Over the summer, two hospitals in Scotland were placed on high alert following the discovery of legionella bacteria in the water supply serving both hospitals.
Traces of the bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ Disease in vulnerable people, were found during routine checks in the radiotherapy unit at the Western General in Edinburgh and in the supply at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.
It was then reported that traces of the legionella bacteria were found on the Bibby Stockholm barge in Dorset, which was being used as accommodation by 39 migrants as part of the government’s migration policy to tackle the cost of housing asylum seekers. This meant that all migrants on board the vessel had to disembark as a precaution.
If legionella bacteria is inhaled through water droplets in the air, it can go on to cause Legionnaires’ Disease, a potentially fatal illness which largely affects the most vulnerable in society, such as the elderly, those with conditions such as cancer, and people whose immune systems are compromised. These cases hitting the news highlights the importance of regular legionella testing, particularly in places used by people who may be more susceptible to infection and serious illness. According to the NHS, symptoms include a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, a high temperature and other flu-like symptoms. Treatment in hospital may include antibiotics and oxygen therapy and it can take many weeks to fully recover.
Acorn Safety Services, which is based on Moulton Park in Northampton, is urging business owners and facilities managers to have a serious think about their obligations when it comes to legionella.
Adam Midson Legionella and Fire Manager
“Whilst it occurs naturally in many rivers and streams, legionella bacteria can become a big problem if it gets into pipework and water supplies where it can multiply quickly,” said Adam Midson, Legionella and Fire Manager at Acorn Safety Services.
“It can also be found in air conditioning units, taps and showers which are not regularly used and even water fountains and water features, which are dormant for large parts of the year.
“As with all things related to health and safety, prevention is always better than cure. If you are concerned about the risks around legionella bacteria, your first step should be to carry out a full legionella risk assessment to check for the presence of the bacteria in your water supply. We recommend water testing is carried out every year.”
Carried out by a fully trained consultant, a legionella risk assessment will check all the important areas, including pipework, taps and tanks, and samples are taken away for analysis.
If legionella bacteria is found, treatments can include thermal disinfection, which boosts the temperature of your water supply to kill the bacteria, or chemical disinfection, which uses chlorine to flush out all areas of the system safety and effectively.
To learn more about the comprehensive legionella services offered by Acorn Safety Services, visit Legionella Consultancy or call Adam Midson on 01604 930380.
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