Legionnaires Disease Warning As Summer Temperatures Rise
With the UK finally getting some summer temperatures, and as temperatures build towards 30C in parts of the UK, Legionella and Fire Safe Services are issuing an increased legionella bacteria warning to workplace and commercial building owners, care homes, and facilities managers.
Legionnaires’ disease, caused by legionella bacteria, is a severe form of pneumonia that inflames the tiny air sacs in the lungs and their tissues. This disease is serious and can be fatal.
Legionnaires’ Disease Can Lead To Several Life-Threatening Complications, Including Respiratory Failure. This Occurs When The Lungs Can’T Provide The Body With Enough Oxygen Or Can’T Remove Enough Carbon Dioxide From The Blood.
The combination of rising stored water temperatures due to summer temperatures and possibly reduced water usage in buildings due to low occupancy increases the risk of legionella bacteria growth and contamination in many properties and workplaces.
Legionella Warning As Summer Temperatures RiseBuilding managers, landlords, and employers have a duty of care to those in their buildings. Therefore, it is crucial they understand the health risks associated with legionella, conduct legionella risk assessments, and regularly review and manage the measures in place to minimize the risk of someone contracting this potentially fatal disease.
Steve Morris, Managing Director at LFS, said: “A low turnover of water throughout a building, combined with stored water temperatures between 20°C and 45°C, creates ideal conditions for legionella bacteria to grow and multiply. During this summer, we urge commercial building owners and maintenance teams to take extra care in controlling legionella growth by reviewing the measures they currently have in place and ensuring they are suitable for the current conditions.
“Additional flushing regimes should be considered to maintain a reasonable water turnover, as well as ensure cold water is stored and distributed within well-insulated tanks and pipework. Legionella won’t go away on its own; treatment is required. This is especially dangerous for health-compromised individuals and the elderly.”
To further mitigate risks, building managers are advised to:
Regularly monitor water temperatures: Ensure water is stored at temperatures that do not promote bacterial growth.
Inspect and clean water tanks: Regular inspections and cleaning can prevent the build-up of sediment and biofilm, where bacteria can thrive.
Implement a comprehensive water management plan: This should include regular risk assessments, staff training, and emergency procedures.
Use professional water treatment services: These services can provide specialised support and guidance on maintaining water hygiene standards.
Legionella bacteria can also be found naturally in freshwater environments. However, they become a health concern when they grow and spread in building water systems, such as tanks, hot and cold water systems, Showers, hot tubs, and even garden hosepipes.
By taking proactive steps, building owners and managers can ensure their water systems’ safety and protect their occupants’ health during the heatwave and beyond. For more detailed guidance, consult water hygiene specialists or refer to the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidelines on legionella management.
