Regular Assessments To Test For This Dangerous Bacteria
Legionella is responsible for Legionnaire’s Disease which is potentially life-threatening. Learn what your responsibilities are to test for this bacteria.
If you are a building owner or operator of commercial premises, then you have an obligation to carry out a regular risk assessment to determine whether legionella bacteria is present in your water system. This stringent requirement is part of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations which must be met in order to achieve full compliance in your role. This guide will help you gain more of an understanding about what legionella is, how it can be detected and the next steps for treatment if it is found to be present.
Preventing Legionnaire’s Disease
The reason that the presence of this bacteria is taken so seriously, is because it is the primary cause of Legionnaire’s Disease. When a person inhales tiny droplets of water which has been contaminated with the legionella bacteria, the likely consequence is that they will develop Legionnaire’s Disease which is effectively a more significant form of pneumonia and is life-threatening. A person who is exhibiting early signs of this disease can develop symptoms such as headaches, mental confusion, inflammation of the lungs, muscle pains and diarrhoea.
Where Is Legionella Found?
People can contract Legionnaire’s Disease when they’re out and about in nature, such as if they’re bathing in waterfalls, rivers or other natural water sources. But the legionella bacteria can also be found in manmade locations such as swimming pools, spa facilities or in water tanks, towers and heating systems. Whilst there’s little you can do about coming into contact with legionella from natural sources other than to avoid these types of locations, there are multiple steps of detection and treatment that can be carried out to mitigate the risk of this disease to occupants using the water within your building.
Arrange Legionella Testing
If you are legally required to have this type of legionella testing carried out to L8 standards, then make sure that you follow through on this responsibility and book an appointment for an assessment. Your testing should always be carried out by a professional company who are certified members of the Legionella Control Association. This ensures that the testing will adhere to the latest BSRIA and CIBSE guidelines and your testing engineer will be fully trained with plenty of experience in assessing for legionella.
Testing is carried out by taking samples from high risk areas which might include where there are low temperatures in hot water systems, stagnant water, or in places where a previous outbreak of legionella has been detected. There are also certain establishments which are more at risk if legionella is found to be present – these include medical facilities, or any building with vulnerable occupants such as the elderly, babies or those with compromised immune systems. Testing is often advised to occur at least every two years with regular documentation created between visits to ensure that the situation is reviewed frequently.
If legionella is found to be present in your water supply, you will be provided with clear guidance about your options which may include the cleaning and refurbishment of your water tank in order to eradicate this bacteria.
If you have a legal responsibility under the COSHH regulations, then ensure that you take this seriously and book in to test your water systems for legionella today!