A Welsh coastal council has issued a reminder regarding hot tub safety.
In a message to holiday home owners, Ceredigion County Council said: “If you rent out a property, whether through an agent, “Air BnB” or directly then you are classed as running a commercial or business activity.”
Sampling visits are being carried-out to check compliance, says the council whose area includes the coastal towns of Aberystwyth and New Quay, Mid Wales, a popular holiday spot.
The council says the popularity of hot tubs and spa-pools has increased significantly over recent years.
“If the letting has a hot tub or spa, then you have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure that you have assessed the risks posed by chemical and biological hazards, including (Legionella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria and Cryptosporidium). You then must introduce suitable control measures,” says the council statement, issued this month
The council states: “Over the last 12 months, there has been a spike of Legionnaires’ Disease cases reported by Public Health Wales with some cases associated with hot tubs and spa-pools.
“These settings should have a risk assessment in place, where the risks have been identified and control measure put in place. These control measures will include chemical treatment of the water, cleaning and water sampling.”
This is excellent advice. Please ensure you get a risk assessment and sample regularly.
Photo: Aberystwyth, credit Andrew Jephson, Unsplash.
