Legionella, what is it?
In order to describe what a Legionella risk assessment is it is important to explain what Legionella is. Legionella is a Gram -ve micro organism capable of causing a potentially fatal infectious pneumonia type illness named Legionellosis. The micro organism lives in all water in between the temperatures of 20 C and 45 C. Any age range can be at risk of Legionella infection if resident or employed in an setting of high risk. Additionally , men over the age of 50, in particularmen who smoke or have immune suppressing illnesses, are statistically at higher risk of contracting the disease.
Legionellosis has 2 forms; Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. Legionnaires’ disease causes pneumonia and can be deadly, whilst Pontiac fever is a much less severe illness with symptoms similar to those of a bad cold and is not fatal.
Risk of Legionella Infection from Domestic Water Systems
Legionella can be found in large numbers within artificial water supply systems such as hot & cold domestic water pipes and within industrial process pipework. If the environment is suitable the Legionella can multiply and colonise the system, increasing the risk of Legionella infection, particularly if the water system is connected to a shower or spray tap, as it is in these situations that people can become infected with Legionella by inhaling contaminated aerosols or water droplets.
The risk of acquiring a Legionella infection from water systems , especially within the workplace , has been considerably reduced by tighter health & safety regulations being enforced. The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health or COSHH Regulations 2002 ensure that employers manage the water systems to an adequate standard so as to minimise infection .
Legionella Risk Assessment Providers
Legionella risk assessment companies usually offer a program of services that minimise the risk of a Legionella infection by making certain that recommendations are achieved. First of all they would carry out Legionella risk assessments which would assess the risk of infection linked to the water system. This involves a detailed examination of the water system to include the source of the water, if there was stored water on site such as water tanks or water heaters, the number of outlets present and how frequently these were used, the type of individual that may come into contact with the water system and how the water system was currently being managed to prevent the risks from Legionella.
Once the Legionella risk has been performed it is then possible to develop a regular inspection and testing plan to further prevent the risks . This can include routine temperature monitoring, bacteial sampling, cleaning and disinfection and must include record keeping .
A good Legionella assessment should allow the companies own staff to run a Legionella control program in order to manage the Legionella risk themselves. Most Legionella assessment companies can also provide training of staff members to ensure they understand their responsibilities and can effectively carry out the Legionella control duties that they have been given. They can also be educated to be able to carry out Legionella control audits to preserve the effectiveness of the in-house Legionella control progrram.
