What is Legionella?
Legionella bacteria are common and
can be found, usually in low numbers, in water sources such as
rivers, reservoirs and lakes. As legionella bacteria are
encountered in natural environmental water sources they may
eventually colonise in manufactured water systems
and particularly hot and cold water systems, cooling towers and other equipment and plant
that stores water.
Legionnaires' disease is normally contracted
by inhaling legionella bacteria either in droplets of water or
ingestion of contaminated water. It can lead to a
potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anyone, but
more so the elderly, those already suffering an illness and
smokers.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are similar to those of flu, i.e. high temperature,
fever and chills, cough, muscle pains and headache. In a severe
case, there may also be pneumonia, and occasionally diarrhoea, as
well as signs of mental confusion. Legionnaires' disease is not
known to spread from person to person.
Are there Legionella risks in my workplace?
There may be a risk of exposure to Legionella if your workplace
or premises has:
Further guidance on how to control legionella risks in the
workplace can be obtained from the Health and Safety Executive.
Duties of Employers, Controllers of Premises and Landlords
- identify and assess sources of legionella risk
- manage any risks
- prevent or control any risks
- keep the correct records
- carry out any other duties you may have
Further details of how to manage risks and carry
out a risk assessment can be obtained from the Health and Safety
Executive.
Some cases of Legionellosis are reportable under RIDDOR. Further guidance can be obtained from the
Health and Safety Executive.
Controllers of premises have a duty
under the Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers
Regulations 1992 to notify the local authority in writing with
details of 'notifiable devices'. Further
details on how to do this can be found on our Cooling
Towers and Evaporative Condensers website.
Useful Information
Information for leisure centres with spa pools,
care homes and other organisations that use hot and cold water
systems for bathing and washing or in manufacturing processes.