Training
www.heatingandventilating.net
Legionella – stay informed
Mark Krull, director of Logic4training, outlines the current legal requirements and suggests a range of measures to mitigate the risks of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak. He also encourages those involved in the installation and maintenance of the water systems to become well-informed so that they are in a position to advise their customers on compliance
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egionella is a bacteria that lives in water systems and causes Legionnaires’ disease, a pneumonia-like illness which is potentially fatal. Everyone is susceptible to infection, but those over the age of 45, smokers
and heavy drinkers, sufferers of chronic respiratory or kidney disease and those with an impaired immune system are most at risk.
The legal requirements
The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACOP Document L8 - The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems) sets out the legal requirements. Landlords and letting agents are now required by law to carry out a risk assessment on all hot and cold water systems in their properties to ascertain the threat of Legionella; failure to comply can attract hefty fines of up to £20,000. The most recent update in the law has seen a change in ‘duty’ so that letting agents now bear responsibility for the properties, whereas in the past, only those in charge of hot and cold water services were liable. This shift means that now, those with little or no understanding of plumbing and heating need to be made more aware of the dangers water systems pose and take steps to prevent Legionnaires’ disease. These include: • The appointment of a competent person (known as the ‘responsible person’) to implement and manage an appropriate Legionella prevention scheme • Implementation of risk assessments to identify and assess the sources of risk • The introduction of measures to manage these risks • The introduction of measures to prevent or control the risks
Risky conditions
Legionella bacteria thrive in conditions where water is maintained at a constant, warm temperature. Temperatures between 20 and 45 °C provide the optimum conditions for bacterial growth so any man-made water system should be viewed as a potential breeding ground. Air conditioning units, hot water tanks that supply baths and showers and whirlpool baths are all examples of facilities that could be at risk and, as such, require regular monitoring. It should be recognised that Legionella bacteria can grow in any part of a water system - in the tank itself, in pipework and even in small components such as showerheads. Residential homes, hotels, hospitals, health clubs and offices are all at risk, particularly if the water in the cooling systems has been stored or re-circulated before use. In bathing systems, the risks are increased where water droplets, sprays or mists mean water is dispersed into the air. Rusty or dirty pipes are also a danger as rust and a build-up of sludge provide a source of nutrient for the bacteria.
August 2018 How to undertake a Legionella Risk Assessment
As a range of conditions constitute risk, it’s clear that regular risk assessments are key in order to maintain water system health. A careful examination of the system is the first step and will enable you to assess and undertake the appropriate care procedures. Legionella risk assessment records should include: • The name and job title of person conducting the risk assessment • Details of the water system, the state it’s in and whether it is operational • Any significant findings – including the identified Legionella risks • Details of monitoring, inspections, tests and checks that have been carried out – with dates • The control measures required and plans for their implementation. These should include time-scales.
Suitable control measures
These will vary according to the type of building concerned, but the most important thing is to prevent water standing in the system for periods of time. Landlords, for example, should flush out water systems prior to letting so that there’s no stagnant water in the system for new tenants. Care should be taken with vacant properties, to ensure water isn’t allowed to stagnate. Outlets on hot and cold water systems should be operated weekly to keep the water moving. Another measure to help combat the spread of bacteria is to run the plumbing system at 60°C which will kill them off. Water tanks should be fitted with tight-fitting lids to ensure that debris doesn’t get into the system and tenants should be advised to regularly clean and disinfect showerheads to prevent Legionella bacteria accumulating.
Get informed
Logic4training’s Legionella Prevention and Water Treatment Managers course is for those with a responsibility for overseeing and planning the safe installation, control and maintenance of water systems within residential properties. The one-day course covers all the necessary areas of legislation and best practice to ensure compliance in designing and delivering a Legionella management plan. As Legionella is such a serious risk to health, effective water treatment is clearly important to those carrying out installation and maintenance of hot and cold water supply systems. Our one-day Legionella Prevention and Water Treatment Operatives course is designed for installers who carry out work on water supply systems within residential properties, enabling them to understand the requirements of the ACoP document L8, HSE guidance, British Standards and Water Regulations and advise the landlords and managers they work for.
www.heatingandventilating.net
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