Expert Insight
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR VENUE (AND YOUR CUSTOMERS) FROM LEGIONELLA
Legionnaire’s disease is a type of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria. The disease can be caught by inhaling small droplets of water suspended in the air which contain the bacteria. Middle-aged or elderly men are most susceptible. And the disease can be serious, with symptoms including: high temperature, cough, muscle pains, headache and diarrhoea. Though they resemble the flu initially, the disease can lead to the development of pneumonia and can be fatal.
Generally the bacterium lives in water, but outbreaks in clubs, bars, restaurants and hotels can occur from water systems where temperatures are warm enough to encourage its growth. Installations such as air conditioning units can spread droplets of water over a wide area, leaving your customers breathing in the bacteria.
So how can you prevent your customers from getting Legionnaire’s disease?
Those in charge of the premises, including employers, have a duty under the Health and Safety legislation to understand and manage legionella risks.
Ensuring you’re on top of your risk management obligations will help to keep your staff and customers safe.
Make sure that systems that use water in your premises are regularly checked and maintained.
Carry out a risk assessment for all systems, demonstrating that they are being adequately managed.
Depending on the type of system, further assistance may be required from a competent person. A competent person can be someone internal or external, who is specifically responsible for complying with health and safety requirements – and who has the expertise needed to control and manage the risks.
A written control scheme must be introduced, including information such as; the system, person(s) ...
... responsible for the risk assessment, safe and correct operation of the system, controls being used and how the company will ensure the controls remain effective.
Implement simple control measures. These could include regular flushing of the system, avoiding debris getting into the system, removing any redundant pipework and setting control parameters.
Report any confirmed cases of legionellosis to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).
Failure to demonstrate adequate risk management could leave you in hot water should you be prosecuted for a Legionella offence. Though having adequate Employer’s Liability Insurance cover is a must, it’s far safer and far more sensible to mitigate the risks and avoid the disaster in the first place.
For more information and specialist advice, speak to the NDML risk management team on 0844 488 9205, or visit
ndml.co.uk
30
November 2019
www.venue-insight.com
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