Eagle Safety & Environment Limited experienced & qualified BOHS P901 surveyors would carry out a detailed assessment of water quality (including taking samples for analysis of legionella bacteria, total coliform units and water temperature measurements) and advise corrective action/s where necessary. A clear and detailed report would be provided on completion of the survey and analysis.
The aim of a Risk Assessment is to place on record, the bacterial, mechanical and physical conditions of the water systems within the building.
To assess the potential of the contamination and proliferation of the specific bacterium Legionella Pneumophila.
Inform and instruct the relevant site personnel, on the remedial works, on-going temperature monitoring, and the annual chlorination as in line with the latest HSE ACOP (Approved Code of Practice) documentation, L8 ‘The control of legionella bacteria in water systems’ 2001.
Legionella (The Disease)
Legionnaires’ Disease is a pneumonia caused by Legionella Pneumophila. Infection is believed to occur by inhalation of contaminated aerosols produced by e.g. air-conditioning cooling towers, showers, nebulisers, etc.
The incubation period of the disease is 2-10 days.
Symptoms include; myalgia and headache followed by fever, chills and a consolidating pneumonia which primarily involves the alveoli and terminal bronchioles; an intra-alveolar exudate is characteristic of the disease.
Other common symptoms include; chest and abdominal pains, vomiting. diarrhoea and mental confusion. Mortality may be high, particularly in susceptible individuals (e.g. the elderly, smokers, people with a history of bronchial disease, patients on immunosuppressive drugs.)
Legislation
The revised ACOP L8 and a new guidance document called HSG274.
The new ACOP L8 focuses exclusively on approved practices.
HSG274 comprises a guidance document split into 3 parts:
- Part 1 – cooling water systems.
- Part 2 – hot and cold water systems.
- Part 3 – other risk systems.
The assessment of risk takes account for the following:
- The potential for droplet formation
- Water temperature and conditions (maximum growth rate of Legionella at 37 degrees Celsius, growth takes place between 20 – 45°C) and presence of a source of nutrients (Sludge, scale, rust, algae and other organic matter)
- The likely risk to those who inhale the water droplets
- The particular means by which exposure to legionella bacteria is to be prevented or risk-controlled