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Article:
Legionnaires Disease
(LD), Legionella, Legonella Bacterium, Legionellosis, Pontiac Fever.
Legionella bacteria
can be found in almost all water systems - is
your property or establishment
covered?
It is disappointing that
experts on the radio & television concentrate their attention on air cooling
systems, air-conditioning systems & cooling tower waters when, in fact,
legionella can affect any water system.
Legionella bacteria
are ubiquitous, they can be found in almost all water
systems including: Spa Baths, Domestic Showers, Hot & Cold
Water Systems etc.
Legionnaires disease is a
potentially fatal form of Pneumonia it can effect anybody, but the
immunosupressed are particularly at risk.
It is normally contracted
by inhaling tiny droplets of water (aerosols) which
are contaminated with
Legionella bacteria
Under the new Approved
Code of Practice (ACOP) it is the responsibility
of all proprietors, mangers, Private Landlords heads of home, head teachers etc.,
to ensure they have a suitable and sufficient Risk
Assessment procedure carried out
on the properties for which they are responsible.
Under the Health and
Safety at Work Act 1974, Sections 2, 3 and 4, and Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (COSHH) Regulation 6, a Risk
Assessment is required.
The
Approved Code of Practice
"Legionnaires' Disease:
The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems L8"
gives practical guidance on the above.
Therefore to comply with
the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 you must ensure
that a suitable and sufficient Risk
Assessment is carried out to assess
the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria from
accommodation and work
activities and water systems on your premises.
For additional guidance
the following publications are available for order
on-line:
Legionnaires
disease the control of Legionella Bacteria in Water
Systems Approved Code of Practice and Guidance is
available from HSE books ISBN
0 7176 1772 6
Legionnaires
Disease. Essential information for providers of
residential
accommodation (INDG376)
is a free leaflet available the HSE. HSE's
info line Tel: (08701) 545500
Information Supplied by Topic
Expert:
Gareth Davis, Environmental
Consultant, General
Environmental Services Ltd, Alexander House, Thame
Road, Haddenham,
Buckinghamshire, HP17
8BZ, Tel 01844 299499
E-Mail
gdavis@ges-limited.co.uk
www.ges-limited.co.uk
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