| Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium legionella pneumophila and other related bacteria often found naturally in environmental water sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, usually in low numbers. As legionella bacteria are commonly encountered in environmental sources they may eventually colonise manufactured water systems and be found in cooling tower systems, hot and cold water systems and other plant which uses or stores water. If conditions are favourable the bacterium may grow creating conditions in which the risk from legionnaires' disease is increased. |
| What Should You Do? |
| Legionnaires disease is a serious problem and in order to comply with their legal duties, employers and those with responsibilities for the control of the premises must appoint a person to be responsible for the identification and management of any sources of risk. This involves: |
- Undertaking a full and detailed risk assessment of all water related plant to check whether conditions are present which will encourage bacteria to multiply. This includes:
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- Mains cold water systems
- Cold water storage systems
- Hot water systems including storage cylinders
- Supply pipework and pumping systems
- Shower units
- Cooling towers/evaporative condensers
- Air conditioning systems including air handling units
- Ornamental water fountains and irrigation systems
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- Preparation of a scheme for preventing or controlling any identified risks
- Implementing, managing and regularly monitoring any precautions required
- Keeping records and logbooks of any precautionary measures taken to ensure that the appointed contractor is carrying out all the relevant tests and inspections as identified in the water risk assessment
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