Microbac offers a comprehensive monitoring, testing and remediation service for the control of Legionella in water systems. 

Legionella bacteria are commonly found in soils and surface waters, but can readily colonise man-made environments, such as hot and cold water distribution systems. Around 250 cases of Legionellosis, the term given to infections caused by any of the Legionellaceae family, are diagnosed every year in the UK. The often fatal illness is contracted through inhalation of water droplets contaminated by the bacteria.

Under general health and safety law there is, therefore, now a legal requirement to consider the risks from Legionella. The legislation applies to employers or persons in control of buildings. These legal duties are outlined in L8, the Health and Safety Executive Approved Code of Practice – The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems.  These are based on the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations and require:-

• An identification and assessment of risk.
• Prevention or minimisation of risk from exposure to Legionella.
• Systems for the management, training and competence of personnel.

Documentary evidence of maintenance, cleaning and disinfection of water systems is required under the regulatory provisions.

Plant and systems particularly at risk are:-

• Water systems containing cooling towers.
• Hot and cold water distribution systems.
• Water plant.
• Humidifiers and air washers.
• Air conditioning plant.
• Showers.

Other plant and equipment containing water which is likely to exceed 20°C and which can release a spray or aerosol during operation or maintenance should be considered as a potential risk.

To assist in compliance with the regulations, Microbac will undertake the following:

• identify and monitor for Legionella bacteria in all systems that are susceptible to colonisation,
• survey and provide a risk assessment report on the design and condition of water systems, with the report containing recommendations to prevent or minimise exposure allowing the plant or system to operate safety,
• provide schematic plans of water systems,
• provide remedial cleaning  services,
• provide certificates and test reports,
• provide and maintain on-site log books.

 

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