Why A Legionella Risk Assessment For Landlords Is Important

You may contract the fatal bacterial infection by inhaling steam or droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria in aquatic facilities, hot water baths, hydrotherapy systems, hot and cold water systems, wet air-conditioning units and atomizers. To adhere to legal safety standards, it is always a good idea to pick someone you can trust for the screening procedure. Choose a business with a proven track record and the credentials to back up their reports. One area where you should look is the years in business. If possible, get in contact with other companies or agencies, who've had the procedure done on site. What was their experience like? How broad of an intrusion, if any, did the risk assessment professional inflict on the daily workings of their business? If you can't reach a previous customer, check pro credentials against a government watchdog agency.

Without proper preparation, you can be held liable for the safety of your water supply. Businesses must routinely work to make sure they are creating a safe environment for their employees, and without proper testing, you could stand to bear the brunt of medical expenses or even be sued for negligence. If you are not sure whether or not the drinking supply is safe, then it's a good idea to get a simple risk assessment to be sure. You may wish to get a second opinion as well if the reputation of the expert is in question, but it will cost you extra. That is why it's important to do all the legwork ahead of time in verifying credentials.

You can't always be sure the things that are hiding in your water supply. It isn't something that you should take for granted just because you live in a civilized area. Legionella is just one such bacteria that can hide in drinking supplies. While in tiny doses, Legionella may be harmless, a larger amount can create sicknesses such as Legionnaire's disease or even death. It is not something to be taken lightly, and neither should you take the screening process lightly. You have the ability to get a Legionella Risk Assessment For Landlords that let you know exactly where you stand without question.

Once you know your risk level, it's time to decide whether or not you should take action. If you are found at a high degree of risk, then to protect your employees and your business, you should see about obtaining a clean water supply immediately. It would not be out of line to warn employees until the transition can adequately be made. Many businesses choose to bring in outside bottled water to avoid a headache altogether.

Whatever you decide it is important to stay on top of the health and safety standards within your work environment. It saves you from financial liability and sickness. It could even save the life of someone in your office. Therefore, you should always make it a priority. Legionella is a type of bacteria associated with a severe health disorder called Legionnaires' disease. The bacterium is commonly present in water. It is most active when the temperature of the water is between 20 and 45-degree Celsius, and there is sufficient nutrient to support growth and multiplication.

Dangers of Legionella infection

Legionella bacterium causes pneumonia-like illnesses called legionellosis. Lochgoilhead and Pontiac fevers are less dangerous forms of legionellosis. Severe Legionella infection causes Legionnaires' disease. It can affect any person following inhalation of the Legionella bacteria. Although most cases of legionella infection respond to antibiotics, in some cases the bacterial infection can be fatal. Older people suffering from chronic respiratory illness or kidney ailments, smokers, heavy drinkers and people with the impaired immune system have a higher risk of developing Legionnaires' disease.

Identifying Sources of Legionella

A thorough understanding of the water system and determine the potential sources of risks of Legionella contamination are the initial steps in assessing the legionella danger in a water system. The risk of the bacterial contamination is higher in systems where water is re-circulated or stored. The water temperature is between 20 and 40 degree Celsius in the entire water system or some of its parts. Sludge, rust and organic matter accumulating in the water tanks, tubs and pipes provide nourishment to the legionella bacteria facilitating their growth. Water systems where water droplets are produced such as in aerosols integrated into cooling towers and showers are possible sources of legionella bacteria infection.

How to Assess Legionella Risk

The risk of Legionella outbreaks can be significantly reduced by identifying the possible sources of the bacteria, analyzing the water sample and applying appropriate strategies for controlling Legionella growth. In the UK, testing of water samples for identifying Legionella risks can be undertaken only by UKAS-accredited laboratories. It is always advisable to assign the task of risk assessment and monitoring the water system to a professional water management agency that has the necessary expertise to undertake the task. Legionella bacteria can be eliminated from the water system only when a competent organization periodically reviews it.