article-faq\">\n\u003Ch2>Frequently asked questions about TMVs and Legionella\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cdetails>\n\u003Csummary>Is a thermostatic shower the same as a TMV?\u003C\u002Fsummary>\n\u003Cp>A thermostatic shower normally contains a thermostatic mixing mechanism, but it may be built into the shower control and not visible as a separate valve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdetails>\n\u003Cdetails>\n\u003Csummary>Can I identify a TMV from the tap alone?\u003C\u002Fsummary>\n\u003Cp>Not always. An ordinary mixer tap is not necessarily thermostatic, and a separate TMV may be concealed beneath the basin or behind a panel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdetails>\n\u003Cdetails>\n\u003Csummary>Should I dismantle a TMV during an assessment?\u003C\u002Fsummary>\n\u003Cp>No. Do not remove fittings or dismantle the valve unless you are competent and authorised to perform the work. Record it as not confirmed or ask a competent plumber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdetails>\n\u003Cdetails>\n\u003Csummary>Does a TMV need an annual service certificate?\u003C\u002Fsummary>\n\u003Cp>HSE guidance recommends relevant inspection and maintenance annually or at another frequency determined by the risk assessment and manufacturer. The important issue is that suitable maintenance is completed and recorded; there is no single universal certificate format.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdetails>\n\u003Cdetails>\n\u003Csummary>Does a TMV automatically increase the risk score?\u003C\u002Fsummary>\n\u003Cp>Its presence alone should not normally be treated as a defect. The assessment should consider its location, maintenance, downstream pipework, use and the people exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdetails>\n\u003Cdetails>\n\u003Csummary>Why is the water from a TMV below 50°C?\u003C\u002Fsummary>\n\u003Cp>The valve deliberately mixes hot and cold water to reduce scalding risk. The relevant Legionella temperature check may need to be taken from the hot-water supply entering the valve rather than from the blended outlet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdetails>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection class=\"article-cta\">\n\u003Ch2>Record TMVs in your Legionella risk assessment\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Our guided assessment helps landlords and property managers record whether TMVs are fitted, whether their maintenance can be confirmed and whether they appear to be located close to the outlets they serve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where something cannot be confirmed, the assessment records the limitation and provides an appropriate action rather than expecting you to dismantle plumbing or guess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\" class=\"button button-primary\" draggable=\"false\"> Start your Legionella risk assessment \u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection class=\"article-sources\">\n\u003Ch2>Official guidance and further reading\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Fpubns\u002Fpriced\u002Fhsg274part2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" draggable=\"false\"> HSE HSG274 Part 2: The control of Legionella bacteria in hot and cold water systems \u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fthermostatic-valves-video.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" draggable=\"false\"> HSE: Checking water temperature at thermostatic mixing valves \u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fhot-and-cold.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" draggable=\"false\"> HSE: Managing Legionella in hot and cold water systems \u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Flegionella-landlords-responsibilities.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" draggable=\"false\"> HSE: Legionella and landlords’ responsibilities \u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003C\u002Farticle>","leading-relaxed","tracking-normal","[&_p]:my-0 [&_p+p]:mt-4",0,"max-w-5xl mx-auto",{"id":56,"name":57,"componentName":23,"cols":25,"colsMD":26,"customColSpan":31,"parentAlign":24,"bgImage":6,"inlineStyles":6,"bgColor":6,"group":58,"margin":6,"padding":6,"paddingHorizontal":6,"classes":6,"colSpan":6,"originalModel":59,"bgColorOpacity":36,"bgImageVisibility":37,"bgImageSize":38,"bgImagePosition":39,"bgImageRepeat":40,"bgImageAttachment":41,"bgImageOpacity":36,"bgImageVisibilitySM":6,"bgImageVisibilityMD":6,"bgImageVisibilityLG":6,"bgImageSizeSM":6,"bgImageSizeMD":6,"bgImageSizeLG":6,"bgImagePositionSM":6,"bgImagePositionMD":6,"bgImagePositionLG":6,"borderWidth":6,"borderPosition":6,"borderColor":6,"borderRadius":6,"sticky":31,"stickyTop":53,"stickyDisableSmall":31,"equalHeightRows":31,"fillParentHeight":31,"blockTemplateId":69,"blockTemplateVersion":5,"syncMode":70,"block_scope":71,"blockLabel":72,"blockDescription":6,"previewImageUrl":6},"d65c3bc5-f38b-4a5e-b76d-21785024d628","Container","main",[60],[61,63],{"id":62,"colSpan":30,"colSpanSM":33,"colSpanMD":34,"colSpanLG":35,"customColSpan":31,"bgColor":6,"bgColorOpacity":36,"bgImage":6,"bgImageVisibility":37,"bgImageVisibilitySM":6,"bgImageVisibilityMD":6,"bgImageVisibilityLG":6,"bgImageSize":38,"bgImageSizeSM":6,"bgImageSizeMD":6,"bgImageSizeLG":6,"bgImagePosition":39,"bgImagePositionSM":6,"bgImagePositionMD":6,"bgImagePositionLG":6,"bgImageRepeat":40,"bgImageAttachment":41,"bgImageOpacity":36,"borderWidth":6,"borderPosition":6,"borderColor":6,"borderRadius":6,"classes":6},"33e74446-1509-42a7-a1c5-a72bfaf7a513",{"id":64,"name":65,"componentName":66,"group":45,"margin":6,"padding":6,"classes":6,"bgImage":6,"originalModel":67},"115ab066-4754-46a0-aeb7-a154e16e3a2b","HTML Block","HtmlBlock",{"html":68,"wrapperClasses":6,"contentClasses":6},"\u003Cbr>\u003Csection class=\"relative overflow-hidden bg-gradient-to-br from-cyan-900 via-teal-800 to-teal-600 py-16 text-white md:py-24\" aria-labelledby=\"final-heading\">\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"hero-glow pointer-events-none absolute inset-0\">\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"relative mx-auto max-w-3xl px-5 text-center\">\n    \u003Ch2 id=\"final-heading\" class=\"font-heading text-3xl font-bold sm:text-4xl\">Get your Legionella report in minutes\u003C\u002Fh2>\n    \u003Cp class=\"mx-auto mt-4 max-w-xl text-lg text-teal-50\">Join the landlords and businesses who've swapped paperwork and call-outs for a fast, professional report they can rely on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"mt-8\">\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasycompliancetools.com\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\u002Fstart\" class=\"btn-primary animate-pulse-cta inline-flex items-center gap-2 rounded-md px-9 py-4 text-lg font-bold shadow-lg transition hover:-translate-y-0.5\" draggable=\"false\">\n        Start your assessment — from £8.99\n        \u003Csvg class=\"h-5 w-5\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\u003Cpath stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M5 12h14M13 6l6 6-6 6\">\u003C\u002Fpath>\u003C\u002Fsvg>\n      \u003C\u002Fa>\n    \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n    \u003Cul class=\"mx-auto mt-10 flex max-w-2xl flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-x-8 gap-y-3 text-sm font-medium text-teal-50\">\n      \u003Cli class=\"flex items-center gap-2\">\u003Csvg class=\"h-4 w-4 text-teal-200\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\u003Cpath stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\">\u003C\u002Fpath>\u003C\u002Fsvg> ~3-minute workflow\u003C\u002Fli>\n      \u003Cli class=\"flex items-center gap-2\">\u003Csvg class=\"h-4 w-4 text-teal-200\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\u003Cpath stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M5 13l4 4L19 7\">\u003C\u002Fpath>\u003C\u002Fsvg> Instant professional PDF\u003C\u002Fli>\n      \u003Cli class=\"flex items-center gap-2\">\u003Csvg class=\"h-4 w-4 text-teal-200\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\u003Cpath stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M12 15v2m-6 4h12a2 2 0 002-2v-6a2 2 0 00-2-2H6a2 2 0 00-2 2v6a2 2 0 002 2zM8 11V7a4 4 0 118 0v4\">\u003C\u002Fpath>\u003C\u002Fsvg> Secure cloud storage\u003C\u002Fli>\n      \u003Cli class=\"flex items-center gap-2\">\u003Csvg class=\"h-4 w-4 text-teal-200\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\u003Cpath stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M5 13l4 4L19 7\">\u003C\u002Fpath>\u003C\u002Fsvg> Built around HSE L8 & HSG274\u003C\u002Fli>\n    \u003C\u002Ful>\n  \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>",4,"manual","standard","Legionella - Simple CTA Block","Thermostatic mixing valves help protect people from scalding, but they also create sections of warm, blended water that need to be considered during a Legionella risk assessment. This guide explains what a thermostatic mixing valve is, how to recognise one, why its location matters, what maintenance may be required and how temperature checks should be approached. You can also record whether TMVs are present as part of our guided Legionella risk assessment . Examples of thermostatic mixing valves and where they may be found. The exact appearance and installation arrangement can vary. What is a thermostatic mixing valve? A thermostatic mixing valve, commonly called a TMV, automatically blends hot and cold water before it reaches a tap, bath or shower. The valve is designed to deliver water at a controlled temperature. If the temperature or pressure of either supply changes, a correctly functioning TMV adjusts the mixture to help keep the outlet temperature stable. TMVs are primarily used to reduce the risk of scalding. They are especially important where an outlet may be used by: young children; elderly people; people with reduced mobility; people with sensory loss; people who may not be able to react quickly to hot water. The blended water delivered by a TMV is commonly cooler than the hot water circulating or stored elsewhere in the system. Where are TMVs normally found? A TMV may be: built into a thermostatic shower control; fitted directly beneath a washbasin; installed beneath or beside a bath; located behind an access panel; installed in nearby pipework serving one or more outlets. An exposed TMV will often have three pipe connections: a hot-water inlet; a cold-water inlet; a blended-water outlet. The valve may also be marked with arrows or labels such as H, C, MIX, TMV2 or TMV3. Do not dismantle fittings to look for a TMV A landlord or property manager is not expected to remove shower controls, open sealed panels or dismantle plumbing solely to answer a risk assessment question. Where the valve cannot be seen, check installation records, appliance instructions or ask a plumber during the next suitable visit. Until then, record the answer as not confirmed. Is every mixer tap a TMV? No. A standard mixer tap allows the user to combine hot and cold water manually. This does not necessarily mean that the tap thermostatically controls the temperature. A true TMV responds automatically to changes in the hot and cold supplies. For example, it should help prevent a sudden rise in outlet temperature if the cold-water pressure falls. Similarly, the presence of a single lever or two pipes beneath a tap does not prove that a TMV is fitted. Thermostatic showers are more likely to contain a thermostatic valve, but the valve may be concealed inside the shower control. How do TMVs relate to Legionella? TMVs create a balance between two different safety considerations: Scalding prevention: reducing the temperature delivered to the person using the outlet. Legionella control: avoiding sections of the water system where warm water can remain and support bacterial growth. Hot water may be supplied to the TMV at a temperature intended to control Legionella. The valve then mixes it with cold water and produces cooler, blended water. HSE technical guidance explains that the water downstream of a TMV may provide an environment in which Legionella can multiply. This is because blended water may sit within the temperature range that supports bacterial growth. This does not mean that TMVs are inherently unsafe or that they should automatically be removed. It means that their need, location, maintenance and pattern of use should be considered as part of the Legionella risk assessment. Read the official HSE HSG274 Part 2 guidance for hot and cold water systems for the complete technical guidance. Why should a TMV be close to the outlet? HSE guidance recommends fitting TMVs as close to the point of use as reasonably practicable. The point of use is the tap, bath or shower where the water is delivered. Positioning the valve close to the outlet reduces the length of pipe containing blended water after the valve. Examples of a close installation include a TMV that is: built into the shower control; fitted directly beneath the basin it serves; located beneath or immediately beside a bath; positioned behind a nearby access panel. If a TMV is installed some distance away, a longer section of pipe may remain full of warm, blended water between uses. The significance of this depends on factors including: the length and volume of pipework after the valve; how frequently the outlet is used; whether one valve supplies several outlets; whether water is allowed to stagnate; who uses the outlet. A remote TMV is not automatically proof of an unsafe system. It should, however, be recorded and considered in the context of the whole water system. Can one TMV supply several outlets? Some installations use one TMV to supply more than one tap or outlet. HSE guidance notes that the Legionella risk may be increased where one valve serves multiple outlets. This arrangement can create a larger volume of blended-water pipework and may include branches that receive little use. Relevant questions include: How many outlets does the valve serve? Are all those outlets used regularly? Is the TMV located close to the outlets? Are there long or redundant branches after the valve? Can the pipe layout be clearly understood? If one concealed valve appears to supply several rooms or outlets, it may be sensible to ask a competent plumber to confirm the arrangement. Do TMVs need to be maintained? Yes, where a TMV is required, it needs appropriate maintenance. Scale, debris and wear can affect the internal parts of the valve. Associated strainers or filters may also become restricted or contaminated. HSE guidance recommends that, where needed, strainers or filters associated with TMVs are inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected: annually; or at another frequency determined by the risk assessment and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Routine TMV maintenance should be carried out by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Landlords are not expected to dismantle TMVs themselves Technical maintenance will normally be completed by a competent plumber, maintenance contractor or other appropriately trained person. The landlord or responsible person should make sure that suitable maintenance is arranged and that any findings or remedial work are recorded. What might a TMV maintenance check include? The exact work depends on the valve model and the manufacturer’s instructions. A competent maintenance check may include: checking that the delivered temperature remains stable; checking whether the valve responds safely to supply changes; checking the fail-safe operation where applicable; inspecting and cleaning strainers or filters; removing scale or debris; checking for leaks or restricted flow; checking for sticking or damaged controls; confirming that the valve remains suitable for its users; adjusting, repairing or replacing the valve where necessary. Maintenance requirements can vary considerably between products. The valve manufacturer’s instructions should therefore be retained where available. How often should a TMV be serviced? There is no single service interval that can be applied blindly to every property and every valve. HSE’s hot and cold water guidance gives an annual frequency for relevant inspection, cleaning, descaling and disinfection, or another frequency defined by: the Legionella risk assessment; the condition of the valve; the manufacturer’s recommendations; the type of premises; the vulnerability of the people using the outlet. Annual maintenance should not automatically be treated as inadequate merely because a more frequent option exists. The correct frequency should be appropriate to the valve and the risks identified. In higher-risk environments, such as healthcare or care settings, more detailed requirements and monitoring arrangements may apply. What if there is no TMV service record? A missing service record does not by itself prove that a TMV is defective. However, it does mean that its maintenance status cannot be confirmed. A practical response is to: check property and plumbing records; look for manufacturer or installation information; ask the current maintenance contractor; include the valve in the next appropriate plumbing or maintenance visit; retain a record of the inspection and any work completed. During a risk assessment, the most accurate answer may therefore be: TMV maintenance not confirmed. Check available records and include the valve in the next appropriate plumbing inspection. It is better to record an honest uncertainty and create an action than to state that maintenance has taken place without evidence. How should water temperatures be checked where a TMV is fitted? A common source of confusion is that the water leaving a TMV is intentionally cooler than the hot water supplying it. Measuring only the blended temperature from the tap or shower does not necessarily confirm that the upstream hot-water system is achieving an appropriate temperature for Legionella control. HSE’s TMV demonstration refers to checking that the hot-water supply to the TMV reaches at least 50°C within one minute of running the water. This is different from checking the mixed temperature delivered to the user. The blended outlet may be deliberately set considerably lower to reduce the risk of scalding. Where the hot-water inlet cannot be accessed safely, a landlord should not dismantle the valve or pipework. The check may need to be completed by a competent plumber or assessor. HSE provides a demonstration of checking the hot-water supply temperature at a TMV . Does having a TMV mean a property is high risk? No. A TMV is a normal safety component in many homes and buildings. Its presence alone does not make a property high risk and should not automatically cause a Legionella assessment to fail. The assessment should consider: why the valve is needed; where it is located; how much blended pipework it serves; whether the outlet is used regularly; whether maintenance is confirmed; whether temperatures are stable; whether the users are particularly vulnerable. A valve installed close to a regularly used shower, with appropriate maintenance and satisfactory supply temperatures, may present little cause for concern. More attention may be required where the valve serves several little-used outlets, is remotely located, has no known maintenance history or is associated with unstable water temperatures. When should a plumber or competent professional be contacted? Professional assistance should be considered where: the location of the TMV or pipework cannot be understood; one valve appears to serve several outlets; the valve is leaking or damaged; water temperatures fluctuate unexpectedly; the outlet becomes excessively hot; the water flow has reduced significantly; controls are stiff, sticking or difficult to adjust; the valve has no known maintenance history; there is significant scale or debris; the outlet is used by particularly vulnerable people; the hot-water supply temperature cannot be checked safely. A competent plumber should use the valve manufacturer’s instructions and consider both scalding protection and water-hygiene risk. What should a landlord record about a TMV? A simple record may include: which tap, bath or shower the TMV serves; whether the valve is visible or concealed; whether it is close to the outlet; whether it serves one or several outlets; the valve make or model, where known; the date it was last checked or maintained; who completed the work; the temperatures recorded; any faults or remedial work identified; the planned date or trigger for the next check. This does not need to be a complicated commercial logbook for a simple domestic property. A maintenance invoice, inspection note, spreadsheet entry or property-management record may be sufficient. How should TMVs be answered in a Legionella risk assessment? A clear assessment should allow honest, non-technical answers. Are TMVs fitted? Yes: one or more TMVs can be identified. No: no TMVs are known to be fitted. Not sure: the valve or pipework is concealed or cannot be confirmed. Are the TMVs maintained? Confirmed: checks or maintenance are carried out in accordance with suitable instructions. Not in place: there is no known maintenance arrangement. Not confirmed: no record or reliable information is currently available. Are the TMVs close to the outlets? Yes: the valve is built into or located immediately beside the outlet. No: there appears to be a substantial length of pipe between the valve and outlet. Not sure: the valve or downstream pipework is concealed. An unknown answer should generally be recorded as a limitation or action to confirm the arrangement. It should not be presented as proof that the system is defective. Frequently asked questions about TMVs and Legionella Is a thermostatic shower the same as a TMV? A thermostatic shower normally contains a thermostatic mixing mechanism, but it may be built into the shower control and not visible as a separate valve. Can I identify a TMV from the tap alone? Not always. An ordinary mixer tap is not necessarily thermostatic, and a separate TMV may be concealed beneath the basin or behind a panel. Should I dismantle a TMV during an assessment? No. Do not remove fittings or dismantle the valve unless you are competent and authorised to perform the work. Record it as not confirmed or ask a competent plumber. Does a TMV need an annual service certificate? HSE guidance recommends relevant inspection and maintenance annually or at another frequency determined by the risk assessment and manufacturer. The important issue is that suitable maintenance is completed and recorded; there is no single universal certificate format. Does a TMV automatically increase the risk score? Its presence alone should not normally be treated as a defect. The assessment should consider its location, maintenance, downstream pipework, use and the people exposed. Why is the water from a TMV below 50°C? The valve deliberately mixes hot and cold water to reduce scalding risk. The relevant Legionella temperature check may need to be taken from the hot-water supply entering the valve rather than from the blended outlet. Record TMVs in your Legionella risk assessment Our guided assessment helps landlords and property managers record whether TMVs are fitted, whether their maintenance can be confirmed and whether they appear to be located close to the outlets they serve. Where something cannot be confirmed, the assessment records the limitation and provides an appropriate action rather than expecting you to dismantle plumbing or guess. Start your Legionella risk assessment Official guidance and further reading HSE HSG274 Part 2: The control of Legionella bacteria in hot and cold water systems HSE: Checking water temperature at thermostatic mixing valves HSE: Managing Legionella in hot and cold water systems HSE: Legionella and landlords’ responsibilities Get your Legionella report in minutes Join the landlords and businesses who've swapped paperwork and call-outs for a fast, professional report they can rely on. Start your assessment — from £8.99 ~3-minute workflow Instant professional PDF Secure cloud storage Built around HSE L8 & HSG274","\u003Carticle class=\"blog-article\">\u003Cheader class=\"article-header\">\n\u003Cp class=\"article-introduction\">Thermostatic mixing valves help protect people from scalding, but they also create sections of warm, blended water that need to be considered during a Legionella risk assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This guide explains what a thermostatic mixing valve is, how to recognise one, why its location matters, what maintenance may be required and how temperature checks should be approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can also record whether TMVs are present as part of our \u003Ca href=\"\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\" draggable=\"false\"> guided Legionella risk assessment \u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fheader>\n\u003Cfigure class=\"article-figure\">\u003Cimg src=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasyonlinecompliance.