Legionella Risk Assessments in Bournemouth, Poole & Dorset
ACoP L8 compliant assessments for landlords and businesses. Legally required, professionally delivered, and priced from just £59.99 + VAT. We beat any like-for-like quote by 10%.
Is a Legionella Risk Assessment a Legal Requirement?
Yes — if you rent out a property or run a business with employees, you are legally required to carry out a legionella risk assessment in Bournemouth and across all your properties. This is a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACoP L8).
At Dorset Plumbing, we carry out fully compliant legionella risk assessments for landlords and businesses across Bournemouth, Poole, Southampton, Weymouth and the wider Dorset area. Our qualified engineers provide clear, practical reports and honest advice — never unnecessary remedial work.
What is Legionella and Why Does It Matter?
Legionella is a bacteria found naturally in water. In the right conditions — warm water between 20-45°C, stagnant systems, scale, rust or sludge — it multiplies rapidly. When contaminated water droplets are inhaled, they can cause Legionnaires disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia.
All man-made hot and cold water systems can provide an environment where Legionella grows. This includes the water systems in rental properties, offices, hotels, care homes, dental surgeries and any commercial premises.
Who is Most at Risk?
The elderly, people over 50, smokers, those with weakened immune systems and anyone with chronic lung conditions are most vulnerable to Legionnaires disease.
Where Does it Grow?
Stagnant water, storage tanks, showerheads, dead legs in pipework, cooling towers, and any system where water sits between 20-45°C.
How is it Contracted?
By inhaling tiny water droplets (aerosols) containing Legionella bacteria — most commonly from showers, taps, air conditioning systems and hot tubs.
Simple Prevention
Keep hot water above 60°C, cold water below 20°C, flush infrequently-used outlets regularly, and remove any dead legs in your pipework.
Legionella Risk Assessment Prices
We keep our pricing straightforward and competitive. We also guarantee to beat any like-for-like quote by 10%.
Residential / Landlord
£59.99
+ VAT per property
Full ACoP L8 compliant assessment with written report. Suitable for single lets, flats and HMOs.
Beat any quote by 10%Commercial
POA
Based on property size & complexity
Call us for a fast, no-obligation commercial quote. We cover offices, care homes, hotels, surgeries and more.
Call 01202 668822Our Legionella Services
We offer a full range of legionella compliance services for landlords and commercial property managers across Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset.
Legionella Risk Assessment (ACoP L8 & HSG274)
Our core service — a thorough inspection of your hot and cold water systems, temperature checks, identification of risk areas such as storage tanks and dead legs, and a full written report with recommended actions. Fully compliant with HSE ACoP L8 and HSG274 guidance.
Water Sampling & UKAS-Accredited Laboratory Testing
Where water sampling is required, we take samples and send them to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. Results are included in your compliance documentation.
Tank Cleaning, Disinfection & Chlorination
If your risk assessment identifies a water storage tank that requires cleaning or disinfection, our engineers can carry out the remedial work to bring your system back into compliance.
Temperature Monitoring & Routine System Checks
We offer ongoing monitoring contracts with scheduled site visits, so you can stay compliant year-round without having to think about it.
Legionella Control Schemes & Compliance Documentation
We produce full compliance documentation including your written scheme of control, monitoring records and review schedule — everything you need to demonstrate compliance to your local authority or HSE.
Remedial Works
If your assessment identifies issues with tanks, pipework, hot and cold water systems or temperature control, our plumbers can carry out the required remedial works as part of the same visit or at a follow-up appointment.
Who Needs a Legionella Risk Assessment?
Under HSE guidance, a legionella risk assessment is required at any premises where water is stored, recirculated or could harbour the bacteria. This includes:
Private Landlords
All landlords renting residential property — including single lets, flats, houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and Airbnb-style short lets.
Commercial Property Owners
Offices, warehouses, retail units and any commercial premises with employees or visitors on site.
Care Homes & Healthcare
Care homes, doctor surgeries, dental practices and any facility where vulnerable people may be exposed to water systems.
Hotels & Guest Houses
Hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses where water systems serve multiple rooms and occupants.
Schools & Colleges
Educational settings where large numbers of people use shared water systems, particularly during term-time or after holiday closures.
