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Commercial Legionella Risk Assessment

An Introduction to Legionella

Legionella bacteria can cause several pneumonia-like illnesses including the potentially fatal legionnaires’ disease. Anyone is at risk of contracting this disease, but there are several factors that increase susceptibility:

  • people over 45 years old
  • heavy drinkers and smokers
  • people who have kidney illnesses
  • people with compromised immune systems
  • people suffering from chronic respiratory diseases

Small populations of Legionella pneumophila are present in natural water systems like reservoirs, rivers and lakes. They can also sometimes be found in purpose-built systems that people often access.

Given favourable conditions, the risk of legionnaires’ disease increases with the growth of the bacteria. The Control of Legionella bacteria in water systems (L8) outline measures to mitigate this.

 

 
  
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Commercial Legionella Risk Assessment

Important Questions to Answer

  • If you are responsible for a property, it’s critical that you learn about the dangers of legionella and the importance of risk assessments.The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 recommend measures to prevent the growth of legionella.
  • identify and assess sources of risk
  • manage and control any risks
  • keep accurate records

Legionella can be found in natural waters, however, people can rarely contract the disease from those sources. Outbreaks of legionnaires’ disease usually occur in purpose-built systems where conditions are controlled and ideal for bacteria growth. Spa pools, evaporative condensers and cooling towers are examples of these systems.

  • Legionella-contaminated water droplets in the air are inhaled by humans. The following conditions enhance this risk.
  • stored or re-circulated water
  • presence of sludge, scale or fouling
  • water with temperatures maintained between 20–45 °C
  • breathable droplets of water production, like aerosol created by cooling towers

Legionnaires’ disease has symptoms similar to the flu including fever, chills, muscle pains, headaches. Some also experience pneumonia, diarrhea, or even mental confusion. The disease is not known to be contagious from person to person.

Cleanair UK Legionella Risk Control Services

Annual Cold Water Storage Tank Cleaning

Monthly Temperature Monitoring

3 Monthly Shower Head Descale

The Cleanair UK Promise

Are you interested in our commercial Legionella Risk Assessments? Contact us!

 

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