Legionella is a major concern for industry, unless it is monitored correctly. If you have water on site that people can be exposed to, you need to access and manage the risk from Legionella bacteria.
Excel Water can offer you a comprehensive water hygiene risk assessment and advice on remedial action in accordance with.
The health and safety commission require building operator to comply with the health and safety at work etc act 1974, the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) regulations 2002 and the health and safety commissions approved code of practice and guidance (L8) document 2001.
Legionella is the name of the condition which is a strain of legionnaire’s disease. Legionnaire’s disease is a type of pneumonia. Besides affecting the lungs it may also have serious effects on other organs of the body. Infection is caused by inhaling airborne droplets or particles containing viable legionella which are small enough to pass deep into the lungs and deposited in the alveoli. The dose of legionella required to infect a man is not know and there is reported to be a 1% attach rate so for every 100 people exposed generally only one will develop symptoms of the disease.
Most reported cases have occurred in the 40 to 70 age group.
Risks
There are certain duties which would create a higher risk of exposure to Legionella including the following plant and systems.
- Water systems incorporating a cooling tower.
- Water systems incorporating an evaporative condenser.
- Hot and cold water services irrespective of size in premises where occupants are particularly susceptible, such as health care premises.
- Humidifiers and air washers which create a spray of water droplets and where the water temperature is likely to exceed 20 degrees C.
- Spa baths and pools in which warm water is deliberately agitated and re-circulated.
Prevention
The required level of monitoring will depend on the plant and water services on the site., Excel Water design programs for the management of legionella risk, this would general include cleaning and disinfecting, regular monitoring of the water temperature, Inspections of the cold water tanks and reviews of the management program.