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Fuploads\u002Ftmv-example.png\" alt=\"Examples of thermostatic mixing valves, including an exposed three-way valve, a thermostatic shower control and a valve fitted beneath a basin\" loading=\"lazy\" draggable=\"false\">\n\u003Cfigcaption>Examples of thermostatic mixing valves and where they may be found. The exact appearance and installation arrangement can vary.\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\n\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What is a thermostatic mixing valve?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A \u003Cstrong>thermostatic mixing valve\u003C\u002Fstrong>, commonly called a \u003Cstrong>TMV\u003C\u002Fstrong>, automatically blends hot and cold water before it reaches a tap, bath or shower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The valve is designed to deliver water at a controlled temperature. If the temperature or pressure of either supply changes, a correctly functioning TMV adjusts the mixture to help keep the outlet temperature stable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>TMVs are primarily used to reduce the risk of scalding. They are especially important where an outlet may be used by:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>young children;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>elderly people;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>people with reduced mobility;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>people with sensory loss;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>people who may not be able to react quickly to hot water.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>The blended water delivered by a TMV is commonly cooler than the hot water circulating or stored elsewhere in the system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Where are TMVs normally found?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A TMV may be:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>built into a thermostatic shower control;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>fitted directly beneath a washbasin;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>installed beneath or beside a bath;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>located behind an access panel;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>installed in nearby pipework serving one or more outlets.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>An exposed TMV will often have three pipe connections:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>a hot-water inlet;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>a cold-water inlet;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>a blended-water outlet.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\u003Cp>The valve may also be marked with arrows or labels such as \u003Cstrong>H\u003C\u002Fstrong>, \u003Cstrong>C\u003C\u002Fstrong>, \u003Cstrong>MIX\u003C\u002Fstrong>, \u003Cstrong>TMV2\u003C\u002Fstrong> or \u003Cstrong>TMV3\u003C\u002Fstrong>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Caside class=\"information-box\">\n\u003Ch3>Do not dismantle fittings to look for a TMV\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>A landlord or property manager is not expected to remove shower controls, open sealed panels or dismantle plumbing solely to answer a risk assessment question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where the valve cannot be seen, check installation records, appliance instructions or ask a plumber during the next suitable visit. Until then, record the answer as \u003Cstrong>not confirmed\u003C\u002Fstrong>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Faside>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Is every mixer tap a TMV?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A standard mixer tap allows the user to combine hot and cold water manually. This does not necessarily mean that the tap thermostatically controls the temperature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A true TMV responds automatically to changes in the hot and cold supplies. For example, it should help prevent a sudden rise in outlet temperature if the cold-water pressure falls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Similarly, the presence of a single lever or two pipes beneath a tap does not prove that a TMV is fitted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thermostatic showers are more likely to contain a thermostatic valve, but the valve may be concealed inside the shower control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>How do TMVs relate to Legionella?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>TMVs create a balance between two different safety considerations:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Scalding prevention:\u003C\u002Fstrong> reducing the temperature delivered to the person using the outlet.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Legionella control:\u003C\u002Fstrong> avoiding sections of the water system where warm water can remain and support bacterial growth.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Hot water may be supplied to the TMV at a temperature intended to control Legionella. The valve then mixes it with cold water and produces cooler, blended water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE technical guidance explains that the water downstream of a TMV may provide an environment in which Legionella can multiply. This is because blended water may sit within the temperature range that supports bacterial growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This does \u003Cstrong>not\u003C\u002Fstrong> mean that TMVs are inherently unsafe or that they should automatically be removed. It means that their need, location, maintenance and pattern of use should be considered as part of the Legionella risk assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Read the official \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Fpubns\u002Fpriced\u002Fhsg274part2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" draggable=\"false\"> HSE HSG274 Part 2 guidance for hot and cold water systems \u003C\u002Fa> for the complete technical guidance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Why should a TMV be close to the outlet?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>HSE guidance recommends fitting TMVs as close to the point of use as reasonably practicable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The \u003Cstrong>point of use\u003C\u002Fstrong> is the tap, bath or shower where the water is delivered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Positioning the valve close to the outlet reduces the length of pipe containing blended water after the valve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Examples of a close installation include a TMV that is:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>built into the shower control;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>fitted directly beneath the basin it serves;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>located beneath or immediately beside a bath;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>positioned behind a nearby access panel.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If a TMV is installed some distance away, a longer section of pipe may remain full of warm, blended water between uses. The significance of this depends on factors including:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>the length and volume of pipework after the valve;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>how frequently the outlet is used;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether one valve supplies several outlets;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether water is allowed to stagnate;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>who uses the outlet.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>A remote TMV is not automatically proof of an unsafe system. It should, however, be recorded and considered in the context of the whole water system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Can one TMV supply several outlets?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Some installations use one TMV to supply more than one tap or outlet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE guidance notes that the Legionella risk may be increased where one valve serves multiple outlets. This arrangement can create a larger volume of blended-water pipework and may include branches that receive little use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Relevant questions include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>How many outlets does the valve serve?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Are all those outlets used regularly?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Is the TMV located close to the outlets?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Are there long or redundant branches after the valve?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Can the pipe layout be clearly understood?\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If one concealed valve appears to supply several rooms or outlets, it may be sensible to ask a competent plumber to confirm the arrangement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Do TMVs need to be maintained?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Yes, where a TMV is required, it needs appropriate maintenance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scale, debris and wear can affect the internal parts of the valve. Associated strainers or filters may also become restricted or contaminated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE guidance recommends that, where needed, strainers or filters associated with TMVs are inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>annually; or\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>at another frequency determined by the risk assessment and the manufacturer’s recommendations.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Routine TMV maintenance should be carried out by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Caside class=\"information-box\">\n\u003Ch3>Landlords are not expected to dismantle TMVs themselves\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Technical maintenance will normally be completed by a competent plumber, maintenance contractor or other appropriately trained person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The landlord or responsible person should make sure that suitable maintenance is arranged and that any findings or remedial work are recorded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Faside>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What might a TMV maintenance check include?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The exact work depends on the valve model and the manufacturer’s instructions. A competent maintenance check may include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>checking that the delivered temperature remains stable;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>checking whether the valve responds safely to supply changes;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>checking the fail-safe operation where applicable;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>inspecting and cleaning strainers or filters;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>removing scale or debris;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>checking for leaks or restricted flow;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>checking for sticking or damaged controls;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>confirming that the valve remains suitable for its users;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>adjusting, repairing or replacing the valve where necessary.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Maintenance requirements can vary considerably between products. The valve manufacturer’s instructions should therefore be retained where available.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>How often should a TMV be serviced?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>There is no single service interval that can be applied blindly to every property and every valve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE’s hot and cold water guidance gives an annual frequency for relevant inspection, cleaning, descaling and disinfection, or another frequency defined by:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>the Legionella risk assessment;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the condition of the valve;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the manufacturer’s recommendations;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the type of premises;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the vulnerability of the people using the outlet.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Annual maintenance should not automatically be treated as inadequate merely because a more frequent option exists. The correct frequency should be appropriate to the valve and the risks identified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In higher-risk environments, such as healthcare or care settings, more detailed requirements and monitoring arrangements may apply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What if there is no TMV service record?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A missing service record does not by itself prove that a TMV is defective. However, it does mean that its maintenance status cannot be confirmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A practical response is to:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>check property and plumbing records;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>look for manufacturer or installation information;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>ask the current maintenance contractor;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>include the valve in the next appropriate plumbing or maintenance visit;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>retain a record of the inspection and any work completed.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\u003Cp>During a risk assessment, the most accurate answer may therefore be:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>\n\u003Cp>TMV maintenance not confirmed. Check available records and include the valve in the next appropriate plumbing inspection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cp>It is better to record an honest uncertainty and create an action than to state that maintenance has taken place without evidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>How should water temperatures be checked where a TMV is fitted?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A common source of confusion is that the water leaving a TMV is intentionally cooler than the hot water supplying it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Measuring only the blended temperature from the tap or shower does not necessarily confirm that the upstream hot-water system is achieving an appropriate temperature for Legionella control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE’s TMV demonstration refers to checking that the \u003Cstrong>hot-water supply to the TMV reaches at least 50°C within one minute\u003C\u002Fstrong> of running the water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is different from checking the mixed temperature delivered to the user. The blended outlet may be deliberately set considerably lower to reduce the risk of scalding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where the hot-water inlet cannot be accessed safely, a landlord should not dismantle the valve or pipework. The check may need to be completed by a competent plumber or assessor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE provides a demonstration of \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fthermostatic-valves-video.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" draggable=\"false\"> checking the hot-water supply temperature at a TMV \u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Does having a TMV mean a property is high risk?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A TMV is a normal safety component in many homes and buildings. Its presence alone does not make a property high risk and should not automatically cause a Legionella assessment to fail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assessment should consider:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>why the valve is needed;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>where it is located;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>how much blended pipework it serves;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether the outlet is used regularly;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether maintenance is confirmed;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether temperatures are stable;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether the users are particularly vulnerable.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>A valve installed close to a regularly used shower, with appropriate maintenance and satisfactory supply temperatures, may present little cause for concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More attention may be required where the valve serves several little-used outlets, is remotely located, has no known maintenance history or is associated with unstable water temperatures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>When should a plumber or competent professional be contacted?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Professional assistance should be considered where:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>the location of the TMV or pipework cannot be understood;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>one valve appears to serve several outlets;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the valve is leaking or damaged;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>water temperatures fluctuate unexpectedly;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the outlet becomes excessively hot;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the water flow has reduced significantly;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>controls are stiff, sticking or difficult to adjust;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the valve has no known maintenance history;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>there is significant scale or debris;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the outlet is used by particularly vulnerable people;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the hot-water supply temperature cannot be checked safely.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>A competent plumber should use the valve manufacturer’s instructions and consider both scalding protection and water-hygiene risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What should a landlord record about a TMV?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A simple record may include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>which tap, bath or shower the TMV serves;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether the valve is visible or concealed;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether it is close to the outlet;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>whether it serves one or several outlets;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the valve make or model, where known;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the date it was last checked or maintained;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>who completed the work;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the temperatures recorded;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>any faults or remedial work identified;\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>the planned date or trigger for the next check.