It’s the perfect environment Legionella bacteria. The temperature and humidity is rising, and so is the risk of infections
COVID has made all the headlines but the constant threat of those disease that repeat annually remain. Legionnaires’ disease is very dangerous and is caused by stagnant, polluted water being consumed. Lockdown may have prevented you from cleaning out your water sources, so now is more important than ever to perform a thorough check.
According to the Microbiology Society, it is far more likely to have an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease during the summer months when the weather is warmer and more humid. Legionella bacteria thrives at temperatures from 20°C – 45°C.
Indeed, people have become more aware of the risks of Legionella – flushing under-used outlets, such as taps and showers in the workplace is becoming increasingly common. However, other water sources also pose dangerous risks.
We must remember to also regularly clean out:
- Water Butts
- Pools
- Hose reels
- Tanks
- Fountains
These sources need to be manged properly to minimise Legionella growth. Other bacteria will also be reduced through good general maintenance such as; Pseudomonas, aeruginosa, Giardia, E. Coli, and many more.
Top tips to reduce Legionella
Requiring a bit of elbow grease and little know how, there are a few very simple way to prevent continued growth of Legionella bacteria:
- Ensure that the release of water spray is properly controlled.
- Avoid water temperatures and conditions that favour the growth of legionella and other micro-organisms.
- Ensure water cannot stagnate anywhere in the system by keeping pipe lengths as short as possible or removing redundant pipework.
- Avoid materials that encourage the growth of legionella.
- Keep the system and the water in it clean.
- Treat water to either control the growth of legionella or limit their ability to grow.
- Monitor any control measures applied.
- Keep records of these and other actions taken, such as maintenance or repair work.
What can clubs should be doing now
Your bar, pub or nightclub must be made subject to a Legionella risk assessment. There is a legal duty for landlords to assess and control the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria. This can be regulated and noted down through the use of a risk assessment.
Get yourself an up to date NDML Risk Assessment Form by contacting us at Club Insure.
Once you have the risk assessment in place, develop an action plan.
Action plans include:
- Daily checks
- Weekly jobs to do
- Report forms and records
- Compliance
- Monthly review of reports
Remember, Legionella management need not be complicated. Contact NDML today to help us help you protect your venue.