Understanding ACOP 18

When it comes to health and safety in your building, many people think of water systems and legionella risk assessments as separate from electrical safety. However, ensuring electrical safety is just as critical in environments that use water systems, which is why ACOP 18 is so important. This Approved Code of Practice, issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), provides essential guidelines for managing electrical systems in the workplace. If you’re already focused on complying with HSG 274 for legionella control, ensuring you meet ACOP 18 standards is a natural next step.

What is ACOP 18?

ACOP 18 is the HSE’s Approved Code of Practice for electrical systems, providing practical guidance on how to comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. The code outlines the steps you need to take to ensure your electrical systems are safely installed, used, and maintained.

While the ACOP isn’t law, it provides a benchmark for legal compliance. Following its advice significantly reduces the risks associated with electrical systems, such as electric shocks, fires, and explosions—risks that can be heightened in environments where water systems are present, like cooling towers, HVAC systems, and hot and cold water installations.

Why ACOP 18 Matters for Legionella Testing

For businesses managing water systems, legionella control is only part of the safety equation. Water and electricity are a hazardous combination, making ACOP 18 crucial for facilities that handle water systems. Ensuring that electrical components such as pumps, sensors, and heating systems are safely maintained and regularly checked can prevent accidents and ensure compliance with both legionella and electrical safety standards.

Failure to meet ACOP 18 guidelines could put your staff and visitors at risk, particularly in environments where moisture, water leaks, or flooding can increase the chances of electrical hazards. For example, in environments where hot and cold water systems or cooling towers are used, there’s an increased likelihood of electrical equipment interacting with water, making safety checks a necessity.

Who Needs to Comply with ACOP 18?

Much like HSG 274, ACOP 18 applies to a wide range of businesses and facilities, especially those where water systems are a central feature:

• Facilities management companies: Managing multiple properties with complex electrical and water systems.
• Hotels and leisure centres: Particularly those with swimming pools, spas, or extensive hot water systems.
• Healthcare facilities: Where both patient safety and operational efficiency depend on strict maintenance of electrical and water systems.
• Industrial sites: Where cooling towers and large water systems interact with extensive electrical equipment.

How to Comply with ACOP 18

Just as with legionella control, regular inspections and maintenance are key to complying with ACOP 18. This includes:

• Carrying out risk assessments for all electrical systems.
• Ensuring that water systems and electrical systems are safely segregated to avoid potential hazards.
• Routine maintenance of electrical systems connected to water systems, such as pumps and heating elements.
• Training staff to recognize and address electrical risks, especially when working with water systems.

Combining ACOP 18 and HSG 274 for Complete Safety

Both ACOP 18 and HSG 274 are vital to ensuring workplace safety when dealing with water systems. By adhering to both codes, you can protect your employees, visitors, and contractors from the dual risks posed by unsafe water and electrical systems. Regular testing, maintenance, and risk assessments ensure that your business not only complies with legal requirements but also operates safely and efficiently.