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>This does not need to be a complicated commercial logbook for a simple domestic property. A maintenance invoice, inspection note, spreadsheet entry or property-management record may be sufficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>How should TMVs be answered in a Legionella risk assessment?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A clear assessment should allow honest, non-technical answers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Are TMVs fitted?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Yes:\u003C\u002Fstrong> one or more TMVs can be identified.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>No:\u003C\u002Fstrong> no TMVs are known to be fitted.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Not sure:\u003C\u002Fstrong> the valve or pipework is concealed or cannot be confirmed.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch3>Are the TMVs maintained?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Confirmed:\u003C\u002Fstrong> checks or maintenance are carried out in accordance with suitable instructions.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Not in place:\u003C\u002Fstrong> there is no known maintenance arrangement.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Not confirmed:\u003C\u002Fstrong> no record or reliable information is currently available.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch3>Are the TMVs close to the outlets?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Yes:\u003C\u002Fstrong> the valve is built into or located immediately beside the outlet.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>No:\u003C\u002Fstrong> there appears to be a substantial length of pipe between the valve and outlet.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Not sure:\u003C\u002Fstrong> the valve or downstream pipework is concealed.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>An unknown answer should generally be recorded as a limitation or action to confirm the arrangement. It should not be presented as proof that the system is defective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection class=\"article-faq\">\n\u003Ch2>Frequently asked questions about TMVs and Legionella\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cdetails>\n\u003Csummary>Is a thermostatic shower the same as a TMV?\u003C\u002Fsummary>\n\u003Cp>A thermostatic shower normally contains a thermostatic mixing mechanism, but it may be built into the shower control and not visible as a separate valve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdetails>\n\u003Cdetails>\n\u003Csummary>Can I identify a TMV from the tap alone?\u003C\u002Fsummary>\n\u003Cp>Not always. An ordinary mixer tap is not necessarily thermostatic, and a separate TMV may be concealed beneath the basin or behind a panel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdetails>\n\u003Cdetails>\n\u003Csummary>Should I dismantle a TMV during an assessment?\u003C\u002Fsummary>\n\u003Cp>No. Do not remove fittings or dismantle the valve unless you are competent and authorised to perform the work. Record it as not confirmed or ask a competent plumber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdetails>\n\u003Cdetails>\n\u003Csummary>Does a TMV need an annual service certificate?\u003C\u002Fsummary>\n\u003Cp>HSE guidance recommends relevant inspection and maintenance annually or at another frequency determined by the risk assessment and manufacturer. The important issue is that suitable maintenance is completed and recorded; there is no single universal certificate format.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdetails>\n\u003Cdetails>\n\u003Csummary>Does a TMV automatically increase the risk score?\u003C\u002Fsummary>\n\u003Cp>Its presence alone should not normally be treated as a defect. The assessment should consider its location, maintenance, downstream pipework, use and the people exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdetails>\n\u003Cdetails>\n\u003Csummary>Why is the water from a TMV below 50°C?\u003C\u002Fsummary>\n\u003Cp>The valve deliberately mixes hot and cold water to reduce scalding risk. The relevant Legionella temperature check may need to be taken from the hot-water supply entering the valve rather than from the blended outlet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fdetails>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection class=\"article-cta\">\n\u003Ch2>Record TMVs in your Legionella risk assessment\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Our guided assessment helps landlords and property managers record whether TMVs are fitted, whether their maintenance can be confirmed and whether they appear to be located close to the outlets they serve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where something cannot be confirmed, the assessment records the limitation and provides an appropriate action rather than expecting you to dismantle plumbing or guess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\" class=\"button button-primary\" draggable=\"false\"> Start your Legionella risk assessment \u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection class=\"article-sources\">\n\u003Ch2>Official guidance and further reading\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Fpubns\u002Fpriced\u002Fhsg274part2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" draggable=\"false\"> HSE HSG274 Part 2: The control of Legionella bacteria in hot and cold water systems \u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fthermostatic-valves-video.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" draggable=\"false\"> HSE: Checking water temperature at thermostatic mixing valves \u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fhot-and-cold.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" draggable=\"false\"> HSE: Managing Legionella in hot and cold water systems \u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Flegionella-landlords-responsibilities.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" draggable=\"false\"> HSE: Legionella and landlords’ responsibilities \u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003C\u002Farticle>\n\u003Cbr>\u003Csection class=\"relative overflow-hidden bg-gradient-to-br from-cyan-900 via-teal-800 to-teal-600 py-16 text-white md:py-24\" aria-labelledby=\"final-heading\">\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"hero-glow pointer-events-none absolute inset-0\">\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"relative mx-auto max-w-3xl px-5 text-center\">\n    \u003Ch2 id=\"final-heading\" class=\"font-heading text-3xl font-bold sm:text-4xl\">Get your Legionella report in minutes\u003C\u002Fh2>\n    \u003Cp class=\"mx-auto mt-4 max-w-xl text-lg text-teal-50\">Join the landlords and businesses who've swapped paperwork and call-outs for a fast, professional report they can rely on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"mt-8\">\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasycompliancetools.com\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\u002Fstart\" class=\"btn-primary animate-pulse-cta inline-flex items-center gap-2 rounded-md px-9 py-4 text-lg font-bold shadow-lg transition hover:-translate-y-0.5\" draggable=\"false\">\n        Start your assessment — from £8.99\n        \u003Csvg class=\"h-5 w-5\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\u003Cpath stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M5 12h14M13 6l6 6-6 6\">\u003C\u002Fpath>\u003C\u002Fsvg>\n      \u003C\u002Fa>\n    \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n    \u003Cul class=\"mx-auto mt-10 flex max-w-2xl flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-x-8 gap-y-3 text-sm font-medium text-teal-50\">\n      \u003Cli class=\"flex items-center gap-2\">\u003Csvg class=\"h-4 w-4 text-teal-200\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\u003Cpath stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\">\u003C\u002Fpath>\u003C\u002Fsvg> ~3-minute workflow\u003C\u002Fli>\n      \u003Cli class=\"flex items-center gap-2\">\u003Csvg class=\"h-4 w-4 text-teal-200\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\u003Cpath stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M5 13l4 4L19 7\">\u003C\u002Fpath>\u003C\u002Fsvg> Instant professional PDF\u003C\u002Fli>\n      \u003Cli class=\"flex items-center gap-2\">\u003Csvg class=\"h-4 w-4 text-teal-200\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\u003Cpath stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M12 15v2m-6 4h12a2 2 0 002-2v-6a2 2 0 00-2-2H6a2 2 0 00-2 2v6a2 2 0 002 2zM8 11V7a4 4 0 118 0v4\">\u003C\u002Fpath>\u003C\u002Fsvg> Secure cloud storage\u003C\u002Fli>\n      \u003Cli class=\"flex items-center gap-2\">\u003Csvg class=\"h-4 w-4 text-teal-200\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\u003Cpath stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M5 13l4 4L19 7\">\u003C\u002Fpath>\u003C\u002Fsvg> Built around HSE L8 & HSG274\u003C\u002Fli>\n    \u003C\u002Ful>\n  \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>","16-07-2026","2026-07-16T20:12:21.000000Z","2026-07-16T20:25:37.000000Z",{"hide_featured_image_on_page":31},[80],{"id":5,"parent_id":6,"slug":7,"title":8,"created_at":9,"updated_at":10,"meta_title":6,"meta_description":6,"label":8,"pivot":81},{"post_id":14,"category_id":5},[83,89,95],{"id":84,"slug":85,"title":86,"created_at":87,"updated_at":87,"pivot":88},21,"tmv-maintenance","TMV maintenance","2026-07-16T20:11:54.000000Z",{"post_id":14,"tag_id":84},{"id":90,"slug":91,"title":92,"created_at":93,"updated_at":93,"pivot":94},22,"landlord-legionella-responsibilities","Landlord legionella responsibilities","2026-07-16T20:12:08.000000Z",{"post_id":14,"tag_id":90},{"id":96,"slug":97,"title":98,"created_at":99,"updated_at":99,"pivot":100},23,"thermostatic-mixing-valve-landlord","Thermostatic mixing valve landlord","2026-07-16T20:12:19.000000Z",{"post_id":14,"tag_id":96},{"category_id":5,"post_id":14},{"id":103,"user_id":5,"slug":104,"full_url":105,"title":106,"excerpt":107,"featured_image":6,"featured_image_alt":6,"data_model":108,"text_content_only":127,"html_content_only":128,"publish_date":129,"is_template":31,"created_at":130,"updated_at":131,"settings":132,"categories":133,"tags":136,"pivot":159},12,"when-is-a-professional-legionella-risk-assessor-required","\u002Fhub\u002Fwhen-is-a-professional-legionella-risk-assessor-required","When Is a Professional Legionella Risk Assessor Required?","Not every simple property needs a specialist Legionella consultant, but some water systems and premises do need professional input. This guide explains when a guided Legionella risk assessment may be suitable, and when you should use a competent professional Legionella risk assessor.",[109,118],{"name":21,"id":22,"componentName":23,"bgImage":6,"bgColor":6,"margin":6,"parentAlign":24,"padding":6,"classes":6,"colSpan":6,"cols":25,"colsMD":26,"originalModel":110,"bgColorOpacity":36,"bgImageVisibility":37,"bgImageSize":38,"bgImagePosition":39,"bgImageRepeat":40,"bgImageAttachment":41,"bgImageOpacity":36,"bgImageVisibilitySM":6,"bgImageVisibilityMD":6,"bgImageVisibilityLG":6,"bgImageSizeSM":6,"bgImageSizeMD":6,"bgImageSizeLG":6,"bgImagePositionSM":6,"bgImagePositionMD":6,"bgImagePositionLG":6,"borderWidth":6,"borderPosition":6,"borderColor":6,"borderRadius":6,"sticky":31,"stickyTop":53,"stickyDisableSmall":31,"equalHeightRows":31,"fillParentHeight":31,"containerWidth":54},[111],[112,114],{"classes":30,"customColSpan":31,"id":113,"colSpan":30,"colSpanSM":33,"colSpanMD":34,"colSpanLG":35,"borderWidth":6,"borderPosition":6,"borderColor":6,"borderRadius":6,"bgColorOpacity":36,"bgImage":6,"bgImageVisibility":37,"bgImageSize":38,"bgImagePosition":39,"bgImageRepeat":40,"bgImageAttachment":41,"bgImageOpacity":36,"bgImageVisibilitySM":6,"bgImageVisibilityMD":6,"bgImageVisibilityLG":6,"bgImageSizeSM":6,"bgImageSizeMD":6,"bgImageSizeLG":6,"bgImagePositionSM":6,"bgImagePositionMD":6,"bgImagePositionLG":6},"4dd32f91-7eee-4fb0-bf9b-33968c4a16c3",{"name":43,"componentName":44,"group":45,"margin":6,"padding":6,"classes":6,"bgImage":6,"id":115,"originalModel":116},"4ad15626-5af5-4d5e-8c03-26b213fd5db7",{"proseEnabled":48,"content":117,"lineHeightClass":50,"trackingClass":51,"spacingClass":52,"margin":6,"marginSM":6,"marginMD":6,"marginLG":6,"marginTop":6,"marginTopSM":6,"marginTopMD":6,"marginTopLG":6,"marginRight":6,"marginRightSM":6,"marginRightMD":6,"marginRightLG":6,"marginBottom":6,"marginBottomSM":6,"marginBottomMD":6,"marginBottomLG":6,"marginLeft":6,"marginLeftSM":6,"marginLeftMD":6,"marginLeftLG":6,"padding":6,"paddingSM":6,"paddingMD":6,"paddingLG":6},"\u003Carticle>\u003Cheader>\n\u003Ch1>When Is a Professional Legionella Risk Assessor Required?\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\u003Cp>Not every simple property needs a specialist Legionella consultant, but some water systems and premises do need professional input. This guide explains when a guided Legionella risk assessment may be suitable, and when you should use a competent professional Legionella risk assessor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fheader>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Do you always need a professional Legionella risk assessor?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>No. A professional Legionella risk assessor is not always required for every simple property or small premises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE explains that carrying out a Legionella risk assessment is the responsibility of the employer, landlord or person in control of the premises. You may be competent to carry out the assessment yourself, but if not, you should get help and advice from a competent person. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fwhat-you-must-do\u002Fidentify-assess-sources-risk.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read the HSE guidance on identifying and assessing Legionella risk\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This means the key question is not simply “do I need a professional?”, but:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Is the system simple enough, and am I competent enough, to assess it properly?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the answer is yes, a guided assessment may be suitable. If the answer is no, you should use a competent professional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you are assessing a simple property or small workplace, you can use our \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasycompliancetools.com\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\u002F\">online Legionella risk assessment\u003C\u002Fa> to create a structured assessment record.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What does “competent person” mean?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A competent person is someone with enough training, knowledge, experience and authority to help manage the risk properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a simple domestic-style hot and cold water system, competence may be fairly straightforward. For a complex building, stored water system, specialist water system or higher-risk premises, competence may require detailed technical knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE says a competent person should have sufficient authority, competence, necessary skills, knowledge of the system and experience. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fwhat-you-must-do\u002Fmanage-the-risk.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read the HSE guidance on managing Legionella risk\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>When a guided self-assessment may be suitable\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A guided Legionella risk assessment may be suitable where the property is simple, low-risk and the person completing it understands the water system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Examples may include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>A small rented house or flat with a normal domestic hot and cold water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A simple small office\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A small shop or low-risk workplace\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A premises with no cooling towers, spa pools, healthcare use or complex plant\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A property with straightforward pipework and normal hot\u002Fcold water outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A system where hot and cold water temperatures can be checked easily\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A property where showers, little-used outlets and tanks can be reviewed clearly\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>HSE notes that all systems require a risk assessment, but not all systems need elaborate control measures. A simple risk assessment may show the risks are low and being properly managed. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fworkplace-risks.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read the HSE guidance on Legionella risks in the workplace\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>When you should use a professional Legionella risk assessor\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>You should use a professional Legionella risk assessor when the water system, building, occupants or level of uncertainty means a simple guided assessment is not enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sections below explain the main situations where professional input is recommended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>1. You do not understand the water system\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If you cannot identify the basic water system, you should be cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a simple assessment, you should normally be able to understand things like:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>How hot water is produced\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether there is stored hot water\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether there is a cold water storage tank\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether showers or spray outlets are present\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether there are little-used outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether any outlets are difficult to access or inspect\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If you cannot tell what type of system you have, whether storage tanks are present, or whether parts of the system are unused or redundant, a professional assessor may be needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>2. The premises has a complex hot or cold water system\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Some systems are more complex than a normal domestic-style hot and cold water setup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You should consider professional assessment if the property has:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>A large plant room\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A calorifier or large stored hot water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A boosted cold water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A secondary hot water return or circulation loop\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Multiple tanks or large storage volumes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Long pipe runs across a large building\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Multiple floors, wings, zones or remote outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Complicated pipework that cannot be easily traced\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Larger or more complex systems usually require more judgement, better records and a clearer control scheme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE’s technical guidance HSG274 includes detailed guidance for hot and cold water systems and other higher-risk systems. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Fpubns\u002Fbooks\u002Fhsg274.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">See HSE HSG274 technical guidance\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>3. The premises is healthcare, care or supported living\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Healthcare, care and supported living premises can involve more vulnerable people and higher consequences if controls are poor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Use a professional assessor for premises such as:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Care homes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Supported living accommodation\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Healthcare premises\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Dental or clinical premises\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Premises used by people with reduced immunity or health vulnerabilities\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>In these settings, a simple online self-assessment is unlikely to be enough. The assessment may need to consider vulnerable users, clinical risks, more detailed water system controls, monitoring and record keeping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>4. There are spa pools, hot tubs, swimming pools or hydrotherapy pools\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Spa pools, hot tubs, swimming pools and hydrotherapy pools can create aerosols and may present a higher Legionella risk if not properly managed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These systems are not the same as a simple domestic hot and cold water system. They normally need specialist knowledge, maintenance, testing and control procedures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the premises includes any of these systems, you should use a competent professional rather than relying on a simple guided assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>5. There are cooling towers or evaporative condensers\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Cooling towers and evaporative condensers are specialist systems and are among the most recognised sources of Legionella risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE lists cooling towers and evaporative condensers among common sources of Legionella risk in man-made water systems. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fworkplace-risks.