What is Legionnaires disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia – lung inflammation usually caused by infection and can be caught by inhaling droplets of water containing the disease.
The bacteria thrive in warm water environments, such as cooling towers, hot water systems, and air conditioning units. To ensure the safety of your premises, it's essential to conduct a Legionella risk assessment.
This blog post will guide you through the importance of a Legionella risk assessment, how to get one, and the steps involved in the process.
Do you need a Legionella risk assessment?
As legionella can be contracted by breathing in water vapour this makes it especially important for businesses such as spas, saunas and swimming pools are particularly at risk. There is also a high risk where there are vulnerable people present such as Hospitals and care homes.
Why is a Legionella Risk Assessment Important?
Legionnaires' disease can be fatal, especially for vulnerable people such as the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic respiratory conditions. A thorough risk assessment helps identify potential hazards, assess the risk level, and implement control measures to prevent the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria.
How to Get a Legionella Risk Assessment
Securing a Legionella risk assessment involves several steps, from selecting a qualified assessor to implementing the recommendations provided. Here at Absolute Water Compliance, we have been helping businesses to comply with water safety and hygiene for years and our engineers have over 20 year’s industry experience. To book a Legionella risk assessment it is simple. Call us today and we will arrange for member of the team to get in contact and arrange your Free site survey.
Here’s how you can get started:
1. Identify Your Need for Assessment
The first step is determining whether your premises require a Legionella risk assessment. If your facility has a water system that includes hot and cold-water storage, cooling towers, or any equipment that could potentially aerosolise water, then you need an assessment. Common environments include hotels, hospitals, care homes, offices, and industrial facilities.
2. Hire a Qualified Assessor
The success of a Legionella risk assessment heavily depends on the expertise of the assessor. Look for professionals who are experienced, accredited, and familiar with the latest guidelines, such as the UK’s HSE ACoP L8 (Approved Code of Practice and Guidance).
How long does a risk assessment take?
The time to complete a risk assessment depends on a few varying factors such as the premises size, and what are is required to survey.
Does the Legionella risk assessment have to be at a specific time?
No, we can cater to your business requirements – please specify during your business consultation.
The actual assessment process involves several key stages:
System Survey: The assessor will conduct a thorough survey of your water systems. This includes identifying all water sources, mapping out the entire system, and noting any areas where water can stagnate or become warm enough to support bacterial growth.
Risk Evaluation: The assessor will evaluate the risks associated with each component of the water system. This includes assessing factors like water temperature, the presence of biofilms, water usage patterns, and the potential for aerosol formation.
Sampling and Testing: In some cases, the assessor may take water samples for laboratory analysis to determine the presence and concentration of Legionella bacteria.
Review of Management Practices: The assessment also involves reviewing existing water management practices, including maintenance routines, disinfection methods, and record-keeping.
Do customers deal with one point of contact?
Yes, you will speak with a dedicated account manager throughout.
4. Receive the Assessment Report
After the survey and analysis, the assessor will provide a detailed report outlining the findings. This report will include:
Identification of Risks: A list of identified risks and the areas where Legionella bacteria could potentially thrive.
Risk Level: An assessment of the level of risk associated with each hazard.
Recommendations: Specific recommendations for mitigating identified risks, which might include changes to water temperature settings, system cleaning, or upgrades to existing water systems.
Action Plan: A prioritized action plan to help you implement the recommended control measures. This may include a schedule for regular monitoring and maintenance, staff training, and emergency procedures in case of an outbreak.
5. Implement Control Measures
Based on the assessor’s recommendations, implement the necessary control measures to reduce the risk of Legionella. This could involve:
Adjusting water temperatures to ensure hot water is stored above 60°C and cold water below 20°C.
Regularly cleaning and descaling water systems to prevent biofilm buildup.
Installing filters or ultraviolet (UV) treatment systems.
Regularly flushing infrequently used outlets and maintaining appropriate chlorination levels.
You can also use our FREE legionella risk assessment template – to regularly monitor and check your Legionella prevention processes.
6. Ongoing Monitoring and Review
A Legionella risk assessment is not a one-time activity. Regular monitoring, maintenance, and periodic reassessments are crucial to ensure ongoing safety. Keep detailed records of all activities related to water system management, including temperature checks, maintenance logs, and any incidents of concern.
Conclusion
Conducting a Legionella risk assessment is a vital responsibility for any business or facility with water systems that could support the growth of Legionella bacteria. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your premises are safe, compliant with legal requirements, and that you are taking proactive measures to protect the health of those who use your facilities.
If you're uncertain where to start, consider reaching out to us here at Absolute water compliance who can guide you through the process and provide peace of mind. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to protecting against potentially fatal diseases like Legionnaires' disease.
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