Understanding Legionnaires' Disease: Risks, Prevention, and Legal Responsibilities

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria, affecting particularly vulnerable groups and linked to certain water systems. Discover the critical aspects of its transmission, impact, and the stringent measures required for prevention and compliance.

WHAT IS LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia. It can only be contracted by the deep inhalation of tiny water droplets, called aerosols, which are contaminated with legionella bacteria.

This disease primarily affects people who have increased susceptibility due to predisposing factors, such as age (50 years +) smoking, existing illnesses, etc. Men are more susceptible than women. Legionella infected aerosols can be produced from water systems which create spray, such as showers, cooling towers, spray taps, decorative fountains and Jacuzzis.

On average there are 200-250 reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the U.K. each year.

LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE - BACKGROUND

  1. The first identified outbreak was in 1976 among people attending the Pennsylvania State Convention of the American Legion, where 221 people were infected. 34 died. An apparently new bacterium was isolated from lung specimens.

  2. Retrospective examination of stored specimens from previously unsolved outbreaks showed some were also caused by the bacterium now known as Legionella pneumophila. The disease was therefore not new but newly recognised in 1976.

  3. Organisms are found widespread in rivers, lochs, mud, soil and man made water systems.

  4. To date 37 Species recognised.

  5. Lp Sero group 1 is most associated with Legionnaires Disease in UK.

  6. Legionella bacteria growth is favoured in the temperature range of 20 – 45ºC

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR LEGIONELLA RISK CONTROL

All employers with 5 or more employees must commission a Legionella risk assessment on their water systems every 2 years or sooner if significant changes are made to existing systems. Failure to comply with the legal requirements surrounding Legionella can result in prosecution. If the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 applies to your business premises, then you are required by law to commission a legionella risk assessment on its hot and cold water systems.

For information on your legal obligations surrounding your hot and cold water systems the following legislation outlines what is required:

  • The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

  • TControl of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002

  • THSC Approved Code of Practice L8 (ACoP L8) – Legionnaires’ Disease: The Control of Legionella bacteria in water systems

  • TACOP L8, Legionnaires’ Disease. The control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems (4th Edition 2013)

  • THSG 274 Parts 2 & 3, Legionnaires’ Disease. Technical Guidance.

  • TBS8580:2010. Water Quality – Risk Assessments for Legionella Control – Code of Practice.

  • TThe Water Supply (Water Fittings) (Scotland) Byelaws 2014

WE PROVIDE APPROPRIATE LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR A WIDE RANGE OF BUSINESSES INCLUDING:-

  • Residential Care Homes

  • Housing Associations

  • Schools and Residential Schools

  • Railway Premises

  • Commercial Staff Amenity Blocks

  • Football Stadiums and other Sports Facilities

  • Day Care Facilities

  • Medical Practices (to SHTM 04-01 standard)

  • Factories and Office Premises

A Risk Assessment is an important step in protecting your staff and your business, as well as complying with the law.

For a full risk assessment, simply get in touch with our team and we'll be more than happy to help!