Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the legionella bacteria. It is the most well-known and serious form of a group of diseases called legionellosis. Infection is caused by breathing in small water droplets contaminated by
the bacteria; this disease cannot be passed from one person to another. Although everyone is potentially susceptible to infection the people at most risk are the very young, those over 45 years of age, smokers and heavy drinkers and anyone suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease.

Where is legionella found?
The legionella bacteria are common in natural watercourses such as rivers and ponds and since it is common in the environment, they may contaminate and grow in other water systems such as air conditioning cooling towers, hot and cold water systems, swimming pools and spa baths.

The bacteria survive low temperatures and thrive at temperatures between 20oC - 45oC if the conditions are right, e.g. if a
supply of nutrients is present such as rust, sludge, scale, algae or other bacteria.

What am I required to do?
You need to take steps to evaluate and control the risk of infection to staff, customers and the general public. This may be particularly relevent if you operate a hotel, guesthouse, care home, gym, leisure centre or engineering works

You must:

• Identify and assess sources of risk.
• Prepare a scheme (or course of action) for preventing and controlling the risk.
• Implement and manage the scheme.
• Keep records and check what has been done is effective; and,
• If appropriate, notify the local
  authority that you have cooling
  tower(s) on site.

Assessing the risk
You need to find out if water systems including any equipment associated with the system such as filters, pumps, heat exchangers, showers etc. are likely to create a risk. Ask yourself the following -

• Are conditions present that will encourage bacteria to multiply? Is the water temperature between 20-45oC?
• Is it possible that water droplets will be produced and if so, could they be dispersed over a wide area, for example consider showers and machine cooling.
• Is it likely that anyone, especially those most at risk will come in to contact with the contaminated
  droplets?

Preventing or controlling the risk
You need to prepare a written scheme that sets out how you intend to control the risk from legionella. You should describe -

• Your system, a labelled schematic diagram is sufficient. Who is responsible for carrying out the assessment and managing its
  implementation.
• The safe and correct operation of your system.
• The checks that will be carried out and how often these checks will be carried out.

Points to consider

• Ensure any release of water spray is properly controlled.
• Avoid water temperatures that promote the growth of bacteria.
• Ensure water cannot stagnate anywhere in the system by keeping pipe lengths as short as possible or removing redundant Pipe work.
• Avoid using materials that encourage the growth of the legionella.
• Keep the system and water in it clean.
• Treat water to either kill legionella and other microorganisms or limit their ability to grow.
  

Further advice

If you think you may have a system that has the potential to cause harm as a result of the legionella bacteria call the Bibby Consulting & Support line for additional guidance.

Please feel free to contact the SUPPORT LINE on 08 700 200 999 if you require further guidance and support