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read HSE guidance on common Legionella risk sources\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a site has a cooling tower or evaporative condenser, a simple online assessment is not suitable. A competent professional should be appointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>6. The system stores or recirculates water\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Stored or recirculated water can increase Legionella risk if not controlled properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professional input may be needed where there are:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Large cold water storage tanks\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Calorifiers\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Secondary hot water returns\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Low-use storage tanks\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Oversized storage for the actual level of use\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Parts of the system where water may stagnate\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Simple domestic-style systems may be easier to assess, but large storage and recirculation systems usually need more careful review.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>7. Water temperatures are outside the expected range\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Temperature control is one of the main ways Legionella risk is managed in hot and cold water systems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You should consider professional advice if:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Hot water does not reach at least 50°C at outlets within about 1 minute\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Stored hot water is not kept at 60°C or above where applicable\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Cold water remains above 20°C after running\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Temperatures vary significantly between outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Temperature problems keep recurring\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>You cannot access or confirm the relevant temperature points\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>One failed reading does not automatically mean the whole system is unsafe, but it should be recorded and investigated. Repeated or unexplained temperature issues may need competent review.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can read more in our guide to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasycompliancetools.com\u002Fhub\u002Flegionella-temperature-checks-explained\">Legionella temperature checks\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>8. There are dead legs, redundant pipework or little-used outlets\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Legionella risk increases where water can stagnate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A professional assessor may be needed if there are:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Known dead legs\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Redundant pipework\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Long unused pipe runs\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Little-used bathrooms, showers or outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Empty or partly occupied areas\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Unclear pipe routes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Areas that cannot be safely accessed\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>For simple cases, flushing or removing redundant pipework may be enough. For complex systems, the layout and control measures should be reviewed by someone competent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>9. The premises has vulnerable users\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The people using the premises matter. A system that might be low risk in a simple workplace could be more concerning where vulnerable people are exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professional advice may be sensible where the premises is used by:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Elderly people\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>People with reduced immunity\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>People receiving care or treatment\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Young children\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>People who may be more vulnerable to infection\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If vulnerable users are present and the water system controls are uncertain, a competent professional assessment is usually the safer route.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>10. The building has been vacant or partly unused\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Empty, vacant or partly unused premises can create stagnant water conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This can apply to:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Void rental properties\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Holiday lets between bookings\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Student accommodation outside term time\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Offices or workplaces with reduced occupancy\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Premises closed for refurbishment\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Buildings or areas reopened after long periods of non-use\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>For a simple property, flushing and checking outlets may be manageable. For larger or more complex premises, professional advice may be needed before normal use resumes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>11. You need a written control scheme or ongoing monitoring programme\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If a risk assessment identifies a significant risk, the dutyholder may need a written control scheme and ongoing control measures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE’s review guidance asks whether the assessment identifies significant risk and whether a written control scheme is in place to address those risks. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fwhat-you-must-do\u002Freviewing-what-you-do.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read HSE guidance on reviewing Legionella controls\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professional help may be needed where the control scheme includes:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Routine temperature monitoring\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Tank inspections\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Calorifier checks\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Water sampling\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Cleaning and disinfection\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>System schematics\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Contractor management\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Detailed record keeping\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>12. A third party has requested a professional assessment\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes the need for a professional assessor comes from a third party rather than the water system itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This may include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>A local authority\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>An insurer\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A landlord or managing agent\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A buyer or solicitor\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A commercial client\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>An enforcing authority\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A contractor or facilities management company\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If a third party specifically requires a professional Legionella risk assessment, a guided self-assessment may not meet their requirements, even if the property is simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>13. You are not confident completing the assessment\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>This is the simplest rule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you are not confident identifying the water system, understanding the risks, checking the controls or deciding what actions are needed, you should use a competent professional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A guided tool can help structure the process, but it cannot replace competence where the system or risk is outside your knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What a professional Legionella assessor should check\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A professional Legionella risk assessor should be able to review the water system properly and identify what controls are needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Depending on the premises, this may include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>A description of the water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Identification of risk areas\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Hot and cold water temperature checks\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Inspection of tanks, outlets and pipework where accessible\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Review of showers and aerosol-producing outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Identification of dead legs or little-used outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Review of control measures\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Recommendations for remedial action\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Advice on monitoring and record keeping\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A clear report suitable for the type of premises\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>How to choose a professional Legionella risk assessor\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If you need a professional assessor, do not choose purely on price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ask about:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Relevant Legionella training\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Experience with similar premises\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Knowledge of HSE L8 and HSG274 guidance\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Professional indemnity insurance\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>What the assessment includes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether a site visit is included\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether schematics, photographs or sampling are included\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>How actions and recommendations will be presented\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>How often the assessment should be reviewed\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>HSE’s review guidance also highlights checking the competence of external contractors or consultants, including experience, qualifications, training and membership of relevant organisations or trade bodies. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fwhat-you-must-do\u002Freviewing-what-you-do.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read the HSE review checklist guidance\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>When an online Legionella assessment may still be useful\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Even where a professional assessor is required, a guided assessment can still help you understand what information may be needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For simple properties, an online assessment can help you:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Record the basic property details\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Identify whether the system appears simple or complex\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Record hot and cold water checks\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Note showers, tanks, little-used outlets and pipework concerns\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Create an action plan for simple issues\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Keep a record for review\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>For complex systems, professional advice should take priority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If your property has a simple domestic-style hot and cold water system, you can \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasycompliancetools.com\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\u002F\">start an online Legionella risk assessment here\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Quick checklist: online assessment or professional assessor?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Ch3>A guided online assessment may be suitable if:\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>The property is simple and low risk\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The water system is domestic-style and easy to understand\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There are no specialist water systems\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There are no cooling towers, spa pools or hot tubs\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The premises is not healthcare, care or supported living\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>You can check hot and cold water temperatures\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>You can identify showers and little-used outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>You are confident recording the findings and actions\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch3>Use a professional Legionella assessor if:\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>You do not understand the water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The building has complex plant or large stored water systems\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There is a calorifier, boosted system or secondary return\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The premises is healthcare, care, supported living or clinical\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There is a spa pool, hot tub, swimming pool or hydrotherapy pool\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There is a cooling tower or evaporative condenser\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There are vulnerable users and controls are uncertain\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Temperature readings are repeatedly outside the expected range\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The premises has been vacant or partly unused for a long time\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A third party specifically requires a professional assessment\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>You are not confident completing the assessment yourself\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Final advice\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A Legionella risk assessment should be proportionate to the risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a simple rented property, small workplace or domestic-style hot and cold water system, a guided assessment may be a practical way to record the key checks and actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For complex systems, vulnerable users, specialist water systems or situations outside your knowledge, you should use a competent professional Legionella risk assessor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The safest approach is to match the assessment to the system. Simple system, simple assessment. Complex system, competent professional support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Frequently asked questions\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Ch3>Is a professional Legionella risk assessor legally required?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Not always. HSE says you may be competent to carry out the assessment yourself, but if not, you should get help and advice from a competent person. For simple systems, a guided assessment may be suitable. For complex or higher-risk systems, professional assessment is usually the safer option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Can a landlord do their own Legionella risk assessment?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>In many simple domestic rental properties, a landlord may be able to assess the risk themselves if they are competent to do so. However, if the water system is complex, the landlord is unsure, or the property has higher-risk features, they should get competent professional help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Do small businesses need a professional Legionella assessor?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>A small business with a simple hot and cold water system may not need a professional assessor if the responsible person is competent to complete a suitable assessment. If the premises has complex systems, vulnerable users, stored water, spa pools, cooling towers or uncertainty, professional advice should be used.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Is a Legionella certificate the same as a professional assessment?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Not necessarily. A certificate or report is only as good as the assessment behind it. What matters is whether the risk assessment is suitable for the premises and whether the person completing it is competent for the system being assessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>When is an online Legionella assessment not suitable?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>An online assessment is not suitable for specialist or high-risk systems such as cooling towers, spa pools, healthcare premises, care settings, large complex water systems, or situations where the person completing the assessment does not understand the system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>What should I do if I start an online assessment and realise the system is complex?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Stop and get competent professional advice. A guided assessment can help identify that a system may be outside scope, but it should not be used as a substitute for professional assessment where the risk is complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003C\u002Farticle>",{"id":119,"name":57,"componentName":23,"cols":25,"colsMD":26,"customColSpan":31,"parentAlign":24,"bgImage":6,"inlineStyles":6,"bgColor":6,"group":58,"margin":6,"padding":6,"paddingHorizontal":6,"classes":6,"colSpan":6,"originalModel":120,"bgColorOpacity":36,"bgImageVisibility":37,"bgImageSize":38,"bgImagePosition":39,"bgImageRepeat":40,"bgImageAttachment":41,"bgImageOpacity":36,"bgImageVisibilitySM":6,"bgImageVisibilityMD":6,"bgImageVisibilityLG":6,"bgImageSizeSM":6,"bgImageSizeMD":6,"bgImageSizeLG":6,"bgImagePositionSM":6,"bgImagePositionMD":6,"bgImagePositionLG":6,"borderWidth":6,"borderPosition":6,"borderColor":6,"borderRadius":6,"sticky":31,"stickyTop":53,"stickyDisableSmall":31,"equalHeightRows":31,"fillParentHeight":31,"blockTemplateId":69,"blockTemplateVersion":5,"syncMode":70,"block_scope":71,"blockLabel":72,"blockDescription":6,"previewImageUrl":6},"28217047-839e-4935-a177-8646fcdeda34",[121],[122,124],{"id":123,"colSpan":30,"colSpanSM":33,"colSpanMD":34,"colSpanLG":35,"customColSpan":31,"bgColor":6,"bgColorOpacity":36,"bgImage":6,"bgImageVisibility":37,"bgImageVisibilitySM":6,"bgImageVisibilityMD":6,"bgImageVisibilityLG":6,"bgImageSize":38,"bgImageSizeSM":6,"bgImageSizeMD":6,"bgImageSizeLG":6,"bgImagePosition":39,"bgImagePositionSM":6,"bgImagePositionMD":6,"bgImagePositionLG":6,"bgImageRepeat":40,"bgImageAttachment":41,"bgImageOpacity":36,"borderWidth":6,"borderPosition":6,"borderColor":6,"borderRadius":6,"classes":6},"ead1a9ba-c1f6-47f7-9ae4-dce42c323989",{"id":125,"name":65,"componentName":66,"group":45,"margin":6,"padding":6,"classes":6,"bgImage":6,"originalModel":126},"fbd0efc8-c73a-4cba-b936-094f80fcff96",{"html":68,"wrapperClasses":6,"contentClasses":6},"When Is a Professional Legionella Risk Assessor Required? Not every simple property needs a specialist Legionella consultant, but some water systems and premises do need professional input. This guide explains when a guided Legionella risk assessment may be suitable, and when you should use a competent professional Legionella risk assessor. Do you always need a professional Legionella risk assessor? No. A professional Legionella risk assessor is not always required for every simple property or small premises. HSE explains that carrying out a Legionella risk assessment is the responsibility of the employer, landlord or person in control of the premises. You may be competent to carry out the assessment yourself, but if not, you should get help and advice from a competent person. Read the HSE guidance on identifying and assessing Legionella risk. This means the key question is not simply “do I need a professional?”, but: Is the system simple enough, and am I competent enough, to assess it properly? If the answer is yes, a guided assessment may be suitable. If the answer is no, you should use a competent professional. If you are assessing a simple property or small workplace, you can use our online Legionella risk assessment to create a structured assessment record. What does “competent person” mean? A competent person is someone with enough training, knowledge, experience and authority to help manage the risk properly. For a simple domestic-style hot and cold water system, competence may be fairly straightforward. For a complex building, stored water system, specialist water system or higher-risk premises, competence may require detailed technical knowledge. HSE says a competent person should have sufficient authority, competence, necessary skills, knowledge of the system and experience. Read the HSE guidance on managing Legionella risk. When a guided self-assessment may be suitable A guided Legionella risk assessment may be suitable where the property is simple, low-risk and the person completing it understands the water system. Examples may include: A small rented house or flat with a normal domestic hot and cold water system A simple small office A small shop or low-risk workplace A premises with no cooling towers, spa pools, healthcare use or complex plant A property with straightforward pipework and normal hot\u002Fcold water outlets A system where hot and cold water temperatures can be checked easily A property where showers, little-used outlets and tanks can be reviewed clearly HSE notes that all systems require a risk assessment, but not all systems need elaborate control measures. A simple risk assessment may show the risks are low and being properly managed. Read the HSE guidance on Legionella risks in the workplace. When you should use a professional Legionella risk assessor You should use a professional Legionella risk assessor when the water system, building, occupants or level of uncertainty means a simple guided assessment is not enough. The sections below explain the main situations where professional input is recommended. 