The HSE Legionella Committee

Terms of Reference

1. The Committee will be known as HSE's Legionella Committee.
2. The purpose of the Committee is to provide:
   1. the strategic lead and direction to HSE's work to control the risk of legionellosis
   2. a forum for appropriate directorates and divisions to consider and agree work activities, priorities and schedules
   3. the mechanism for co-ordinating the work activities of directorates and divisions, and local authorities so that resource is used efficiently and targeted towards agreed priorities.
3. The composition of the Committee will be:
   1. Head of Biological Agents Unit (Rotating Chairperson)
   2. Head of Field Operations Specialist Inspectors: Occupational Health and Hygiene (Rotating Chairperson)
   3. Head of Operations Field Operations Directorate – nominated representative
   4. Biological Agents Units: Portfolio holder for legionella
   5. Field Operations Specialist Inspectors: Portfolio holder for legionella
   6. Head of Health and Safety Laboratory Microbiology Section
   7. CCID LLHRD Policy - nominated representative.
   8. Hazardous Installations Directorate, Chemical Industries – nominated representative
   9. Health Unit and Public Services Sector – nominated representative
   10. Local Authority Unit – nominated representative
   11. Manufacturing sector – nominated representative
4. The Committee will meet quarterly or as required.
5. The aims of the Committee will be to co-ordinate activities to:  
   1. agree relative priority of legionella issues across HSE and local authorities
   2. develop systems to provide trained and competent operational and specialist resources to meet HSE's proactive and reactive needs
   3. maintain clear operational guidance to HSE and local authority staff on responses to cases of legionellosis, and their own health and safety
   4. co-ordinate HSE's activities with other government departments and the industry, and managing the expectations of HSE from other bodies
   5. maintain sufficient technical knowledge and expertise to uphold HSE's reputation and manage business risk
   6. agree best means for industry to develop up-to-date and fit-for-purpose guidance, and the level of HSE support to this
   7. consider the outcomes of any initiatives, projects and research on legionella issues with a view to identifying future priorities
   8. increase the culture of competency in the industry through liaison backed by appropriate regulatory standards