LEGIONELLA
temperature control key to keeping water systems safe from Legionella.
Biocides are vital in killing the bacteria that causes Legionella, especially when contamination has been detected.
Every owner of a water system has a duty the under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) to assess and manage risks from Legionella.
The steps that Duty Holders must take are described in the HSE Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8 and HSG 274.
Companies supplying Legionella management services also have obligations under L8 to control the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria. Products and processes must be effective to ensure public health.
about Legionella
Legionella bacteria are widespread in natural water systems, e.g. rivers and ponds. People rarely become ill from these sources though.
Outbreaks of illness typically occur from exposure to Legionella growing in purpose-built systems. Any water system with conducive environmental conditions has the potential to be a source of Legionella.
People breathing in droplets or mist from an infected water system can become ill with Legionellosis, including Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal type of pneumonia.
