Why Do We Need a Legionella Risk Assessment?

The purpose of a Legionella risk assessment is to ascertain the risk to the occupants of a premises of exposure to Legionella Pneumophila bacteria, and to the control of the legionella bacteria. The bacterium causes legionnaires disease, a form of pneumonia which is fatal in approximately 12% of cases, with some people being more at risk than others. In healthcare premises this rises dramatically.

The aim of our Legionella risk assessment is to identify areas where any of the conditions in a water system are prone to the proliferation of legionella bacteria, legionella control measures to eliminate them and over what timescale. Our priority is substitution and then minimisation of the risk, this can bring cost savings where risk prone assets are removed from service.

Our assessment also shows where any training or procedural improvements are necessary.

Easy To Follow

The hydro X Legionella risk assessment has been devised to be easy to follow by anyone with a basic knowledge of a domestic water system. It must be reviewed following modifications to the water system, changes in the use of the building, changes in legislation or after two years, whichever is sooner.

Fully Qualified Legionella Risk Assessors

Our assessments are carried out by fully qualified risk assessors. They carry out a comprehensive site survey which identifies water supply distribution, asset assessment, analytical testing, schematics and drawings tailored for your individual requirements and hazard identification.

The risk assessors then compile a 14 section Legionella Risk Assessment in compliance with ACoP L8 detailing recommendations for the control of Legionella. This includes the immediate actions required and a three month plan. Help is offered at every stage to give the appropriate response to findings.

What Is Legionella?

The legionella bacterium is found naturally in water courses, and as such can find its way into domestic and industrial water systems, so it is always wise to assume that at some point legionella bacteria will be present. It favours the same temperatures as we do, multiplying most rapidly at 37°C. Below 20°C it stops multiplying, between 45°C and 60°C growth progressively slows, and above 60°C it dies.

The disease itself occurs when small droplets of water (aerosol) containing sufficient numbers of legionella bacteria are inhaled deep into the lungs, where they multiply rapidly, causing symptoms such as a dry cough, breathing difficulties, diarrhoea and sickness, and delirium. Not all patients may develop all symptoms. It isn't spread from person to person and cannot be caught by consumption of contaminated liquid.

Susceptible people includes amongst others, smokers, asthmatics, the elderly and infirm, cancer patients, those on immunosuppressant drugs and diabetics. Men are also more likely to be infected than women.

How We Get a Legionella Risk Assessment?

Call us on: 01909 565133 .... or fill in our contact form here and we'll get back to you