Water Safety

There is a Duty of Care to safely manage water systems within the University of Cambridge buildings.

This purpose of the Water Safety pages is to inform, raise awareness of the risks and provide information for managing Water Safety within the University of Cambridge estate.

Compliance Statement

The University of Cambridge acts in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work etc Act (1974), and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations to take all reasonable precautions to prevent or control the potential of legionellosis to students, residents, staff and other persons working at, using or visiting its premises.

To comply with its legal duties, the University shall:

• Identify and assess sources of risk
• Prepare a scheme for preventing, reducing or controlling the risk
• Implement and manage precautions
• Maintain sufficient records in order to demonstrate compliance with good practice and fulfil legal obligations
• Implement standards to the selection, design, installation and maintenance of plant
• Ensure suitable and sufficient resources are available

Health and Safety Law

In brief, general duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 extend to risks from Legionella bacteria, which may arise from work activities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 provide a broad framework for controlling health and safety at work. More specifically, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)3 provide a framework of duties designed to assess, prevent or control the risks from hazardous substances, including biological agents such as legionella, and take suitable precautions.

Contact us

The Estates Division Water Safety Team provides an advisory service in Water Safety Management as part of the Statutory Compliance in Asset Management.

The Water Safety Team carries out an on-going programme of Legionella Risk Assessments, Water Safety Planned Maintenance, project and remediation works.  It is essential that the Water Safety Team is contacted prior to any works on domestic hot and cold water systems, assets and outlets.

Please contact the team with any questions: