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As the summer months approach and we hope for warmer weather, it is important to be mindful that rising temperatures can increase the risk of legionella in water systems and storage tanks.
Legionella bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water, typically between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius.
So as the weather heats up, so can water in tanks, pipework and unused outlets, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply.
And it’s key to remember that it’s not just what’s happening inside buildings, as many water tanks are located on rooftops where they can bask in direct sunlight for hours. This exposure can quickly and easily push stored water temperatures above 20 degrees, bringing them straight into a dangerous range where legionella can begin to grow.
So, what can you do to mitigate the risk of warmer weather?
Regular checks, temperature control, system flushing and up to date risk assessments are key to keeping water systems safe, especially as we head into the warmer months.
Facilities managers in all buildings should be vigilant and take proactive steps to safeguard all building occupants and visitors.
Water temperatures should be checked regularly to ensure that hot water is stored higher than 60°C and cold water below 20°C to inhibit bacterial growth.
A responsible person should pay particular attention to any outdoor water features such as fountains, ponds or cooling towers, which are all likely to be in direct sunlight in the summer months. As well as temperature checks, these should be regularly cleaned and disinfected.
If you go on holiday, or have any kind of summer shutdown period, all inactive outlets during that time should be run for several minutes to flush out any stagnant water.
Why is it important?
Obviously, your business or organisation wants to be compliant with water safety legislation to avoid any hefty penalties or fines. However, more importantly, implementing robust measures to avoid legionella protects the wellbeing of your workforce, and any visitors to your building.
Legionnella bacteria can cause Legionnaire’s Disease, a very serious, rare lung infection caused by inhaling droplets of contaminated water from things like air conditioning, showers or hot tubs.
Here at Acorn Safety, our certified experts can help safeguard your premises from health hazards associated with legionella bacteria. We are a certified member of the Legionella Control Association and we are regularly audited and assessed by them for compliance with their Code of Conduct for Service Providers and the Service Standards for Legionella Risk Assessment Services and Legionella Monitoring Services.
We offer a free 30-minute compliance audit with one of our Legionella consultancy experts, so they can discuss and diagnose your current Legionella status.
If you would like us to carry out a legionella risk assessment get in touch today! Call 01604 936370, email info@acornhealthandsafety.co.uk or visit https://acornhealthandsafety.co.uk/get-your-quote/
