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It may be only tiny, but legionella bacteria is continuing to make big headlines across the UK.
Earlier this month, admissions were halted at a mental health hospital in Nottinghamshire after legionella bacteria was detected there. At the same time, the bacteria, which can be deadly if it is not dealt with quickly and efficiently, was found at a sheltered housing complex near Brighton.
Perhaps more worryingly, a new variant of legionella – known as legionella bononienis – has also been detected in Italy by researchers at the University of Bologna.
So what can be done to protect ourselves from the microscopic bacteria which continues have a big impact – and how can Acorn Safety Services support you?
Everything you need to stop legionella in its tracks
If you’re worried, you needn’t be.
While legionella bacteria can be a big problem, the good news is that the team at Acorn Safety Services has done all the hard work for you and is ready and able to help.
Having identified a need for a testing service that is quick, fully independent and easy to understand, the team at Acorn Safety Services created a whole new division, lead by Legionella and Fire Consultant, Adam Midson, which is dedicated to this important area of work.
We employ fully trained experts, who can respond quickly and give you all the advice and support you need to get on top of your concerns.
A full legionella risk assessment will look for any non-Water Regulations Approval Scheme approved fittings, assess your cold water tank and conditions in your hot water cylinder and accessibility to all areas that require monitoring and maintenance by law.
With spring and summer fast approaching now is the perfect time to get on top of your legionella testing and water monitoring – particularly in any air conditioning units which have been switched off since last year.
Not doing so could cause any bacteria to be released into the air once the units are switched on putting people nearby at risk of developing Legionnaires’ Disease.
Why is legionella bacteria so dangerous?
According to the Government, there were 503 cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in the UK in 2019. It’s a serious illness which can be fatal – symptoms to be aware of include fever, headache, cough and shortness of breath.
While legionella bacteria can cause problems anywhere given the right conditions, some areas such as places where water is stored or recirculated, where the water temperature is between 20-45°C or where rust, sludge, scale and organic matters are present, are considered to be at much higher risk.
The risk of serious illness is much higher in the young, the elderly or anyone whose immune system is compromised.
Want to learn more? Read our latest book
With legionella bacteria clearly an important topic, Ian Stone and Neil Munro have written a new book, Legionella: The Dark Arts which is must-read for facilities managers and health and safety officers alike.
The book, which is available as a Kindle, hardback or paperback version, has already earned five-stars on Amazon, is a complete A-Z of how to tackle legionella bacteria, giving clear, concise details about the steps you should take to ensure the people around you are safe and protected.
As well as offering all the information you need, the book features helpful worksheets to support your own monitoring, details about where to store your documents and relevant support to ensure you stay up to date with regular water monitoring and specific legionella testing.
For all your health and safety needs visit https://acornhealthandsafety.co.uk/ today or contact us at info@acornhealthandsafety.co.uk or on 01604 930380.
