Legionnaires Disease (Legionella Bacteria)
What is Legionnaires Disease?
- It is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia.
- On average there are 400 cases of legionnaires disease reported each year in the UK.
- Outbreaks are most commonly associated with hot and cold water systems and cooling towers.
- It is contracted by inhaling either tiny droplets of water aerosols or in droplet nuclei contaminated with Legionella deep into the lungs.
- Legionnaires Disease is governed by the following laws;
- Health & Safety at Work Regulations
- COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
- RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
- The Duty Holder or Responsible Person could be charged with manslaughter if the precautions mentioned in the above Regulations are not followed or face huge fines.
Who is classed as a Duty Holder/Responsible Person
- Employers have a duty to their employees or others.
- A self-employed person has a duty to themselves and others.
- Landlords have a duty to their tenants and others.
How to control the Legionella Bacteria?
- Avoid water temperatures between 20 and 45 degrees.
- Ensuring the system operates correctly and safely and is well maintained.
- Avoid water stagnation that may encourage the growth of bio film.
- Avoid use of materials in the system that can harbour or provide nutrients for bacteria and other organisms to grow.
- Keep the system clean to avoid build up of sediment, which may harbour bacteria.
- The use of a suitable water treatment programme where it is safe to do so.
- It is therefore highly recommended that you carry out a Legionella Test if you are a Landlord.