Why ACoP L8 Still Matters
Legionella remains one of the most persistent and serious risks in building water systems. Despite advances in water treatment technology, outbreaks continue to occur in settings ranging from hospitals to hotels. The Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice L8 — commonly known as ACoP L8 — provides the foundation for controlling this risk across the United Kingdom.
This guidance is essential for anyone responsible for premises with hot and cold water systems, including landlords, duty holders, and facilities managers. It explains not only what must be done to manage Legionella risks but also how to demonstrate compliance in practice.
What Is ACoP L8?
ACoP L8, officially titled Legionnaires’ disease: The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems, is a statutory code published by the HSE under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It sets out an employer’s duty to protect employees and others from exposure to Legionella bacteria.
The code is supported by the HSG 274 guidance documents, which provide detailed technical advice on managing risks in:
- Part 1 – Cooling towers and evaporative condensers
- Part 2 – Hot and cold water systems
- Part 3 – Other risk systems such as spa pools or humidifiers
Following ACoP L8 is not a legal requirement in itself, but it has special legal status. If you are prosecuted for a breach of health and safety law, you will need to prove that your control measures were at least as effective as those recommended in the guidance.
The Core Principles of ACoP L8 Guidance
At the heart of ACoP L8 lies a practical risk management cycle designed to ensure Legionella control is proactive rather than reactive. The key principles include:
- Identify and assess the risk – Conduct a thorough Legionella risk assessment covering all potential sources of exposure.
- Appoint a responsible person – Designate someone with sufficient authority and competence to oversee control measures.
- Implement a written scheme of control – Document control procedures for temperature management, disinfection, and maintenance.
- Keep accurate records – Maintain evidence of monitoring, testing, and remedial actions.
- Review and audit regularly – Update assessments whenever systems change or new risks arise.
These steps align with broader water hygiene frameworks, including BS 8580-1:2019 and BS 8680:2020, which standardise how water safety plans and risk assessments are developed and maintained.
Why ACoP L8 Is Vital Across All Sectors
Although ACoP L8 guidance was originally developed with industrial cooling systems in mind, its principles apply to a wide range of premises. Healthcare settings follow enhanced requirements under the NHS Estates HTM 04-01, while care homes, education facilities and hospitality venues must meet the same core duties under health and safety law.
Every organisation that stores or circulates water must ensure control measures are adequate, monitored and documented. A robust approach not only prevents illness but also demonstrates due diligence in the event of an inspection or incident.
Putting Guidance into Practice
Understanding ACoP L8 is only the first step; the challenge lies in implementing it effectively. Duty holders should:
- Ensure Legionella risk assessments are carried out by competent professionals.
- Establish clear lines of responsibility within management structures.
- Train all relevant personnel on monitoring and maintenance procedures.
- Review control schemes regularly to reflect operational or building changes.
Detailed advice on interpreting ACoP L8 and its accompanying HSG 274 guidance is explored in this article from the Water Hygiene Centre, a trusted source for Legionella compliance and water safety consultancy in the UK.
Maintaining Long-Term Compliance
Sustaining compliance requires continuous improvement. Regular audits, staff refreshers and independent reviews all help ensure your systems remain effective and your documentation up to date.
By embedding ACoP L8 principles into daily operations, organisations can reduce risks, demonstrate accountability and protect the wellbeing of everyone who uses their facilities.
Conclusion
The ACoP L8 guidance provides a clear, practical framework for Legionella control, but its success depends on consistent application and understanding. Whether you manage a single building or a large estate, following the code’s principles will help safeguard your water systems and maintain compliance with UK health and safety law.
ACoP L8 is more than a document — it is the backbone of safe water management and an essential resource for any organisation committed to protecting people and maintaining high standards of hygiene.