Legionnaires' disease is back in the news and sadly it's fatalities that are drawing
attention to this all too easy to ignore disease. Chemist and hygiene expert Steven
Booth talks to HSM about what steps can be taken to pr
Legionnaires' disease is back in the news and sadly it's fatalities that are drawing
attention to this all too easy to ignore disease. Chemist and hygiene expert Steven
Booth talks to HSM about what steps can be taken to prevent a legionnaires' outbreak
1. How do I make sure that my
building and its systems are
safe from Legionnaires'
disease?
Make sure that you have had a suitable
and valid Legionella Risk Assessment
carried out within the past two years, and
that you have followed up the actions
from it including relevant monitoring
tests. If you haven't then act now.
2. I don't have a cooling tower; do I need to
check anything else?
All workplaces and public buildings require the Legionella Risk
Assessment. This should indicate what controls are needed,
which can vary from very simple checks to more complex
programmes depending on the systems present. Never leave
anything to chance, ask a suitably qualified firm now.
3. I do have a cooling tower, how can I be sure it is
safe?
The AcoP L8 guideline details the regular maintenance checks
and chemical and microbiological analyses that are required.
These results should be monitored and your water treatment
experts should advise on actions for any results that don't meet
the specifications.
4. I have lab tests carried out regularly on water
systems and don't have any high results so is my
building safe?
Microbiological testing is only one aspect of a Legionella control
program and only provides a snapshot at a given time. All checks
as detailed in the ACoP L8 must be carried out and recorded in
order to prove the water systems are kept in a safe condition.
5. We employ a specialist contractor to look after
all water treatment requirements so do we need
to check anything?
Employment of a specialist does not absolve the duty holder
(building owner) from responsibility, you should still ensure your
contractor is audited and work is carried out to a suitable
standard.
6. Can I catch the disease from taps?
Yes, it is possible to catch the disease from any breathable spray,
although if the regular monitoring checks are carried out, and the
water temperatures and cleanliness are maintained, regularly
used hot and cold water services should be relatively safe.
7. Is my drinking water safe?
Clean drinking water taps, and regularly used mains fed outlets
are usually safe to drink at all times and Legionnaires disease can
only be caught by inhaling the spray. Any little-used outlets could
have sporadic high counts of bacteria including Legionella, but
systems fed from storage tanks and hot water cylinders are at
higher risk.
8. Can I catch the disease from a shower?
It is possible if the system water is contaminated. Regularly used,
clean showers are usually low risk as long as they are fed by a
clean system or from the mains. Any showers that aren't used on
a regular basis should be flushed through at least once each week
whilst avoiding exposing anyone to the spray released.
9. Should I disinfect my water systems?
Inspections and testing will usually inform building managers
when they should clean and disinfect water systems, or some
systems should be routinely disinfected every six months or
annually regardless of condition. If samples show that Legionella
bacteria are present then it is usually advisable to disinfect the
system.
10. How do we know if everything is being done
correctly by our contractor?
The person responsible should be trained to carry out checks and
monitor work undertaken as should any manager who is
responsible for the safety of the water systems.
More information is available at
www.gwtltd.com
