Under the Health and Safety Regulations, your company must choose someone to be in charge of preventing and controlling risks related to legionella and making sure that the right assessments are done. Companies that test water for legionella are often hired to do this - companies just like Assured Water.
It can be easy to forget about what might be termed invisible risks within your building. However, this could be dangerous because legionnaires' disease, which can be fatal, is caused by the legionella bacterium. When you look at the risks within your business, it is especially important to protect your staff and customers from the risks of legionella. If your building has air conditioning, stored water, or showers (or all of the above), testing for legionella in the water will help you keep safety standards up to date.
Legionella is a bacteria that lives in water. When it is breathed in, usually in tiny water droplets, it causes Legionnaires' disease in the lungs. People have gotten unwell in commercial settings from the water in spa jacuzzis, hot tubs, and showers. Many outbreaks start in air conditioning units. It all needs to be tested.
What makes the legionella bacteria grow and spread?
Legionella grows best in still water that is heated to between 20oC and 45oC. At lower and higher temperatures, the bacteria will be dormant. Bacteria will die at temperatures above 60oC. Where there is a steady flow of water, the risk of legionella is lower because the bacteria don't get a chance to take hold. Water that stays in one place also collects waste and sludge, which give bacteria the food they need to grow.
Bacteria are much less likely to grow in homes because people use water all the time and hot water is heated above the highest temperature at which bacteria can live. On the other hand, be careful in the garden, especially in the summer, because people have gotten sick from legionella bacteria that grew in warm, still water in garden hoses and water butts.
Don't depend on luck
Book your legionella water test as soon as possible for peace of mind or to finish your legionella risk assessment. At Assured Water, we offer a full range of services to protect your business from legionella, such as legionella risk assessments, water testing, water system management, and cleaning and disinfecting water tanks.
Comments