Legionnaires’ disease, caused by inhaling water droplets that contain the Legionella pneumophilia bacteria, causes potentially fatal pneumonia. It does not spread from person to person, but local outbreaks occur through contaminated airborne water droplets from sources including hot and cold water and air-conditioning systems.
The bacteria thrives in temperatures between 20-50°C, feeding on pipework sludge and sediment, so all water systems are at risk but buildings where use has become intermittent, increasing the likelihood of water stagnation, and where cleaning routines have been interupted are potentially more so, particularly given the warm weather during shutdown.
As an employer, or a person in control of commercial premises (including landlords), you are responsible for health and safety, and within this you must understand the health risks associated with Legionella and take the necessary precautions to reduce the risks of exposure to it.
Let us help make your building happy
We can help you to keep your building compliant and the people in it happy and safe. We can carry out a risk assessment of your building’s water systems and undertake any necessary work to help you to fulfil your responsibilities.
If you would like to arrange a risk assessment, or discuss a bespoke planned and preventative maintenance agreement covering your legislative responsibilities, please contact Alex Tait our Business Development Manager. Happy Building Health Check.
Happy buildings, happy tenants, happy landlords.