Legionnaires Disease An Overview
Legionella bacteria can be found in natural water courses, lakes and even artificial water systems. Such organisms are normally associated with larger water systems, as found in factories, hotels, hospitals and schools, but they can also harbour in smaller water supply systems used in homes and other residential accommodation , e.g. hot and cold water systems such as storage tanks, pipe-work, taps and showers. Other potential sources of legionella include spa and whirlpool baths, humidifiers and fire-fighting systems (sprinklers and hose reels). Legionella can survive in low temperatures, but multiply increasingly at temperatures between 20oC and 45oC. High temperatures of 60oC and over will kill them.
Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria. It can affect anybody, with some people more exposed than others. Persons particularly at risk include males over 45, smokers and heavy drinkers, those suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease, and people whose immune system is impaired.
What are my legal requirements?
Unknowingly in a number of proven cases, employers, property owners or leasing companies who have water systems on their premises have a legal obligation as to the health and safety of their occupants i.e. employees, tenants , and the public, according to the Health and Safety Works Act 1974. More recently the Health and Safety Executive introduced the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) and Guidance document (L8 2001) for the Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems, detailing both statutory and non-statutory requirements. Applying the principals detailed therein will help maximise complicity and stay within the law
Why do I need to be concerned?
Based on the most recent HSE water hygiene inspections, it is becoming increasingly apparent that organisations are falling well short of their legal requirements to minimise the risks of legionnaires' disease on their premises. Lack of awareness has been recorded as the most common fault. This can prove fatal, subsequently leading to prosecution and possible imprisonment.
The link below describes a recent Legionella incident where either bacteria has been found on a premises, an outbreak has occurred or, at worst, a person(s) has died as a result of catching Legionnaires' Disease