Leisure & Hospitality
Gyms, spas, hair salons, restaurants and bars — particularly where showers, hot tubs or cooling systems are in use.
What Happens During a Legionella Risk Assessment?
Our assessments are thorough but efficient — most residential properties take around 45 minutes. Here’s what to expect:
Book Your Assessment
Call 01202 668822 or book online. We’ll confirm a convenient time, usually within 48 hours.
System Inspection
Our engineer inspects all hot and cold water systems, tanks, pipework, showers and outlets.
Temperature Testing
We check temperatures at key points to ensure hot water is stored above 60°C and cold water stays below 20°C.
Risk Identification
We identify potential risk areas including dead legs, infrequently-used outlets, uncovered tanks and any other concerns.
Written Report
You receive a full written ACoP L8 compliant report within 48 hours, including any recommended actions.
Why Choose Dorset Plumbing for Your Legionella Assessment?
Fully Qualified Engineers
All our engineers are qualified to carry out legionella risk assessments and hold relevant water hygiene certifications. No subcontractors.
Beat Any Quote by 10%
Show us a like-for-like quote and we’ll beat it by 10%. We believe professional compliance shouldn’t cost the earth.
Honest Advice
We apply expertise and common sense. You will never be quoted for unnecessary remedial work — only what’s genuinely needed.
Fast Turnaround
We aim to carry out assessments within 48 hours of booking and deliver your written report within 48 hours of the visit.
Genuinely Local
Based in Poole, we cover the whole of Bournemouth, Dorset, Southampton and surrounding areas. No call centres, no waiting weeks.
One-Stop Shop
If remedial works are needed after your assessment, our plumbers can carry them out too — no need to find a separate contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a legionella risk assessment a legal requirement for landlords?
Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and HSE guidance (ACoP L8), all landlords who rent out property have a legal duty to assess and control the risk of Legionella in their water systems. This applies to all rental properties including single lets, HMOs and commercial premises. Failure to comply can result in prosecution and fines.
How much does a legionella risk assessment cost in Bournemouth?
Our residential legionella risk assessments start from £59.99 + VAT. We also offer to beat any like-for-like quote by 10%. For commercial properties, costs depend on the size and complexity of the water system — call us on 01202 668822 for a fast, no-obligation quote.
How often does a legionella risk assessment need to be done?
HSE guidance recommends reviewing your legionella risk assessment at least every two years. You should also review it sooner if there are any significant changes to your water system, the way the building is used, or the number of occupants.
What happens during a legionella risk assessment?
Our engineer visits your property and inspects all hot and cold water systems, checks temperatures at key outlets, identifies potential risk areas (such as storage tanks, dead legs and infrequently-used taps), and produces a full written report. Most residential assessments take around 45 minutes and you receive your report within 48 hours.
Do I need a legionella assessment for a small rental flat?
Yes. The legal duty applies regardless of property size. Even for a simple single-let flat, HSE guidance requires a risk assessment. For most simple domestic systems the risks are low and the assessment is straightforward — but it still needs to be done and documented.
Do you cover Southampton and Weymouth as well as Bournemouth?
Yes. As well as Bournemouth and Poole, we cover Southampton, Weymouth, Dorchester, Blandford, Wareham, Christchurch and the wider Dorset and Hampshire areas. Call 01202 668822 to confirm availability in your area.
Can I carry out a legionella risk assessment myself?
In theory, a landlord can carry out a basic self-assessment for a simple domestic property. However, HSE guidance states the assessment must be carried out by a “competent person” with appropriate knowledge. Using a professional like Dorset Plumbing gives you a documented, defensible record and peace of mind that nothing has been missed.
Areas We Cover for Legionella Risk Assessments
We carry out legionella risk assessments for landlords and businesses across Bournemouth, Poole, Southampton and the wider Dorset and Hampshire area:
Not sure if we cover your area? Just call — if we can’t help, we’ll point you in the right direction.
Book Your Legionella Risk Assessment Today
Don’t risk non-compliance. Our qualified engineers are ready to help — fast, affordable and fully ACoP L8 compliant. We beat any like-for-like quote by 10%.
01202 668822