LEGIONELLA AWARENESS COURSE
COURSE OBJECTIVES To enable you to be aware of issues associated with Legionella within the UoP & be able to assist in the delivery of the Management Plan.
LEGIONELLOSIS Legionella = water-borne bacteria Naturally widespread in the environment Over 50 different species identified 20 known to cause disease in man Legionella pneumophila – Legionnaire’s Disease Pontiac Fever / Lochgoilhead Fever
Legionella pneumophila Legionella sp. under UV illumination
LEGIONELLA Temperature range °C Proliferates at 37 °C Requires nutrients Slow moving / stagnant water Poorly managed water system = perfect environment
SYMPTOMS Head & muscle ache Tightness in chest Dry cough Sickness & diarrhoea Confusion / delirium Coma Death
‘AT RISK’ GROUPS
CHAIN OF EVENTS Bacteria present in water system Slow moving / stagnant water Adequate food source Temperature range 20-50°C Aerosol formed People present
RISK AREAS Hot & Cold Water Systems Cooling Towers & Air Conditioning Storage Cisterns Calorifiers Deadlegs Showers Spa pools LEV’s/ Fume Cupboards
Showers Operate at desired temps Poor hygiene Infrequently used Prone to scaling Create aerosol
Showers
Any Questions ?
Hot and cold water systems Cause the most cases
Cold Water Storage Tanks
Dirty Tanks = clean & disinfection
Types of Water Heaters
Legionella Control Regulation & Legislation
Legislation Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSAWA) Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) The Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers 1992 The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems Approved Code of Practice & Guidance 2001 ACoP L8 Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)
Approved Code of Practice Identification and assessment of risk Prepare a scheme for preventing or controlling the risk Implement, manage and monitor precautions Keep records Appoint a person to be managerially responsible
Risk Assessment & Control Measures Why does it matter ? The HSE views Legionnaires’ Disease as preventable To satisfy regulation and legislation To show due diligence To protect employees and public
When Should It Be Repeated? At least every 2 years or when NO longer valid e.g. – Changes to the use of the building. – Availability of new information. – Control measures are no longer effective. – Case of LD associated with system. – Changes to the system or its use.
Typical Written Scheme: H & C Water Systems Checks Monthly – temperature checks Quarterly - shower cleaning Six monthly - CWS Tank temperatures Annually - CWS Tank inspections, calorifier checks Other systems as required Weekly - flushing little used outlets
Management & Training Inadequate management, lack of training and poor communication have all been identified as contributory factors in outbreaks of Legionnaires Disease. Those who are appointed to carry out control measures and strategies should be suitably informed, instructed, properly trained and their competency assessed.
Appropriate Records Responsible persons Significant findings of the risk assessment Written scheme of actions and control measures Results of any monitoring, inspection, test or check carried out
Typical Log Book Records Training records Lines of communication Current state of operation Signature of person that did the work Plans or schematic drawings Visit log for engineers/contractors
Schematics Example
Why keep Records? To demonstrate compliance with the law Show what control measures are being taken Monitor water temperatures, system cleanliness, bacteria levels (if appropriate) Show trend analysis learn more about the systems Review performance Provide evidence of reducing the risk
Any Questions ?