1. LEGIONELLA AWARENESS COURSE

2. 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.

3. 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

4. Legionella pneumophila Legionella sp. under UV illumination

5. LEGIONELLA Temperature range 20 - 50°C Proliferates at 37 °C Requires nutrients Slow moving / stagnant water Poorly managed water system = perfect environment

6. SYMPTOMS Head & muscle ache Tightness in chest Dry cough Sickness & diarrhoea Confusion / delirium Coma Death

7. ‘AT RISK’ GROUPS

8. CHAIN OF EVENTS Bacteria present in water system Slow moving / stagnant water Adequate food source Temperature range 20-50°C Aerosol formed People present

9. RISK AREAS Hot & Cold Water Systems Cooling Towers & Air Conditioning Storage Cisterns Calorifiers Deadlegs Showers Spa pools LEV’s/ Fume Cupboards

10. Showers Operate at desired temps Poor hygiene Infrequently used Prone to scaling Create aerosol

11. Showers

12. Any Questions ?

13. Hot and cold water systems Cause the most cases

14. Cold Water Storage Tanks

15. Dirty Tanks = clean & disinfection

16. Types of Water Heaters

17. Legionella Control Regulation & Legislation

18. 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)

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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 At least every 2 years or when NO longer valid e.g. – Changes to the use of the building.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.

22. 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

23. 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.

25. 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

26. 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

27. Schematics Example

28. 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

29. Any Questions ?