New video to warn of Legionella dangers

A leading supplier and installer of environmental heating systems has called for more to be done to avoid the potentially fatal disease of legionella.

In their normal environment,

Legionella bacteria are mostly harmless, but outdated water systems provide favourable conditions that allow the bacteria to multiply, causing dangerous outbreaks. “Legionella bacteria is already in the water system. It is when you put it into the water tank that the problem arises.’ explains Denis. “There is increasing evidence that outdated hot water and heating systems are making us ill.”

Systems that allow fresh water to be heated direct from the mains is the only answer says REM. Water is

D

enis Kerr (pictured above), UK Managing Director for

Responsible Energy Management (REM) has produced a video to warn that Legionella in the wrong type of heating system can kill. There are 350 cases of the disease in England and Wales every year.

heated to a temperature that kills the bacteria before use so that the bacteria cannot bloom. Such systems also make the best use of energy as they only heat the water being used, rather than constantly re-heating old water. “Legionella needs large volumes of stagnant water and it needs water held at a temperature between 20º 45º

C to

C to bloom,” explains Denis. “A hot water cylinder is exactly that - a large stagnant vessel.”

To view the full video, go to www. remltd.org/videos

Prove your water systems are free from

LEGIONELLA BACTERIA

from just

£44.50 + VAT

JUST 3 EASY STEPS to peace of mind... 1

2

We send you a sterile bottle, you fi ll it from your hot taps and showers

You let us know the sample is ready, and place it in the supplied bag

3

We collect, perform the laboratory analysis and send you your certifi cate

We also carry out LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENTS, in accordance with the HSE’s L8 Code of Practice.

To enquire call FREEPHONE on: 0800 048 1737 or visit our website at www.AquaCert.co.uk

AquaCert is part of the EMS group, which also carries out Water Hygiene Surveys and Tank Repairs and Replacements