1. You do not understand the water system If you cannot identify the basic water system, you should be cautious. For a simple assessment, you should normally be able to understand things like: How hot water is produced Whether there is stored hot water Whether there is a cold water storage tank Whether showers or spray outlets are present Whether there are little-used outlets Whether any outlets are difficult to access or inspect If you cannot tell what type of system you have, whether storage tanks are present, or whether parts of the system are unused or redundant, a professional assessor may be needed. 2. The premises has a complex hot or cold water system Some systems are more complex than a normal domestic-style hot and cold water setup. You should consider professional assessment if the property has: A large plant room A calorifier or large stored hot water system A boosted cold water system A secondary hot water return or circulation loop Multiple tanks or large storage volumes Long pipe runs across a large building Multiple floors, wings, zones or remote outlets Complicated pipework that cannot be easily traced Larger or more complex systems usually require more judgement, better records and a clearer control scheme. HSE’s technical guidance HSG274 includes detailed guidance for hot and cold water systems and other higher-risk systems. See HSE HSG274 technical guidance. 3. The premises is healthcare, care or supported living Healthcare, care and supported living premises can involve more vulnerable people and higher consequences if controls are poor. Use a professional assessor for premises such as: Care homes Supported living accommodation Healthcare premises Dental or clinical premises Premises used by people with reduced immunity or health vulnerabilities In these settings, a simple online self-assessment is unlikely to be enough. The assessment may need to consider vulnerable users, clinical risks, more detailed water system controls, monitoring and record keeping. 4. There are spa pools, hot tubs, swimming pools or hydrotherapy pools Spa pools, hot tubs, swimming pools and hydrotherapy pools can create aerosols and may present a higher Legionella risk if not properly managed. These systems are not the same as a simple domestic hot and cold water system. They normally need specialist knowledge, maintenance, testing and control procedures. If the premises includes any of these systems, you should use a competent professional rather than relying on a simple guided assessment. 5. There are cooling towers or evaporative condensers Cooling towers and evaporative condensers are specialist systems and are among the most recognised sources of Legionella risk. HSE lists cooling towers and evaporative condensers among common sources of Legionella risk in man-made water systems. Read HSE guidance on common Legionella risk sources. If a site has a cooling tower or evaporative condenser, a simple online assessment is not suitable. A competent professional should be appointed. 6. The system stores or recirculates water Stored or recirculated water can increase Legionella risk if not controlled properly. Professional input may be needed where there are: Large cold water storage tanks Calorifiers Secondary hot water returns Low-use storage tanks Oversized storage for the actual level of use Parts of the system where water may stagnate Simple domestic-style systems may be easier to assess, but large storage and recirculation systems usually need more careful review. 7. Water temperatures are outside the expected range Temperature control is one of the main ways Legionella risk is managed in hot and cold water systems. You should consider professional advice if: Hot water does not reach at least 50°C at outlets within about 1 minute Stored hot water is not kept at 60°C or above where applicable Cold water remains above 20°C after running Temperatures vary significantly between outlets Temperature problems keep recurring You cannot access or confirm the relevant temperature points One failed reading does not automatically mean the whole system is unsafe, but it should be recorded and investigated. Repeated or unexplained temperature issues may need competent review. You can read more in our guide to Legionella temperature checks. 8. There are dead legs, redundant pipework or little-used outlets Legionella risk increases where water can stagnate. A professional assessor may be needed if there are: Known dead legs Redundant pipework Long unused pipe runs Little-used bathrooms, showers or outlets Empty or partly occupied areas Unclear pipe routes Areas that cannot be safely accessed For simple cases, flushing or removing redundant pipework may be enough. For complex systems, the layout and control measures should be reviewed by someone competent. 9. The premises has vulnerable users The people using the premises matter. A system that might be low risk in a simple workplace could be more concerning where vulnerable people are exposed. Professional advice may be sensible where the premises is used by: Elderly people People with reduced immunity People receiving care or treatment Young children People who may be more vulnerable to infection If vulnerable users are present and the water system controls are uncertain, a competent professional assessment is usually the safer route. 10. The building has been vacant or partly unused Empty, vacant or partly unused premises can create stagnant water conditions. This can apply to: Void rental properties Holiday lets between bookings Student accommodation outside term time Offices or workplaces with reduced occupancy Premises closed for refurbishment Buildings or areas reopened after long periods of non-use For a simple property, flushing and checking outlets may be manageable. For larger or more complex premises, professional advice may be needed before normal use resumes. 11. You need a written control scheme or ongoing monitoring programme If a risk assessment identifies a significant risk, the dutyholder may need a written control scheme and ongoing control measures. HSE’s review guidance asks whether the assessment identifies significant risk and whether a written control scheme is in place to address those risks. Read HSE guidance on reviewing Legionella controls. Professional help may be needed where the control scheme includes: Routine temperature monitoring Tank inspections Calorifier checks Water sampling Cleaning and disinfection System schematics Contractor management Detailed record keeping 12. A third party has requested a professional assessment Sometimes the need for a professional assessor comes from a third party rather than the water system itself. This may include: A local authority An insurer A landlord or managing agent A buyer or solicitor A commercial client An enforcing authority A contractor or facilities management company If a third party specifically requires a professional Legionella risk assessment, a guided self-assessment may not meet their requirements, even if the property is simple. 13. You are not confident completing the assessment This is the simplest rule. If you are not confident identifying the water system, understanding the risks, checking the controls or deciding what actions are needed, you should use a competent professional. A guided tool can help structure the process, but it cannot replace competence where the system or risk is outside your knowledge. What a professional Legionella assessor should check A professional Legionella risk assessor should be able to review the water system properly and identify what controls are needed. Depending on the premises, this may include: A description of the water system Identification of risk areas Hot and cold water temperature checks Inspection of tanks, outlets and pipework where accessible Review of showers and aerosol-producing outlets Identification of dead legs or little-used outlets Review of control measures Recommendations for remedial action Advice on monitoring and record keeping A clear report suitable for the type of premises How to choose a professional Legionella risk assessor If you need a professional assessor, do not choose purely on price. Ask about: Relevant Legionella training Experience with similar premises Knowledge of HSE L8 and HSG274 guidance Professional indemnity insurance What the assessment includes Whether a site visit is included Whether schematics, photographs or sampling are included How actions and recommendations will be presented How often the assessment should be reviewed HSE’s review guidance also highlights checking the competence of external contractors or consultants, including experience, qualifications, training and membership of relevant organisations or trade bodies. Read the HSE review checklist guidance. When an online Legionella assessment may still be useful Even where a professional assessor is required, a guided assessment can still help you understand what information may be needed. For simple properties, an online assessment can help you: Record the basic property details Identify whether the system appears simple or complex Record hot and cold water checks Note showers, tanks, little-used outlets and pipework concerns Create an action plan for simple issues Keep a record for review For complex systems, professional advice should take priority. If your property has a simple domestic-style hot and cold water system, you can start an online Legionella risk assessment here. Quick checklist: online assessment or professional assessor? A guided online assessment may be suitable if: The property is simple and low risk The water system is domestic-style and easy to understand There are no specialist water systems There are no cooling towers, spa pools or hot tubs The premises is not healthcare, care or supported living You can check hot and cold water temperatures You can identify showers and little-used outlets You are confident recording the findings and actions Use a professional Legionella assessor if: You do not understand the water system The building has complex plant or large stored water systems There is a calorifier, boosted system or secondary return The premises is healthcare, care, supported living or clinical There is a spa pool, hot tub, swimming pool or hydrotherapy pool There is a cooling tower or evaporative condenser There are vulnerable users and controls are uncertain Temperature readings are repeatedly outside the expected range The premises has been vacant or partly unused for a long time A third party specifically requires a professional assessment You are not confident completing the assessment yourself Final advice A Legionella risk assessment should be proportionate to the risk. For a simple rented property, small workplace or domestic-style hot and cold water system, a guided assessment may be a practical way to record the key checks and actions. For complex systems, vulnerable users, specialist water systems or situations outside your knowledge, you should use a competent professional Legionella risk assessor. The safest approach is to match the assessment to the system. Simple system, simple assessment. Complex system, competent professional support. Frequently asked questions Is a professional Legionella risk assessor legally required? Not always. HSE says you may be competent to carry out the assessment yourself, but if not, you should get help and advice from a competent person. For simple systems, a guided assessment may be suitable. For complex or higher-risk systems, professional assessment is usually the safer option. Can a landlord do their own Legionella risk assessment? In many simple domestic rental properties, a landlord may be able to assess the risk themselves if they are competent to do so. However, if the water system is complex, the landlord is unsure, or the property has higher-risk features, they should get competent professional help. Do small businesses need a professional Legionella assessor? A small business with a simple hot and cold water system may not need a professional assessor if the responsible person is competent to complete a suitable assessment. If the premises has complex systems, vulnerable users, stored water, spa pools, cooling towers or uncertainty, professional advice should be used. Is a Legionella certificate the same as a professional assessment? Not necessarily. A certificate or report is only as good as the assessment behind it. What matters is whether the risk assessment is suitable for the premises and whether the person completing it is competent for the system being assessed. When is an online Legionella assessment not suitable? An online assessment is not suitable for specialist or high-risk systems such as cooling towers, spa pools, healthcare premises, care settings, large complex water systems, or situations where the person completing the assessment does not understand the system. What should I do if I start an online assessment and realise the system is complex? Stop and get competent professional advice. A guided assessment can help identify that a system may be outside scope, but it should not be used as a substitute for professional assessment where the risk is complex. Get your Legionella report in minutes Join the landlords and businesses who've swapped paperwork and call-outs for a fast, professional report they can rely on. Start your assessment — from £8.99 ~3-minute workflow Instant professional PDF Secure cloud storage Built around HSE L8 & HSG274","\u003Carticle>\u003Cheader>\n\u003Ch1>When Is a Professional Legionella Risk Assessor Required?\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\u003Cp>Not every simple property needs a specialist Legionella consultant, but some water systems and premises do need professional input. This guide explains when a guided Legionella risk assessment may be suitable, and when you should use a competent professional Legionella risk assessor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fheader>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Do you always need a professional Legionella risk assessor?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>No. A professional Legionella risk assessor is not always required for every simple property or small premises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE explains that carrying out a Legionella risk assessment is the responsibility of the employer, landlord or person in control of the premises. You may be competent to carry out the assessment yourself, but if not, you should get help and advice from a competent person. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fwhat-you-must-do\u002Fidentify-assess-sources-risk.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read the HSE guidance on identifying and assessing Legionella risk\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This means the key question is not simply “do I need a professional?”, but:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Is the system simple enough, and am I competent enough, to assess it properly?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the answer is yes, a guided assessment may be suitable. If the answer is no, you should use a competent professional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you are assessing a simple property or small workplace, you can use our \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasycompliancetools.com\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\u002F\">online Legionella risk assessment\u003C\u002Fa> to create a structured assessment record.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What does “competent person” mean?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A competent person is someone with enough training, knowledge, experience and authority to help manage the risk properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a simple domestic-style hot and cold water system, competence may be fairly straightforward. For a complex building, stored water system, specialist water system or higher-risk premises, competence may require detailed technical knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE says a competent person should have sufficient authority, competence, necessary skills, knowledge of the system and experience. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fwhat-you-must-do\u002Fmanage-the-risk.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read the HSE guidance on managing Legionella risk\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>When a guided self-assessment may be suitable\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A guided Legionella risk assessment may be suitable where the property is simple, low-risk and the person completing it understands the water system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Examples may include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>A small rented house or flat with a normal domestic hot and cold water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A simple small office\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A small shop or low-risk workplace\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A premises with no cooling towers, spa pools, healthcare use or complex plant\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A property with straightforward pipework and normal hot\u002Fcold water outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A system where hot and cold water temperatures can be checked easily\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A property where showers, little-used outlets and tanks can be reviewed clearly\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>HSE notes that all systems require a risk assessment, but not all systems need elaborate control measures. A simple risk assessment may show the risks are low and being properly managed. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fworkplace-risks.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read the HSE guidance on Legionella risks in the workplace\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>When you should use a professional Legionella risk assessor\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>You should use a professional Legionella risk assessor when the water system, building, occupants or level of uncertainty means a simple guided assessment is not enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sections below explain the main situations where professional input is recommended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>1. You do not understand the water system\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If you cannot identify the basic water system, you should be cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a simple assessment, you should normally be able to understand things like:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>How hot water is produced\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether there is stored hot water\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether there is a cold water storage tank\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether showers or spray outlets are present\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether there are little-used outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether any outlets are difficult to access or inspect\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If you cannot tell what type of system you have, whether storage tanks are present, or whether parts of the system are unused or redundant, a professional assessor may be needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>2. The premises has a complex hot or cold water system\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Some systems are more complex than a normal domestic-style hot and cold water setup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You should consider professional assessment if the property has:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>A large plant room\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A calorifier or large stored hot water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A boosted cold water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A secondary hot water return or circulation loop\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Multiple tanks or large storage volumes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Long pipe runs across a large building\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Multiple floors, wings, zones or remote outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Complicated pipework that cannot be easily traced\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Larger or more complex systems usually require more judgement, better records and a clearer control scheme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE’s technical guidance HSG274 includes detailed guidance for hot and cold water systems and other higher-risk systems. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Fpubns\u002Fbooks\u002Fhsg274.