Legionellosis - Ansvar

Legionellosis prevention

Legionellosis is a collective term for diseases caused by legionella bacteria, including the most serious legionnaire’s disease. In most premises the risk is low but there are some instances where they are increased. Read our guide for how to spot these instances and manage the risks.

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What is legionellosis?

Legionellosis is a collective term for diseases caused by legionella bacteria. The most serious of these diseases is Legionnaire’s disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. Legionnaire’s disease is contracted by inhaling small droplets of water (aerosols) suspended in the air which contain the bacteria.

The risk of contracting legionnaire’s disease increases with age, amongst smokers, anyone suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease or with an impaired immune system. Risks can also increase in buildings using air conditioners or humidifiers, buildings with dead end pipes, long runs of pipework containing warm water, or indoor ornamental fountains and showers.

Legal requirements

There may be a range of health and safety laws that apply to your organisation including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.

Requirements under these laws might include:

Complete, record and revise risk assessments to identify where precautions are required
Eliminate any hazardous substances that are present if possible
Implement suitable precautions to be taken where hazardous substances are present
Ensure precautions are taken and properly maintained
Provide information and training to employees, volunteers, and contractors

Example hazards

Water stored or re-circulated as part of the water system
Water temperatures between 20-45ºC
Sources of nutrients such as rust, sludge, scale, and organic matter that encourage bacterial growth
Water droplets being produced and dispersed over a wide area
Employees, volunteers, and visitors who are more susceptible to infection
The use of humidifiers and air-conditioners

Precautions

Here are some examples of precautions you can take:

Avoid water temperatures and conditions that flavour the growth of legionella
Ensure that the release of water spray is properly controlled
Make sure water cannot stagnate anywhere in the system
Keep the water and water system clean
Treat water to control the growth of legionella
Arrange for air-conditioners and humidifiers to be cleaned and serviced regularly
De-scale shower heads and running showers periodically

Making a start on your legionella risk-assessment

Identify and assess the risk from legionella bacteria at your premises
Implement any additional precautions that might be necessary
Train those employees or volunteers with specific roles relating to your water systems

Record all actions you have taken
Document your arrangements and responsibilities for legionella

Legionellosis prevention

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