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Legionella bacteria are found in low numbers in natural aquatic environments, for instance, lakes, rivers and ground water. In low numbers the bacteria are generally considered harmless. However, under certain conditions (e.g. stagnant water at 20°C to 45°C, in the presence of micro-organisms and nutrients such as rust ) the bacteria can grow and multiply to high levels. People may get infected when they breathe in tiny water droplets contaminated with elevated concentrations of Legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. The symptoms of the disease are similar to those for flu with initially high temperature, fever, chills, muscle pains and headaches. This may be followed by a dry cough and breathing difficulties leading eventually to pneumonia. In some cases infection can be fatal. The disease is not contagious and cannot be transferred from person to person. Anyone who encounters aerosols containing the bacteria may be susceptible to the disease but the risk is higher if you are aged over 45, a smoker or if your immune system is impaired. The likelihood of contracting Legionnaires’ disease is related to: – The level of contamination in the water source – The ability of the water source to generate aerosols – The susceptibility of the person exposed to the contaminated water The legal requirements for conducting a Legionella Assessment Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 1994 (as amended) Legionella bacteria are classified as Group 2 biological agents (i.e. Legionella bacteria can cause human disease, might be a hazard to employees, but it is unlikely to spread to the community and there is an effective prophylaxis or treatment available). The regulations set out the duties of employers to prevent exposure to a biological agent or, if complete prevention is not possible, to minimise exposure. The regulations build on the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, to carry out a written assessment of the risk of exposure of any employee to a biological agent such as Legionella. What is a Legionella Assessment? A Legionella Assessment completed completed by Nifast will: – Identify potential outlets that could provide sources of legionella within a premises – Identify water systems within an organisation that provide conditions which could support the growth of legionella – Provide advice on how to effectively manage the risk posed by legionella, and to implement an effective Legionella Control Program – Provide guidance as to the required frequency of inspections – Advise on an effective sampling regime – Carry out sampling of suspected water systems. Submit collected samples for testing at an accredited laboratory. Do you need to undertake a Legionella Assessment? – Have you identified water systems in your workplace that may promote the growth of legionella or generate aerosols? – Do you have an effective Legionella Control Programme in place? – Are you aware of the legislative requirements that apply to biological agents, such as Legionella? |
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What is Legionella?