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">See HSE HSG274 technical guidance\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>3. The premises is healthcare, care or supported living\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Healthcare, care and supported living premises can involve more vulnerable people and higher consequences if controls are poor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Use a professional assessor for premises such as:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Care homes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Supported living accommodation\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Healthcare premises\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Dental or clinical premises\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Premises used by people with reduced immunity or health vulnerabilities\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>In these settings, a simple online self-assessment is unlikely to be enough. The assessment may need to consider vulnerable users, clinical risks, more detailed water system controls, monitoring and record keeping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>4. There are spa pools, hot tubs, swimming pools or hydrotherapy pools\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Spa pools, hot tubs, swimming pools and hydrotherapy pools can create aerosols and may present a higher Legionella risk if not properly managed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These systems are not the same as a simple domestic hot and cold water system. They normally need specialist knowledge, maintenance, testing and control procedures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the premises includes any of these systems, you should use a competent professional rather than relying on a simple guided assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>5. There are cooling towers or evaporative condensers\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Cooling towers and evaporative condensers are specialist systems and are among the most recognised sources of Legionella risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE lists cooling towers and evaporative condensers among common sources of Legionella risk in man-made water systems. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fworkplace-risks.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read HSE guidance on common Legionella risk sources\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a site has a cooling tower or evaporative condenser, a simple online assessment is not suitable. A competent professional should be appointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>6. The system stores or recirculates water\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Stored or recirculated water can increase Legionella risk if not controlled properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professional input may be needed where there are:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Large cold water storage tanks\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Calorifiers\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Secondary hot water returns\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Low-use storage tanks\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Oversized storage for the actual level of use\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Parts of the system where water may stagnate\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Simple domestic-style systems may be easier to assess, but large storage and recirculation systems usually need more careful review.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>7. Water temperatures are outside the expected range\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Temperature control is one of the main ways Legionella risk is managed in hot and cold water systems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You should consider professional advice if:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Hot water does not reach at least 50°C at outlets within about 1 minute\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Stored hot water is not kept at 60°C or above where applicable\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Cold water remains above 20°C after running\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Temperatures vary significantly between outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Temperature problems keep recurring\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>You cannot access or confirm the relevant temperature points\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>One failed reading does not automatically mean the whole system is unsafe, but it should be recorded and investigated. Repeated or unexplained temperature issues may need competent review.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can read more in our guide to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasycompliancetools.com\u002Fhub\u002Flegionella-temperature-checks-explained\">Legionella temperature checks\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>8. There are dead legs, redundant pipework or little-used outlets\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Legionella risk increases where water can stagnate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A professional assessor may be needed if there are:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Known dead legs\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Redundant pipework\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Long unused pipe runs\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Little-used bathrooms, showers or outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Empty or partly occupied areas\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Unclear pipe routes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Areas that cannot be safely accessed\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>For simple cases, flushing or removing redundant pipework may be enough. For complex systems, the layout and control measures should be reviewed by someone competent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>9. The premises has vulnerable users\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The people using the premises matter. A system that might be low risk in a simple workplace could be more concerning where vulnerable people are exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professional advice may be sensible where the premises is used by:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Elderly people\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>People with reduced immunity\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>People receiving care or treatment\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Young children\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>People who may be more vulnerable to infection\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If vulnerable users are present and the water system controls are uncertain, a competent professional assessment is usually the safer route.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>10. The building has been vacant or partly unused\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Empty, vacant or partly unused premises can create stagnant water conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This can apply to:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Void rental properties\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Holiday lets between bookings\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Student accommodation outside term time\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Offices or workplaces with reduced occupancy\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Premises closed for refurbishment\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Buildings or areas reopened after long periods of non-use\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>For a simple property, flushing and checking outlets may be manageable. For larger or more complex premises, professional advice may be needed before normal use resumes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>11. You need a written control scheme or ongoing monitoring programme\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If a risk assessment identifies a significant risk, the dutyholder may need a written control scheme and ongoing control measures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE’s review guidance asks whether the assessment identifies significant risk and whether a written control scheme is in place to address those risks. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fwhat-you-must-do\u002Freviewing-what-you-do.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read HSE guidance on reviewing Legionella controls\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professional help may be needed where the control scheme includes:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Routine temperature monitoring\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Tank inspections\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Calorifier checks\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Water sampling\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Cleaning and disinfection\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>System schematics\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Contractor management\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Detailed record keeping\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>12. A third party has requested a professional assessment\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes the need for a professional assessor comes from a third party rather than the water system itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This may include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>A local authority\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>An insurer\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A landlord or managing agent\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A buyer or solicitor\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A commercial client\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>An enforcing authority\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A contractor or facilities management company\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If a third party specifically requires a professional Legionella risk assessment, a guided self-assessment may not meet their requirements, even if the property is simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>13. You are not confident completing the assessment\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>This is the simplest rule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you are not confident identifying the water system, understanding the risks, checking the controls or deciding what actions are needed, you should use a competent professional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A guided tool can help structure the process, but it cannot replace competence where the system or risk is outside your knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What a professional Legionella assessor should check\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A professional Legionella risk assessor should be able to review the water system properly and identify what controls are needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Depending on the premises, this may include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>A description of the water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Identification of risk areas\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Hot and cold water temperature checks\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Inspection of tanks, outlets and pipework where accessible\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Review of showers and aerosol-producing outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Identification of dead legs or little-used outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Review of control measures\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Recommendations for remedial action\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Advice on monitoring and record keeping\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A clear report suitable for the type of premises\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>How to choose a professional Legionella risk assessor\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If you need a professional assessor, do not choose purely on price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ask about:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Relevant Legionella training\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Experience with similar premises\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Knowledge of HSE L8 and HSG274 guidance\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Professional indemnity insurance\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>What the assessment includes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether a site visit is included\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether schematics, photographs or sampling are included\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>How actions and recommendations will be presented\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>How often the assessment should be reviewed\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>HSE’s review guidance also highlights checking the competence of external contractors or consultants, including experience, qualifications, training and membership of relevant organisations or trade bodies. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fwhat-you-must-do\u002Freviewing-what-you-do.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read the HSE review checklist guidance\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>When an online Legionella assessment may still be useful\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Even where a professional assessor is required, a guided assessment can still help you understand what information may be needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For simple properties, an online assessment can help you:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Record the basic property details\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Identify whether the system appears simple or complex\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Record hot and cold water checks\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Note showers, tanks, little-used outlets and pipework concerns\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Create an action plan for simple issues\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Keep a record for review\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>For complex systems, professional advice should take priority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If your property has a simple domestic-style hot and cold water system, you can \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasycompliancetools.com\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\u002F\">start an online Legionella risk assessment here\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Quick checklist: online assessment or professional assessor?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Ch3>A guided online assessment may be suitable if:\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>The property is simple and low risk\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The water system is domestic-style and easy to understand\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There are no specialist water systems\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There are no cooling towers, spa pools or hot tubs\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The premises is not healthcare, care or supported living\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>You can check hot and cold water temperatures\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>You can identify showers and little-used outlets\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>You are confident recording the findings and actions\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch3>Use a professional Legionella assessor if:\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>You do not understand the water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The building has complex plant or large stored water systems\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There is a calorifier, boosted system or secondary return\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The premises is healthcare, care, supported living or clinical\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There is a spa pool, hot tub, swimming pool or hydrotherapy pool\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There is a cooling tower or evaporative condenser\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There are vulnerable users and controls are uncertain\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Temperature readings are repeatedly outside the expected range\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The premises has been vacant or partly unused for a long time\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A third party specifically requires a professional assessment\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>You are not confident completing the assessment yourself\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Final advice\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A Legionella risk assessment should be proportionate to the risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a simple rented property, small workplace or domestic-style hot and cold water system, a guided assessment may be a practical way to record the key checks and actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For complex systems, vulnerable users, specialist water systems or situations outside your knowledge, you should use a competent professional Legionella risk assessor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The safest approach is to match the assessment to the system. Simple system, simple assessment. Complex system, competent professional support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Frequently asked questions\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Ch3>Is a professional Legionella risk assessor legally required?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Not always. HSE says you may be competent to carry out the assessment yourself, but if not, you should get help and advice from a competent person. For simple systems, a guided assessment may be suitable. For complex or higher-risk systems, professional assessment is usually the safer option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Can a landlord do their own Legionella risk assessment?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>In many simple domestic rental properties, a landlord may be able to assess the risk themselves if they are competent to do so. However, if the water system is complex, the landlord is unsure, or the property has higher-risk features, they should get competent professional help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Do small businesses need a professional Legionella assessor?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>A small business with a simple hot and cold water system may not need a professional assessor if the responsible person is competent to complete a suitable assessment. If the premises has complex systems, vulnerable users, stored water, spa pools, cooling towers or uncertainty, professional advice should be used.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Is a Legionella certificate the same as a professional assessment?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Not necessarily. A certificate or report is only as good as the assessment behind it. What matters is whether the risk assessment is suitable for the premises and whether the person completing it is competent for the system being assessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>When is an online Legionella assessment not suitable?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>An online assessment is not suitable for specialist or high-risk systems such as cooling towers, spa pools, healthcare premises, care settings, large complex water systems, or situations where the person completing the assessment does not understand the system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>What should I do if I start an online assessment and realise the system is complex?