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HELD each year since 1993, World Water Day on March 22 is an important day for many, focussing on the importance of access to fresh water.
According to the UN, which organises the annual event, as many as 2.2 billion people around the world don’t have access to clean water. Alongside its partners, the UN is taking action to avoid a global crisis.
For the team at Acorn Safety Services, World Water Day presents a unique opportunity to spread the word about legionella and answer some common questions about the bacteria which can be deadly if it is not identified and dealt with quickly.
What is legionella bacteria?
Legionella bacteria is a microscopic bacteria which thrives in warm, damp conditions – particularly in pipework, boilers, showers and air conditioning units. It can be a significant threat for people living and working in any premises which have been left empty for a long period of time.
In affected premises, legionella bacteria is present in water droplets which can then be inhaled by anyone nearby. This is a particular threat to the elderly or those whose immune systems are compromised. Many will go on to develop Legionnaire’s Disease – an illness very similar to pneumonia, which can be deadly.
The key to protecting workplaces from legionella bacteria lies in regular risk assessments, which should be carried out by a trained professional as part of your regular health and safety checks.
What temperature does legionella bacteria grow in?
Any water systems where water is stored between 20–45 °C are at greatest risk of developing legionella bacteria. There is also an increased risk if the water is stored or re-circulated, or if rust, sludge and organic matters are also present.
While legionella bacteria is often found in many rivers, streams or water courses, it becomes dangerous when it finds it way into domestic homes or businesses.
It is the responsibility of the employer or dutyholder to ensure the latest health and safety guidelines are adhered to and that everyone using an office or building is kept safe.
How is legionella bacteria treated?
Once legionella bacteria is identified through a risk assessment, remediation can take a number of forms.
Most commonly, chlorine will be flushed through the water system to kill the bacteria before fresh water is then run through to clean the system thoroughly. Alternatively, water will be heated to extremely high temperatures to ensure the bacteria cannot survive.
Full training is also given by our team of highly-trained legionella consultants while our logbooks and dashboard provide a simple way of storing essential health and safety documents and logging regular water temperature readings.
In some circumstances, it might also be necessary to alter plumbing to avoid problem areas -such as dead legs – where bacteria can collect.
Why choose Acorn Safety Services for legionella testing?
As one of the UK’s leading independent health and safety consultancies, Acorn Safety Services can support you with all of your health and safety needs.
Our team of experts support clients right across the UK and offer a seamless service, from making your appointment, right through to issuing a full and comprehensive report and providing advice and support on our remediation services should legionella bacteria be found on your premises.
Our new logbooks and dashboard make it even easier to stay on track with your documents and any readings which are requested by your dedicated consultant.
In addition, we also offer training and a wide range of helpful resources and information sheets which can all be found on our dedicated website, www.legionellarisks.co.uk
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.
