SAFER CLEANER COMPLIANT WATER
What is legionella
Legionella bacteria is natural occurring in the environment especially within nutrients rich, wet, stagnant areas, such as rivers, streams, ponds and even soil. However, Legionella can thrive once the bacteria enters an engineered environment (manmade system), where the risk of exposure is significantly higher.
First identified during a convention of Legionnaires (hence the name) in 1976 at the Bellevue- Stratford Hotel Philadelphia resulting in 224 attendees becoming seriously ill with a form of Pneumonia, 34 of which died. The form of Pneumonia was later named Legionnaires disease. Although this was the first time the bacterium was identified and named, early cases of respiratory disease outbreaks were retrospectively diagnosed as Legionnaires disease as early as 1959, including an outbreak resulting in two deaths in 1974 at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel Philadelphia. (that’s right the same place twice).
The earliest recorded Legionella Outbreak in the UK is 1985 at Stafford District Hospital. A cooling tower on the roof of the hospital was responsible for the infection of 175 people and the death 28 of those.
Who is at risk of contracting it and how?
Legionellosis is the collective name given to the pneumonia like illness caused by Legionella bacteria. This includes the most serious Legionnaires Disease and the less serious conditions of Pontiac Fever and Lochgoilhead Fever. Legionnaires Disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and everyone is susceptible to infection, however, some people are at higher risk
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People over 45 years old
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Smokers and heavy drinkers
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People suffering from chronic Respiratory or Kidney Disease
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Anyone with an impaired immune system; and
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Men appear more susceptible than women.
Legionnaires disease contracts via inhalation of aerosols (tiny Water Droplets that evaporate very quickly) contaminated with Legionella Bacteria. Flu-like symptoms such as high temperature, fever, muscle pain, headaches and coughing develop between 2-19 days (typically 6-7 days).
If you suspect that you may have contracted Legionnaires Disease and have breathing difficulties, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible, as it can cause severe pneumonia which may require medication, if not correctly treated Legionnaires Disease can be fatal.
Elevated Risk Factors in Water Systems
Any water system that has the right environment can potentially be a source of Bacterial growth including Legionella, there is foreseeable risk of bacterial growth in your systems if:
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Water is stored or recirculated as part of your systems
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Water temperatures in all or part of the system are between 20-45°C
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There is a source nutrient – rust, sludge, scale, silt & organic matter
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There is a possibility of aerosols being produced and dispersed over a wide area e.g., showers and cooling towers
The most common engineered systems where Legionella can be found are, cooling towers, evaporative condensers, hot and cold-water systems, spa pools, humidifiers, air washers, emergency showers and ornamental fountain/water features.
How do I reduce risk
You should consider whether you can prevent the risk of legionella in the first place by considering the type of water system you need, eg consider whether it is possible to replace a wet cooling tower with a dry air-cooled system. The key point is to design, maintain and operate your water services under conditions that prevent or adequately control the growth of legionella bacteria.
Am I at risk
Yes everyone is at risk, certain groups are more susceptible as highlight above, but ultimately anyone can contract Legionnaires Disease. Aquate Consultancy are here to help you reduce and control the Risk of Bacterial Growth within your water systems and ensure you remain compliant with ACoP L8.
The First steps to safer, compliant water systems consist of two questions.
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Do I have an up-to-date Legionella Risk Assessment for my systems?
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Is a “Scheme of control” in place for my systems?
If the answer to either of these questions is no, you and your systems are at risk