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Stop and get competent professional advice. A guided assessment can help identify that a system may be outside scope, but it should not be used as a substitute for professional assessment where the risk is complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003C\u002Farticle>\n\u003Cbr>\u003Csection class=\"relative overflow-hidden bg-gradient-to-br from-cyan-900 via-teal-800 to-teal-600 py-16 text-white md:py-24\" aria-labelledby=\"final-heading\">\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"hero-glow pointer-events-none absolute inset-0\">\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"relative mx-auto max-w-3xl px-5 text-center\">\n    \u003Ch2 id=\"final-heading\" class=\"font-heading text-3xl font-bold sm:text-4xl\">Get your Legionella report in minutes\u003C\u002Fh2>\n    \u003Cp class=\"mx-auto mt-4 max-w-xl text-lg text-teal-50\">Join the landlords and businesses who've swapped paperwork and call-outs for a fast, professional report they can rely on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"mt-8\">\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasycompliancetools.com\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\u002Fstart\" class=\"btn-primary animate-pulse-cta inline-flex items-center gap-2 rounded-md px-9 py-4 text-lg font-bold shadow-lg transition hover:-translate-y-0.5\" draggable=\"false\">\n        Start your assessment — from £8.99\n        \u003Csvg class=\"h-5 w-5\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\u003Cpath stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M5 12h14M13 6l6 6-6 6\">\u003C\u002Fpath>\u003C\u002Fsvg>\n      \u003C\u002Fa>\n    \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n    \u003Cul class=\"mx-auto mt-10 flex max-w-2xl flex-wrap items-center justify-center gap-x-8 gap-y-3 text-sm font-medium text-teal-50\">\n      \u003Cli class=\"flex items-center gap-2\">\u003Csvg class=\"h-4 w-4 text-teal-200\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\u003Cpath stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\">\u003C\u002Fpath>\u003C\u002Fsvg> ~3-minute workflow\u003C\u002Fli>\n      \u003Cli class=\"flex items-center gap-2\">\u003Csvg class=\"h-4 w-4 text-teal-200\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\u003Cpath stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M5 13l4 4L19 7\">\u003C\u002Fpath>\u003C\u002Fsvg> Instant professional PDF\u003C\u002Fli>\n      \u003Cli class=\"flex items-center gap-2\">\u003Csvg class=\"h-4 w-4 text-teal-200\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\u003Cpath stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M12 15v2m-6 4h12a2 2 0 002-2v-6a2 2 0 00-2-2H6a2 2 0 00-2 2v6a2 2 0 002 2zM8 11V7a4 4 0 118 0v4\">\u003C\u002Fpath>\u003C\u002Fsvg> Secure cloud storage\u003C\u002Fli>\n      \u003Cli class=\"flex items-center gap-2\">\u003Csvg class=\"h-4 w-4 text-teal-200\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\">\u003Cpath stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M5 13l4 4L19 7\">\u003C\u002Fpath>\u003C\u002Fsvg> Built around HSE L8 & HSG274\u003C\u002Fli>\n    \u003C\u002Ful>\n  \u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>","14-07-2026","2026-07-14T16:45:16.000000Z","2026-07-14T19:50:18.000000Z",{"hide_featured_image_on_page":31},[134],{"id":5,"parent_id":6,"slug":7,"title":8,"created_at":9,"updated_at":10,"meta_title":6,"meta_description":6,"label":8,"pivot":135},{"post_id":103,"category_id":5},[137,142,147,153],{"id":5,"slug":138,"title":139,"created_at":140,"updated_at":140,"pivot":141},"legionella-risk-assessment","Legionella Risk Assessment","2025-10-17T13:02:58.000000Z",{"post_id":103,"tag_id":5},{"id":103,"slug":143,"title":144,"created_at":145,"updated_at":145,"pivot":146},"legionella-risk-assessment-guide","Legionella risk assessment guide","2026-07-14T16:44:29.000000Z",{"post_id":103,"tag_id":103},{"id":148,"slug":149,"title":150,"created_at":151,"updated_at":151,"pivot":152},13,"legionella-compliance","Legionella compliance","2026-07-14T16:44:40.000000Z",{"post_id":103,"tag_id":148},{"id":154,"slug":155,"title":156,"created_at":157,"updated_at":157,"pivot":158},14,"professional-legionella-risk-assessor","Professional legionella risk assessor","2026-07-14T16:45:13.000000Z",{"post_id":103,"tag_id":154},{"category_id":5,"post_id":103},{"id":161,"user_id":5,"slug":162,"full_url":163,"title":164,"excerpt":165,"featured_image":6,"featured_image_alt":6,"data_model":166,"text_content_only":176,"html_content_only":177,"publish_date":129,"is_template":31,"created_at":178,"updated_at":179,"settings":180,"categories":181,"tags":184,"pivot":214},11,"legionella-temperature-checks-explained","\u002Fhub\u002Flegionella-temperature-checks-explained","Legionella Temperature Checks Explained: Hot Water, Cold Water and What to Record","Temperature checks are one of the simplest ways to understand whether a hot and cold water system is being controlled properly. This guide explains the common Legionella temperature checks, what the 50°C, 60°C and 20°C figures mean, and what you should record during a basic Legionella risk assessment.",[167],{"name":21,"id":22,"componentName":23,"bgImage":6,"bgColor":6,"margin":6,"parentAlign":24,"padding":6,"classes":6,"colSpan":6,"cols":25,"colsMD":26,"originalModel":168,"bgColorOpacity":36,"bgImageVisibility":37,"bgImageSize":38,"bgImagePosition":39,"bgImageRepeat":40,"bgImageAttachment":41,"bgImageOpacity":36,"bgImageVisibilitySM":6,"bgImageVisibilityMD":6,"bgImageVisibilityLG":6,"bgImageSizeSM":6,"bgImageSizeMD":6,"bgImageSizeLG":6,"bgImagePositionSM":6,"bgImagePositionMD":6,"bgImagePositionLG":6,"borderWidth":6,"borderPosition":6,"borderColor":6,"borderRadius":6,"sticky":31,"stickyTop":53,"stickyDisableSmall":31,"equalHeightRows":31,"fillParentHeight":31,"containerWidth":54},[169],[170,172],{"classes":30,"customColSpan":31,"id":171,"colSpan":30,"colSpanSM":33,"colSpanMD":34,"colSpanLG":35,"borderWidth":6,"borderPosition":6,"borderColor":6,"borderRadius":6,"bgColorOpacity":36,"bgImage":6,"bgImageVisibility":37,"bgImageSize":38,"bgImagePosition":39,"bgImageRepeat":40,"bgImageAttachment":41,"bgImageOpacity":36,"bgImageVisibilitySM":6,"bgImageVisibilityMD":6,"bgImageVisibilityLG":6,"bgImageSizeSM":6,"bgImageSizeMD":6,"bgImageSizeLG":6,"bgImagePositionSM":6,"bgImagePositionMD":6,"bgImagePositionLG":6},"815e36f5-1b31-4f1d-8b32-fa80797ea96e",{"name":43,"componentName":44,"group":45,"margin":6,"padding":6,"classes":6,"bgImage":6,"id":173,"originalModel":174},"74137973-b920-4c12-b557-2d791e8a7d8a",{"proseEnabled":48,"content":175,"lineHeightClass":50,"trackingClass":51,"spacingClass":52,"margin":6,"marginSM":6,"marginMD":6,"marginLG":6,"marginTop":6,"marginTopSM":6,"marginTopMD":6,"marginTopLG":6,"marginRight":6,"marginRightSM":6,"marginRightMD":6,"marginRightLG":6,"marginBottom":6,"marginBottomSM":6,"marginBottomMD":6,"marginBottomLG":6,"marginLeft":6,"marginLeftSM":6,"marginLeftMD":6,"marginLeftLG":6,"padding":6,"paddingSM":6,"paddingMD":6,"paddingLG":6},"\u003Carticle>\u003Cheader>\n\u003Ch1>Legionella Temperature Checks Explained: Hot Water, Cold Water and What to Record\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\u003Cp>Temperature checks are one of the simplest ways to understand whether a hot and cold water system is being controlled properly. This guide explains the common Legionella temperature checks, what the 50°C, 60°C and 20°C figures mean, and what you should record during a basic Legionella risk assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fheader>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Why temperature checks matter in a Legionella assessment\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Legionella bacteria can grow in water systems where conditions allow it. Temperature is one of the main control measures used in ordinary hot and cold water systems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In simple terms, hot water should be hot enough to control bacterial growth, and cold water should be kept cold enough to reduce the chance of bacteria multiplying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Temperature checks are therefore a useful part of a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasycompliancetools.com\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\u002F\">Legionella risk assessment\u003C\u002Fa>, especially for landlords, small businesses and simple workplace premises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>The key Legionella temperature figures\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The most common figures you will see in Legionella guidance are:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>60°C\u003C\u002Fstrong> — stored hot water should normally be kept at 60°C or above.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>50°C within 1 minute\u003C\u002Fstrong> — hot water should reach at least 50°C at outlets within about one minute.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>20°C or below\u003C\u002Fstrong> — cold water should be kept below 20°C where possible.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>HSE guidance on hot and cold water systems explains that hot water should be stored at least at 60°C and distributed so it reaches 50°C within 1 minute at outlets. Cold water systems should be maintained, where possible, below 20°C. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fhot-and-cold.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read the HSE hot and cold water systems guidance\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Hot water: what does “50°C within 1 minute” mean?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>This check is about whether hot water reaches the expected temperature at the tap or outlet within a reasonable time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To check it, run a hot tap and measure the water temperature once the water has warmed through. In most standard systems, the hot water should reach at least 50°C within about 1 minute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A basic digital thermometer can be used for this. You do not usually need specialist equipment for a simple check, although more complex premises may need a competent professional to inspect and record the system properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the hot water does not reach 50°C within about 1 minute, this should be recorded and investigated. It may indicate that the hot water temperature is too low, the outlet is too far from the heat source, or there is another issue with the system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Stored hot water: why does 60°C matter?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If the property has stored hot water, such as a cylinder or calorifier, the stored water should normally be kept at 60°C or above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is different from checking the water at a tap. A cylinder may be set to store water at 60°C, while the outlet temperature is checked separately to confirm hot water reaches the taps properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some simple properties, such as those with a combi boiler, may not have a stored hot water cylinder. In those cases, this part of the assessment may not apply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Cold water: what does “20°C or below” mean?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Cold water should normally run cool after a short time. The common check is whether cold water reaches 20°C or below within about 2 minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To check it, run a cold tap and measure the temperature after the water has run for a short time. If the cold water remains warm or tepid, this should be recorded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Warm cold water can be a concern because Legionella bacteria are more likely to grow where water is warm, stagnant or poorly controlled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Which tap should you check?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>For a simple property, it is sensible to check outlets that give a useful indication of the system. This may include taps that are furthest from the boiler, cylinder or incoming cold water supply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In larger or more complex buildings, temperature checks may need to be based on sentinel outlets and a proper monitoring schedule. If you are unsure how to select outlets in a complex system, you should use a competent professional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE explains that larger buildings with more complex hot and cold water systems should consider the more detailed technical guidance. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Fpubns\u002Fbooks\u002Fhsg274.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">See HSE HSG274 technical guidance\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Do you need a specialist thermometer?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>For a basic check in a simple property, a digital thermometer is usually enough to record a practical temperature reading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The important thing is to record the result clearly, including:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Which outlet was checked\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether it was hot or cold water\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The temperature reading\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>How long the tap had been running\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The date of the check\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Any issue found\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If the property is complex, has a stored water system, has vulnerable users, or has unusual pipework, a professional assessment may be more appropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What should you record in a Legionella risk assessment?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A good Legionella assessment should record more than just the final answer. It should explain what was checked and whether anything needs attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For temperature checks, record:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Whether hot water reaches at least 50°C within about 1 minute\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether cold water reaches 20°C or below within about 2 minutes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether stored hot water is kept at 60°C or above, where applicable\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Any outlets that failed to reach the expected temperature\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Any limitations, such as areas that could not be accessed\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Any follow-up action needed\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Our \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasycompliancetools.com\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\u002F\">online Legionella risk assessment\u003C\u002Fa> guides you through these checks and records the answers in a structured report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What if the hot water does not reach 50°C?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If the hot water does not reach 50°C within about 1 minute, record the result and investigate why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Possible reasons include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>The boiler or cylinder temperature is set too low\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The outlet is a long way from the hot water source\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Pipework is poorly insulated\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The outlet is little used\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There is a problem with the hot water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A thermostatic mixing valve may be affecting the outlet temperature\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If you are not sure why the reading is low, or if the system is complex, get competent advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What if the cold water is above 20°C?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If cold water remains above 20°C after running the tap, record it as an issue to review.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Possible causes include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Cold pipes running close to hot pipes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Poor insulation\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Warm storage areas, lofts or cupboards\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Stagnant water in little-used pipework\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A cold water storage tank becoming too warm\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>The right action depends on the property and the water system. In some cases, improving insulation, removing redundant pipework, flushing little-used outlets or reviewing storage arrangements may be needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Temperature checks are not the whole assessment\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Temperature is important, but it is only one part of a Legionella risk assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A complete assessment should also consider:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Whether there is a cold water storage tank\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether there are dead legs or redundant pipework\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether showers or spray outlets are present\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether outlets are rarely used\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether showers are cleaned and descaled\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether occupants know what to do after periods of non-use\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether there are any vulnerable users\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether the system is simple or more complex\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>HSE explains that employers and those in control of premises must assess and manage sources of Legionella risk. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read HSE Legionella guidance\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>When should you get professional advice?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A simple guided assessment may be suitable for many straightforward rented properties, small workplaces and domestic-style water systems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You should consider using a competent professional if:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>The building has a complex hot or cold water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There is a calorifier, large storage system or secondary hot water return\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The property is healthcare, care, supported living or similar\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There is a spa pool, hot tub, swimming pool or hydrotherapy pool\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There are cooling towers or evaporative condensers\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>You cannot understand or access the water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Temperature readings are repeatedly outside the expected range\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There are vulnerable users and the controls are uncertain\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If the system is outside your knowledge, do not guess. Get competent advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Complete your Legionella assessment online\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If you are assessing a simple property or small workplace, our guided tool can help you record the key Legionella checks, including hot and cold water temperatures, showers, little-used outlets and basic management controls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasycompliancetools.com\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\u002F\">start an online Legionella risk assessment here\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Frequently asked questions\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Ch3>What temperature should hot water reach for Legionella control?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Hot water should normally reach at least 50°C within about 1 minute at outlets. Stored hot water should usually be kept at 60°C or above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>What temperature should cold water be for Legionella control?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Cold water should be kept below 20°C where possible. If cold water remains warm or tepid after running the tap, record it and review the possible cause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Do I need a thermometer for a Legionella risk assessment?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>A basic digital thermometer can be used for simple temperature checks. For complex buildings or specialist water systems, professional monitoring may be needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Which outlet should I test?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>For a simple property, it is sensible to check outlets that represent the system, such as those furthest from the hot water source or incoming cold water supply. Larger or more complex buildings may need a formal monitoring approach using sentinel outlets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>What should I do if my readings are outside the expected range?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Record the reading, note the outlet checked, and investigate the cause. If you are unsure, or if the problem continues, get competent professional advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003C\u002Farticle>","Legionella Temperature Checks Explained: Hot Water, Cold Water and What to Record Temperature checks are one of the simplest ways to understand whether a hot and cold water system is being controlled properly. This guide explains the common Legionella temperature checks, what the 50°C, 60°C and 20°C figures mean, and what you should record during a basic Legionella risk assessment. Why temperature checks matter in a Legionella assessment Legionella bacteria can grow in water systems where conditions allow it. Temperature is one of the main control measures used in ordinary hot and cold water systems. In simple terms, hot water should be hot enough to control bacterial growth, and cold water should be kept cold enough to reduce the chance of bacteria multiplying. Temperature checks are therefore a useful part of a Legionella risk assessment, especially for landlords, small businesses and simple workplace premises. The key Legionella temperature figures The most common figures you will see in Legionella guidance are: 60°C — stored hot water should normally be kept at 60°C or above. 50°C within 1 minute — hot water should reach at least 50°C at outlets within about one minute. 