Legionella
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anybody, but which principally affects those who are susceptible due to age, illness, immunosuppression or smoking. It is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila and related bacteria.
Legionella bacteria are widespread in nature, mainly living in natural water systems (for example: rivers and ponds). However, the conditions are rarely right for people to catch the disease from these sources.
Outbreaks of the illness occur from exposure to legionella growing in purpose-built systems where the water is maintained at a temperature high enough to encourage growth (for example: hot water systems used in all sorts of premises).
Legionella bacteria can also cause less serious illnesses (for example, Pontiac Fever) that are not fatal.
The Approved Code of Practice and Guidance, the control of Legionella bacteria in water systems, gives practical advice on the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (2002) concerning the risk from exposure to Legionella bacteria.
To prevent exposure to the legionella bacteria, we comply with legislation that requires managing, maintaining and treating water systems in our premises properly. This will include, but not be limited to, appropriate water treatment and cleaning regimes.