Preventing and Controlling Legionella Outbreaks

Legionella is bacteria that causes Legionnaires disease which is a potential fatal form of pneumonia affecting any one of any age and health but is particularly susceptible to those will have a weak immune system, elderly, ill and smokers. An outbreak of Legionella is damaging to health and the reputation of an establishment therefore Legionella must be tackled and avoided. Legionella risk assessments are vital to prevent Legionella outbreaks and every company or building manager must ensure they comply with health and safety laws. Legionella breed in air vents or air supplies as well as water systems therefore these areas must be checked and maintained regularly. Employers have a legal duty to safeguard the water and air systems on work premises by carrying out Legionella risk assessments. Failure to comply with the health and safety law could result in heavy fines, imprisonment, a serious risk to public health and negative publicity if Legionella causes death or serious illness. Many employers opt to use external outsources to complete Legionella risk assessments for expertise knowledge that may not be available internally.

Legionella risk assessments should adequately identify and assess all sources of Legionella risk. Once all potential sources of risk have been identified, a set action plan or scheme should be prepared and documented for the prevention or controlling the risk. To prevent and control Legionella, precautions should be implemented, managed and monitored with at least one appointed person to oversee and be managerially responsible. In addition, employers and those responsible for premises must have adequate training and resources to ensure all Legionella precautions are carried out regularly. One of the ways to ensure Legionella does not pose health risk is to ensure air and water systems are kept hygienic by cleaning and disinfecting on a regular basis. Water systems can include cold water storage tanks, cooling towers and evaporative condensers, water softeners, humidifiers, shower heads, spa baths, horticultural misting systems, car and bus washes, indoor fountains and water features and any other appliance or apparatus that passes water or air.

Mary Porter - About Author:
Legionella is a serious water risk, but at amphibia.co.uk they can provide Legionella risk assessments to allow you to manage the hygiene of your facilities. Visit their website today for more information!

Article Source:
http://www.articleside.com/health-articles/preventing-and-controlling-legionella-outbreaks.htm

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