CONTROLLING LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE IN RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION
AND MULTI-OCCUPANCY BUILDINGS (2)
IF YOU ARE A PROVIDER OF RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION, ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION:-
‘If a boiler, tap or shower head breaks / leaks who is responsible
for getting it repaired?
If the answer is YOU – then YOU need to be aware of the following legal requirements.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW?
Legionella bacteria can proliferate in hot and cold water services and storage tanks and can then be disseminated as breathable droplets.
A Risk Assessment must therefore be carried out to identify and assess potential sources of exposure, including:-
- whether temperature conditions support bacterial growth
- whether there are stagnant water conditions within the system
- whether there are infrequently used outlets
- whether the systems contain debris, e.g. rust, scale and sludge in old metal tanks
- whether residents, visitors and employees, etc. are susceptible to infection
The above factors suggest an increased risk of your ‘service users’ being exposed to legionella and becoming ill.
WHAT IF THE RISK ASSESSMENT IDENTIFIES A RISK?
If the Risk Assessment identifies an increased risk of exposure to legionella bacteria, then proper control measures will need to be implemented and it will also be necessary to regularly review the assessment. The control measures should be determined as part of the Risk Assessment and further guidance may be sought from The Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L8, “Legionnaires’ Disease: The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems” (ACoP), but typically measures should include:-
- disinfection of the system(s)
- ensuring water cannot stagnate, by removing deadlegs and deadend pipework and reducing storage volumes
- complying with design guidelines, e.g. adequate insulation of pipe runs
- maintaining the correct temperatures on hot and cold distribution systems
- providing staff with adequate training about the risks and how to minimise them
- advising tenants about the risks and control measures and providing practical guidance on precautionary measures, e.g. flushing showers after a period of non-use
Appropriate records of all precautionary measures will need to be kept.
WHAT IF THE RISK ASSESSMENT IDENTIFIES NO SIGNIFICANT RISK?
If the Risk Assessment indicates the risks are insignificant, it is still necessary to periodically review the assessment, particularly if there are any significant changes.
For more information and guidance please refer to H2O Chemicals Ltd.
