Legionella Testing

Legionella Testing

Throughout Kent London Essex Sussex Surrey

Legionella testing provides an additional level of legionella risk management which is in accordance with industry guidance and approved codes of practice (AcOP). A legionella sample would be taken in accordance with AcOP L8 & BS 7592:2008 ‘Sampling for Legionella bacteria in water systems’.

 

As well as Legionella testing, as standard we provide additional water sampling for E.Coli, Psuedomonas & Total Viable Counts (TVC’s) of water based bacterium, to provide complete peace of mind.

 

All of our samples are analysed by UKAS accredited laboratories. Samples are delivered to our labs on the same day as sampling is carried out. Results are reported with recommendations and full technical backup.

 

Legionella Testing Up Close

legionella-testing

Legionella testing is an addition to, rather than an alternative to, a traditional inspection of your building’s pipework. Moreover, it allows you to provide your workplace with additional protocols to ensure optimal safety among your staff and clients.

Legionella testing can provide a means of early detection of legionella pneumophila and legionella longbeachae in buildings via the methods we use in our detection service.

 

In order to obtain a positive result, a minimum of >10 colony forming units (CFU) as determined by the ‘Malloy method’ should be present at any one time in a sample. In addition, a positive result must be confirmed by a reference laboratory, which we ensure when you enlist our services.

 

It is important to underline that legionella testing is not a substitute for a full investigation of the site but will assist in the identification of contaminated areas and allow investigation into the water supply networks resulting from this contamination.

 

In some instances, it is possible that legionella testing may identify multiple sources of contamination at various sites. More often than not, these sources of contamination are related to general contamination of water mains or hot water systems. Legionella testing has the potential to identify contaminated locations close to the site.

 

Testing for legionella is therefore more of a risk management tool. More fundamental investigations should, however, be undertaken prior to any remediation work commencing.

 

What Are the Risks of Legionella?

The most serious health risks may be from inhalation of contaminated dust, which is when the spores become aerosolised in the air. For a risk assessment to take place, a thorough investigation of all water sources must be undertaken and legionella in the water systems identified and analysed.

 

Legionella testing can also find non-water sources for legionella, such as taps that have not been regularly cleaned or that have become contaminated with legionella growth.

 

The most likely sources are often found in domestic hot water systems. Legionella can be found in many areas, not just in the tap water supply. Usually, if plumbing is to be updated or repaired, a clean tap is required. This can be done to prevent the spreading of the bacteria.

 

Oftentimes, routine deep cleaning and regular maintenance can help reduce the development of legionella, as well as many other potentially harmful contaminants. As such, we encourage you to contact the team at Cleanair UK for assistance.

Interested in our services? You can talk to one of our experienced representatives on 01303 249667, send an email to info@cleanairuk.com with details of your enquiry, or click Contact Us Today to complete our simple enquiry form. A member of our sales team will aim to contact you within 24 hours of receipt of your enquiry.
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