Made for GP surgeries
Doctors’ surgeries, like all healthcare environments, must meet strict safety regulations — including protection from Legionella bacteria. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act, GP practices are legally required to assess and manage this risk.
At The First Principle, we specialise in delivering tailored Legionella Risk Assessments that follow the latest HSE ACoP L8:2013, HSG274, and HTM04-01 standards — ensuring your water systems are fully compliant and safe for staff and patients alike.
What’s included in our GP Legionella Risk Assessment
- Summary of overall risk rating
- Site/Building overview
- Schematic drawings
- Risk sssessment executive summary & rating
- Photographic evidence
- Written scheme/monitoring programme evaluation
- Recommendations
- Risk assessment survey data
- Management overview
- Domestic hot and cold water
- Other risk systems
GP surgeries are responsible for the health and wellbeing of vulnerable patients — including the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with chronic illnesses. These groups are particularly susceptible to Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria.
Failing to control Legionella not only puts patients and staff at risk but also exposes the practice to legal and reputational consequences. Ensuring your water systems are safe is a regulatory duty under COSHH and the Health and Safety at Work Act — and an essential step in safeguarding public health.
When The First Principle visits your GP practice, we follow a structured, comprehensive approach that ensures clarity and compliance at every stage.
Our consultant will:
- Conduct a full inspection of your water systems
- Review existing monitoring records and control measures
- Evaluate risks in all areas including dental lines, hot/cold water, showers, and storage tanks
- Take photographic evidence and site notes
- Provide easy-to-understand schematic drawings (if required)
- Deliver a clear risk rating and summary with actionable recommendations
Every report is tailored to your premises, formatted for compliance with HTM04-01, ACoP L8, and HSG274 guidance.
In addition to risk assessments, The First Principle can conduct on-site UKAS-accredited water testing for Legionella and Total Viable Count (TVC) — especially important for identifying bacterial presence in systems like dental unit water lines or clinical taps.
We handle:
- Sampling of water from all relevant outlets
- Analysis by an independent UKAS-accredited laboratory
- Interpretation of results and clear recommendations
- Emergency notification if dangerous levels are detected
This testing ensures you remain fully compliant with HTM and HSE standards, while also maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.
Get your practice compliant in 3 simple steps
Step 1 - Request a quote
We’ll get back to you with a simple, transparent price tailored to your surgery.
Step 2 - We visit your premises
Our expert consultant will visit your GP practice, assess all water systems, and collect necessary data.
Step 3 - Get your reports
You’ll receive a detailed, easy-to-follow report with recommendations and compliance guidance.
Why choose the first principle?
At The First Principle, we understand the specific needs of clinical environments like GP practices. Our consultants are certified professionals and members of the Water Management Society, trained to City & Guilds WH004 standards. We deliver expert insights, clear reporting, and friendly guidance to make compliance easy.
Certified
Our consultants are trained to the highest industry standards.
Compliant
Every assessment meets ACoP L8, HSG274, HTM04-01, and more.
Clear
We deliver jargon-free reports and practical recommendations.
Trusted
We work with NHS and private practices across the UK.
Established company
You should contact The First Principle if:
- You're registering or refurbishing a GP practice
- It's been over 2 years since your last assessment
- You’ve had a water system upgrade or modification
- You’re unsure if your water management plan is up to date
- You’ve never conducted a Legionella risk assessment
- Your CQC inspection recommended improved water hygiene
- You’ve received a patient or staff complaint about water quality
- You want to comply with HTM04-01 and ACoP L8
- You need peace of mind about water safety in your practice
Ready to ensure your surgery is safe and compliant?
Get in touch today to book your GP practice Legionella risk assessment and keep your staff and patients protected.
Your questions answered
Common questions
How often should a GP surgery conduct a Legionella risk assessment?
It is recommended at least every 2 years, or sooner if there are changes to the water system or concerns arise.
Is this assessment compliant with CQC requirements?
Yes, our assessments align with CQC expectations and HTM04-01 guidelines.
How long does the assessment take?
Typically 1–2 hours for standard-sized practices, though this may vary depending on the number of systems.
Do you provide the written scheme of control?
Yes, we include an evaluation of the written scheme and can assist in its development or update.
Will I receive a certificate or documentation?
Yes, you’ll receive a full risk assessment report and documentation for compliance records.