20°C or below — cold water should be kept below 20°C where possible. HSE guidance on hot and cold water systems explains that hot water should be stored at least at 60°C and distributed so it reaches 50°C within 1 minute at outlets. Cold water systems should be maintained, where possible, below 20°C. Read the HSE hot and cold water systems guidance. Hot water: what does “50°C within 1 minute” mean? This check is about whether hot water reaches the expected temperature at the tap or outlet within a reasonable time. To check it, run a hot tap and measure the water temperature once the water has warmed through. In most standard systems, the hot water should reach at least 50°C within about 1 minute. A basic digital thermometer can be used for this. You do not usually need specialist equipment for a simple check, although more complex premises may need a competent professional to inspect and record the system properly. If the hot water does not reach 50°C within about 1 minute, this should be recorded and investigated. It may indicate that the hot water temperature is too low, the outlet is too far from the heat source, or there is another issue with the system. Stored hot water: why does 60°C matter? If the property has stored hot water, such as a cylinder or calorifier, the stored water should normally be kept at 60°C or above. This is different from checking the water at a tap. A cylinder may be set to store water at 60°C, while the outlet temperature is checked separately to confirm hot water reaches the taps properly. Some simple properties, such as those with a combi boiler, may not have a stored hot water cylinder. In those cases, this part of the assessment may not apply. Cold water: what does “20°C or below” mean? Cold water should normally run cool after a short time. The common check is whether cold water reaches 20°C or below within about 2 minutes. To check it, run a cold tap and measure the temperature after the water has run for a short time. If the cold water remains warm or tepid, this should be recorded. Warm cold water can be a concern because Legionella bacteria are more likely to grow where water is warm, stagnant or poorly controlled. Which tap should you check? For a simple property, it is sensible to check outlets that give a useful indication of the system. This may include taps that are furthest from the boiler, cylinder or incoming cold water supply. In larger or more complex buildings, temperature checks may need to be based on sentinel outlets and a proper monitoring schedule. If you are unsure how to select outlets in a complex system, you should use a competent professional. HSE explains that larger buildings with more complex hot and cold water systems should consider the more detailed technical guidance. See HSE HSG274 technical guidance. Do you need a specialist thermometer? For a basic check in a simple property, a digital thermometer is usually enough to record a practical temperature reading. The important thing is to record the result clearly, including: Which outlet was checked Whether it was hot or cold water The temperature reading How long the tap had been running The date of the check Any issue found If the property is complex, has a stored water system, has vulnerable users, or has unusual pipework, a professional assessment may be more appropriate. What should you record in a Legionella risk assessment? A good Legionella assessment should record more than just the final answer. It should explain what was checked and whether anything needs attention. For temperature checks, record: Whether hot water reaches at least 50°C within about 1 minute Whether cold water reaches 20°C or below within about 2 minutes Whether stored hot water is kept at 60°C or above, where applicable Any outlets that failed to reach the expected temperature Any limitations, such as areas that could not be accessed Any follow-up action needed Our online Legionella risk assessment guides you through these checks and records the answers in a structured report. What if the hot water does not reach 50°C? If the hot water does not reach 50°C within about 1 minute, record the result and investigate why. Possible reasons include: The boiler or cylinder temperature is set too low The outlet is a long way from the hot water source Pipework is poorly insulated The outlet is little used There is a problem with the hot water system A thermostatic mixing valve may be affecting the outlet temperature If you are not sure why the reading is low, or if the system is complex, get competent advice. What if the cold water is above 20°C? If cold water remains above 20°C after running the tap, record it as an issue to review. Possible causes include: Cold pipes running close to hot pipes Poor insulation Warm storage areas, lofts or cupboards Stagnant water in little-used pipework A cold water storage tank becoming too warm The right action depends on the property and the water system. In some cases, improving insulation, removing redundant pipework, flushing little-used outlets or reviewing storage arrangements may be needed. Temperature checks are not the whole assessment Temperature is important, but it is only one part of a Legionella risk assessment. A complete assessment should also consider: Whether there is a cold water storage tank Whether there are dead legs or redundant pipework Whether showers or spray outlets are present Whether outlets are rarely used Whether showers are cleaned and descaled Whether occupants know what to do after periods of non-use Whether there are any vulnerable users Whether the system is simple or more complex HSE explains that employers and those in control of premises must assess and manage sources of Legionella risk. Read HSE Legionella guidance. When should you get professional advice? A simple guided assessment may be suitable for many straightforward rented properties, small workplaces and domestic-style water systems. You should consider using a competent professional if: The building has a complex hot or cold water system There is a calorifier, large storage system or secondary hot water return The property is healthcare, care, supported living or similar There is a spa pool, hot tub, swimming pool or hydrotherapy pool There are cooling towers or evaporative condensers You cannot understand or access the water system Temperature readings are repeatedly outside the expected range There are vulnerable users and the controls are uncertain If the system is outside your knowledge, do not guess. Get competent advice. Complete your Legionella assessment online If you are assessing a simple property or small workplace, our guided tool can help you record the key Legionella checks, including hot and cold water temperatures, showers, little-used outlets and basic management controls. You can start an online Legionella risk assessment here. Frequently asked questions What temperature should hot water reach for Legionella control? Hot water should normally reach at least 50°C within about 1 minute at outlets. Stored hot water should usually be kept at 60°C or above. What temperature should cold water be for Legionella control? Cold water should be kept below 20°C where possible. If cold water remains warm or tepid after running the tap, record it and review the possible cause. Do I need a thermometer for a Legionella risk assessment? A basic digital thermometer can be used for simple temperature checks. For complex buildings or specialist water systems, professional monitoring may be needed. Which outlet should I test? For a simple property, it is sensible to check outlets that represent the system, such as those furthest from the hot water source or incoming cold water supply. Larger or more complex buildings may need a formal monitoring approach using sentinel outlets. What should I do if my readings are outside the expected range? Record the reading, note the outlet checked, and investigate the cause. If you are unsure, or if the problem continues, get competent professional advice.","\u003Carticle>\u003Cheader>\n\u003Ch1>Legionella Temperature Checks Explained: Hot Water, Cold Water and What to Record\u003C\u002Fh1>\n\u003Cp>Temperature checks are one of the simplest ways to understand whether a hot and cold water system is being controlled properly. This guide explains the common Legionella temperature checks, what the 50°C, 60°C and 20°C figures mean, and what you should record during a basic Legionella risk assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fheader>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Why temperature checks matter in a Legionella assessment\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Legionella bacteria can grow in water systems where conditions allow it. Temperature is one of the main control measures used in ordinary hot and cold water systems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In simple terms, hot water should be hot enough to control bacterial growth, and cold water should be kept cold enough to reduce the chance of bacteria multiplying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Temperature checks are therefore a useful part of a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasycompliancetools.com\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\u002F\">Legionella risk assessment\u003C\u002Fa>, especially for landlords, small businesses and simple workplace premises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>The key Legionella temperature figures\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The most common figures you will see in Legionella guidance are:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>60°C\u003C\u002Fstrong> — stored hot water should normally be kept at 60°C or above.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>50°C within 1 minute\u003C\u002Fstrong> — hot water should reach at least 50°C at outlets within about one minute.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>20°C or below\u003C\u002Fstrong> — cold water should be kept below 20°C where possible.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>HSE guidance on hot and cold water systems explains that hot water should be stored at least at 60°C and distributed so it reaches 50°C within 1 minute at outlets. Cold water systems should be maintained, where possible, below 20°C. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002Fhot-and-cold.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read the HSE hot and cold water systems guidance\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Hot water: what does “50°C within 1 minute” mean?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>This check is about whether hot water reaches the expected temperature at the tap or outlet within a reasonable time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To check it, run a hot tap and measure the water temperature once the water has warmed through. In most standard systems, the hot water should reach at least 50°C within about 1 minute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A basic digital thermometer can be used for this. You do not usually need specialist equipment for a simple check, although more complex premises may need a competent professional to inspect and record the system properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the hot water does not reach 50°C within about 1 minute, this should be recorded and investigated. It may indicate that the hot water temperature is too low, the outlet is too far from the heat source, or there is another issue with the system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Stored hot water: why does 60°C matter?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If the property has stored hot water, such as a cylinder or calorifier, the stored water should normally be kept at 60°C or above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is different from checking the water at a tap. A cylinder may be set to store water at 60°C, while the outlet temperature is checked separately to confirm hot water reaches the taps properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some simple properties, such as those with a combi boiler, may not have a stored hot water cylinder. In those cases, this part of the assessment may not apply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Cold water: what does “20°C or below” mean?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Cold water should normally run cool after a short time. The common check is whether cold water reaches 20°C or below within about 2 minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To check it, run a cold tap and measure the temperature after the water has run for a short time. If the cold water remains warm or tepid, this should be recorded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Warm cold water can be a concern because Legionella bacteria are more likely to grow where water is warm, stagnant or poorly controlled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Which tap should you check?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>For a simple property, it is sensible to check outlets that give a useful indication of the system. This may include taps that are furthest from the boiler, cylinder or incoming cold water supply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In larger or more complex buildings, temperature checks may need to be based on sentinel outlets and a proper monitoring schedule. If you are unsure how to select outlets in a complex system, you should use a competent professional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>HSE explains that larger buildings with more complex hot and cold water systems should consider the more detailed technical guidance. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Fpubns\u002Fbooks\u002Fhsg274.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">See HSE HSG274 technical guidance\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Do you need a specialist thermometer?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>For a basic check in a simple property, a digital thermometer is usually enough to record a practical temperature reading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The important thing is to record the result clearly, including:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Which outlet was checked\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether it was hot or cold water\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The temperature reading\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>How long the tap had been running\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The date of the check\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Any issue found\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If the property is complex, has a stored water system, has vulnerable users, or has unusual pipework, a professional assessment may be more appropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What should you record in a Legionella risk assessment?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A good Legionella assessment should record more than just the final answer. It should explain what was checked and whether anything needs attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For temperature checks, record:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Whether hot water reaches at least 50°C within about 1 minute\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether cold water reaches 20°C or below within about 2 minutes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether stored hot water is kept at 60°C or above, where applicable\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Any outlets that failed to reach the expected temperature\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Any limitations, such as areas that could not be accessed\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Any follow-up action needed\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Our \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasycompliancetools.com\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\u002F\">online Legionella risk assessment\u003C\u002Fa> guides you through these checks and records the answers in a structured report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What if the hot water does not reach 50°C?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If the hot water does not reach 50°C within about 1 minute, record the result and investigate why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Possible reasons include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>The boiler or cylinder temperature is set too low\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The outlet is a long way from the hot water source\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Pipework is poorly insulated\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The outlet is little used\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There is a problem with the hot water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A thermostatic mixing valve may be affecting the outlet temperature\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If you are not sure why the reading is low, or if the system is complex, get competent advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>What if the cold water is above 20°C?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If cold water remains above 20°C after running the tap, record it as an issue to review.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Possible causes include:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Cold pipes running close to hot pipes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Poor insulation\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Warm storage areas, lofts or cupboards\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Stagnant water in little-used pipework\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A cold water storage tank becoming too warm\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>The right action depends on the property and the water system. In some cases, improving insulation, removing redundant pipework, flushing little-used outlets or reviewing storage arrangements may be needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Temperature checks are not the whole assessment\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Temperature is important, but it is only one part of a Legionella risk assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A complete assessment should also consider:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Whether there is a cold water storage tank\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether there are dead legs or redundant pipework\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether showers or spray outlets are present\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether outlets are rarely used\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether showers are cleaned and descaled\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether occupants know what to do after periods of non-use\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether there are any vulnerable users\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Whether the system is simple or more complex\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>HSE explains that employers and those in control of premises must assess and manage sources of Legionella risk. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.hse.gov.uk\u002Flegionnaires\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read HSE Legionella guidance\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>When should you get professional advice?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A simple guided assessment may be suitable for many straightforward rented properties, small workplaces and domestic-style water systems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You should consider using a competent professional if:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>The building has a complex hot or cold water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There is a calorifier, large storage system or secondary hot water return\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The property is healthcare, care, supported living or similar\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There is a spa pool, hot tub, swimming pool or hydrotherapy pool\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There are cooling towers or evaporative condensers\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>You cannot understand or access the water system\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Temperature readings are repeatedly outside the expected range\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>There are vulnerable users and the controls are uncertain\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>If the system is outside your knowledge, do not guess. Get competent advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Complete your Legionella assessment online\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>If you are assessing a simple property or small workplace, our guided tool can help you record the key Legionella checks, including hot and cold water temperatures, showers, little-used outlets and basic management controls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Feasycompliancetools.com\u002Flegionella-risk-assessment\u002F\">start an online Legionella risk assessment here\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003Csection>\n\u003Ch2>Frequently asked questions\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Ch3>What temperature should hot water reach for Legionella control?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Hot water should normally reach at least 50°C within about 1 minute at outlets. Stored hot water should usually be kept at 60°C or above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>What temperature should cold water be for Legionella control?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Cold water should be kept below 20°C where possible. If cold water remains warm or tepid after running the tap, record it and review the possible cause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Do I need a thermometer for a Legionella risk assessment?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>A basic digital thermometer can be used for simple temperature checks. For complex buildings or specialist water systems, professional monitoring may be needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Which outlet should I test?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>For a simple property, it is sensible to check outlets that represent the system, such as those furthest from the hot water source or incoming cold water supply. Larger or more complex buildings may need a formal monitoring approach using sentinel outlets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>What should I do if my readings are outside the expected range?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Record the reading, note the outlet checked, and investigate the cause. If you are unsure, or if the problem continues, get competent professional advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Fsection>\n\u003C\u002Farticle>","2026-07-14T14:51:30.000000Z","2026-07-14T15:18:39.000000Z",{"hide_featured_image_on_page":31},[182],{"id":5,"parent_id":6,"slug":7,"title":8,"created_at":9,"updated_at":10,"meta_title":6,"meta_description":6,"label":8,"pivot":183},{"post_id":161,"category_id":5},[185,191,197,203,209],{"id":186,"slug":187,"title":188,"created_at":189,"updated_at":189,"pivot":190},7,"legionella-temperature-checks","Legionella temperature checks","2026-07-14T14:50:46.000000Z",{"post_id":161,"tag_id":186},{"id":192,"slug":193,"title":194,"created_at":195,"updated_at":195,"pivot":196},8,"hot-water-50-degrees","Hot water 50 degrees","2026-07-14T14:50:55.000000Z",{"post_id":161,"tag_id":192},{"id":198,"slug":199,"title":200,"created_at":201,"updated_at":201,"pivot":202},9,"cold-water-20-degrees","Cold water 20 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