Expert guidance to avoid seasonal legionella risks in the water system in your Yorkshire property
Any water system, given the right environmental conditions, could be a source for legionella bacteria growth. Expert Craig Taylor, from Yorkshire-based Absolute Water Compliance, explains how to minimise the risks.
The potentially fatal hidden danger of legionella can be found in any water pipe, outlet and showerhead.
At any time that a staff member or tenant turns on a tap, flushes the loo or has a shower, they may be at risk of a rare but potentially fatal form of pneumonia if preventative steps have not been taken.
Without regular maintenance to ensure water systems are protected, legionella bacteria can grow and spread through microscopic water droplets. Though there are ways in which to avoid it:
Is my business or property at risk?
Most people have heard of legionella in places like factories, schools and properties because they have larger, more complex water systems which bring more risk with them.
However, legionella can also grow in buildings where intermittent usage leaves stagnant water in pipes, such as a holiday let.
That is why property owners should carry out a risk assessment and take appropriate action to minimise risk, according to the Health and Safety Executive.
The continuous monitoring of risks and accurate record-keeping of tests are also a legal requirement. Whether you are a building manager, the employer or landlord, you have a legal requirement to carry out a risk assessment, regardless of the size of the building you operate from.
What are the risks of legionella?
While legionella is not contagious and is spread through tiny bacteria in water droplets which are not visible to the human eye, it’s a particularly nasty disease which can be fatal.
If a person develops legionnaires’ disease, early medical intervention is crucial for a positive outcome.
It’s particularly dangerous to those with lowered immune systems, chronic lung or lifelong conditions, as well as smokers, the elderly and very young. Once contracted, there is a 10 per cent mortality rate.
How can I prevent it?
Identifying and assessing sources of risk, managing those risks and putting preventative controls in place, as well as maintaining accurate records of all work carried out are the best ways to avoid legionella.
As many businesses and landlords don’t have the experience or skills in-house, that’s why you may need to call in the experts. Absolute Water Compliance can provide City and Guilds trained teams to carry out comprehensive audits and arrange for relevant action to be taken.
They can help keep your staff and tenants safe by providing expert guidance and ensure you are fully compliant with the legal requirements.
Professional bodies and insurance companies are becoming more aware of the benefits and buyers now often ask to see legionella risk assessments before completing a purchase if you are selling your business or property.
Find out more
To arrange a legionella risk assessment, contact the Yorkshire-based team on 01226 491133 or [email protected].
Or find out more at www.absolute-water.co.uk/legionella-risk-assessment