Legionnaires disease occurs as a result of
infections caused by the legionellaceae family
of bacteria.
It is a form of pneumonia which results in
around 250 identified cases a year and can prove
fatal, especially to the elderly or those prone
to respirable problems.
Legionnaires disease is contracted by inhaling
small droplets of water suspended in air which
contain the legionella bacterium.
Legionnaires bacteria occurs naturally in
surface water and soils etc but can also
proliferate within man made environments such as
cooling towers, hot and cold distribution
systems, water plant, humidifiers and air
washers.
Proliferation of the bacteria typically occurs
between 20oC - 45oC and is
assisted by the presence of suitable nutrients
present in Dirt, Sludge and Scale as well as
conditions of poor water flow, stagnation or
where dead legs occur in water systems.
Employers are required to control the risk of
exposure to legionella bacteria in accordance
with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Regulations. This is achieved by following the
Approved Code of Practice L8 The Control of
Legionella (Bacteria in Water Systems) In
general these require the employer to conduct
the following:
-
Identification & assessment of the risk.
-
Prevention or minimisation of risk from
exposure to Legionella.
-
Systems for the management and selection,
training and competence of personnel.
-
Record keeping of maintenance, cleaning and
disinfection.
How Can Euro Environmental Ltd Help You?
Euro Environmental staff will work with you and
your organisation to ensure the risk from
legionella is minimised whether its reviewing
and updating risk assessments, conducting
routine testing and sampling or advising on
appropriate control strategies, you can feel
rest assured In choosing Euro Environmental the
risk from legionella will be controlled giving
you the client 'Peace of Mind'.
For more information on these services complete our online contact form and a member of our team shall respond to your query within the next working day. |
