22nd March is World Water Day!
Although this year’s theme of the UN awareness day isn’t about Legionella, it offers an opportunity to highlight the importance of keeping your water systems well maintained and being compliant within the Health & Safety framework.
On World Water Day, we wish to empower you with knowledge about the risks associated with Legionella, how to prevent legionnaire disease and ensure compliance for your business, keeping your workforce healthy and safe.
Legion – what? Legionella!
Just to clarify, we aren’t about to have a history lesson on cavalry, but coincidentally, the disease gained its name when a group of people became ill after an American Legion convention in 1976.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria and it’s important for everyone to understand the risks and preventative measures associated with it.
Why does this affect me?
As an employer or a building owner, you’re responsible for the health and safety of your staff and anyone else who might be exposed to potential risks on your premises.
Under current legislation, you are required to manage and assess risks of the bacteria within your water systems. This duty is part of your overall responsibility for providing a safe working environment. Failing to meet these requirements can have serious health and financial consequences.
OK, so what’s the deal with Legionella and how does it get to my water system?
The bacteria are often found in water systems that aren’t properly maintained. Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water environments, particularly those between 20°C and 45°C and spread via tiny droplets of water, which can be inhaled into the lungs.
In your organisation, the bacteria can persist via:
Cooling towers and evaporative condensers
To put it simply, this is your air conditioning system! These are commonly found in large buildings and industrial settings where air conditioning systems need to cool the environment. The warm, moist conditions are the perfect breeding grounds for Legionella.
Hot and cold-water services
Legionella can thrive in hot water systems, particularly if temperatures aren’t hot enough to kill the bacteria. If cold water systems aren’t cold enough to keep them from multiplying, they pose a risk too.
Common places where Legionella can be found are showers, taps and any water system that provides a warm or tepid water supply.
We often hear about cases of Legionnaires’ disease within sports clubs during the summer months after a long period of the shower not being used.
By understanding where the bacteria can grow, you can take proactive steps to manage and mitigate these risks.
The workplace and costs of ill health
Legionella-related incidents can be costly for businesses, both financially and reputationally. An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease can lead to serious legal consequences, regulatory fines, and damage to your brand’s reputation.
In 2022/2023, the total cost of workplace self-reported injuries and ill health, including Legionnaires’ disease, was an eye-watering £21.6bn. Ill health and injuries in the workplace not only put lives at risk but also result in productivity losses, higher absenteeism, and increased operational costs.
Ensuring the safety of your water systems isn’t just about compliance – it’s also about maintaining the health and wellbeing of your employees and protecting your business from potential financial loss.
Preventing Legionella is easy!
Here are a few steps that every business should take to manage and mitigate the risks of Legionella:
- Regular Risk Assessments
Carry out regular risk assessments to identify areas where Legionella could potentially thrive. Assessments should be updated periodically and whenever there are changes to the water system or building use.
- Water Temperature Control
Ensure that water temperatures in both hot and cold-water systems are maintained at levels that prevent bacterial growth. Hot water should be maintained above 60°C, and cold water should be kept below 20°C.
- Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Ensure your water systems are regularly cleaned, flushed and disinfected. This includes cooling towers, water tanks and other water storage systems.
- Employee Training
Educate employees about the signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease and what steps to take if they suspect an issue. Awareness can help in the early identification of a problem.
- Professional Assistance
If you discover a problem or are unsure about your water system’s condition, don’t hesitate to seek help from qualified professionals such as Sussex Facilities Management who can carry out thorough inspections, cleaning and system upgrades.
If you are still none the wiser, we’d be happy to help with your health and safety compliance needs.
Call our team on 01444 812 171 or email us at office@sussexfacilities.co.uk to discuss your requirements. Our facilities compliance services team will be able to assist with all your workplace needs.
