Professional Legionella Risk Assessment Brighton

CleanAir UK provide expert Legionella Risk Assessment in Brighton and the south.

About Legionella

Legionella has likely been around for centuries but only came to public attention around 50 years ago when 182 members of an organisation called “The American Legion” fell ill during a convention in the US city of Philadelphia. That outbreak gave the bacteria its name. 

Since then there have been numerous documented outbreaks around the world, including a 1985 outbreak in the UK that killed 28 people. The legionella bacteria produces several different diseases among which the most common is Legionnaires Disease, which is often deadly for people in the following high-risk groups:

• People over 45
• Those who smoke heavily
• People with chronic respiratory conditions
• People with HIV or other immune system diseases
• Those suffering from kidney disease

The bacteria itself, known as Legionella Pneumophila, is found in the natural environment in lakes, reservoirs and rivers. In the manmade environment it can be found in standing water associated with air conditioning systems, decorative fountains, hot tubs and to a lesser degree in showerheads, faucets and plumbing.

Under the right conditions, the bacteria can multiply rapidly increasing the likelihood of an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease. As such, it is essential that potential places of contamination are inspected on a regular basis.

Legionella FAQs

How do I find out if Legionella is present?

Employers, building managers and others responsible for property management need to be aware of the risk posed by this bacteria and should arrange regular inspections. CleanAir UK conduct Legionella Risk Assessment in Brighton in accordance with guidelines established by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations of 2002 and other legislation. These acts provide a framework for controlling the bacteria and provide tips on how to prevent it from entering a building in the first place.

How do I get Legionnaires’ Disease?

The most common form of transmission is inhaling tiny droplets of water in the air that contain the bacteria. Warm standing water (up to about 45C) is a known risk factor as is recirculated water in an air conditioning system or the presence of sludge, scale or fouling within water pipes.

What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ Disease produces flu-like symptoms including fever, muscle aches, headaches and respiratory distress. Severe cases often morph into an atypical and dangerous form of pneumonia. Unlike the seasonal flu virus and the common cold, however, Legionnaires’ Disease is not contagious.