Returning to work and reducing the risk of Legionnaires at your workplace
With lockdown restrictions easing and many business premises getting ready to open after being inactive for many weeks, it is important to recognise the threat of legionella bacteria. The team at Heatlink Services are here to help with any questions you may have. Legionella which can thrive in certain conditions, eg when buildings have become low in occupancy or shut completely (mothballed). In such cases the chances of Legionella surviving can increase as a direct result of low turnover of water within systems that are not being used as frequently.
What is Legionnaires Disease? Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia contracted by inhaling aerosols contaminated with legionella bacteria. The bacteria multiplies in stagnant water, poorly designed water systems and in water temperatures between 20 degrees C and 45 degrees C.
What are the symptoms? The symptoms of Legionnaires disease are similar to the symptoms of Covid 19;
• high temperature • feverishness and chills • coughingwith the potential to lead to pneumonia. • muscle pains • headache • diarrhoea
Who is at risk? Everyone is susceptible to infection; the risk increases with age, but some people are at higher risk including: • people aged over 45 • smokers and heavy drinkers • people suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease, diabetes, lung and heart disease • anyone with an impaired immune system
Ideal Environment for Legionella • Water temperatures of between 20ᵒC – 45ᵒC • Stagnantwater • Systems containing nutrients for bacterial growth e.g. rust, sludge, sediment, scale, organic matter and biofilms
Recommissioning your water systems
It is essential that water systems are not simply put back in to use. It is sensible to put together a re-commissioning plan for each water system within the building, to provide reassurance to people returning to work that the water systems are safe for normal use. To ensure the safety of employees throughout the business, the following control measures are recommended:
• A chemical disinfection of all Cold water storage tanks, storage vessels & header tanks, where possible including their associated water systems. • A thermal disinfection/ pasteurisation or all hot water heaters, where possible including their associated water systems. • Ensure all outlets and associated systems are flushed thoroughly. • Expansion vessel are purged and drained. • Where possible samples of the water should be taken ensure all control measures implemented were successful in reducing the proliferation of bacteria. • Shower heads, hoses & spray heads where fitted should be dismantled, cleaned and chlorinated. • Limescale should be removed from outlets. • Check water softening equipment where fitted is fit for use
If you have any questions please do contact us on 01603 980950 or email us at Heatlink Services and we will be very happy to help you!
Additional advice So the advice is :- Take careful note as you reopen your business as the safety, health and wellbeing of your employees and members of the public using your premises is paramount when it comes to Legionnaires disease and the fact many of the symptoms are similar to those of Covid 19 could make it hard to differentiate between the two. Hot supplies should be minimum of 50 °C within one minute (55 °C in healthcare environments) & cold supplies should be below 20 °C within two minutes of running the cold tap.
John Thompson, CEO of the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors organisation said “Landlords and employers have a legal duty to assess and control the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria. Risk assessments, precautionary actions and remedial work can be implemented to protect against Legionnaires’ disease. However, we believe the vast majority of landlords and employers are unaware of their legal duty and of the actions that need to be taken.
These are unprecedented times and never have so many buildings been closed for so long without any thought for bringing these buildings back into use, which if not facilitated correctly could lead to a serious outbreak of Legionnaires disease just as the country and the NHS recover from COVID-19.”
The association has advised landlords, property owners and employers to take action now by contacting a suitably qualified plumbing and heating engineer in order to carry out a risk assessment, advise on precautionary measures and, if required, implement remedial work.
Furthermore WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) has also encouraged business and property owners to consider the risks as stagnant water can encourage the growth of micro-organisms including Legionella and unless steps are taken before a building is reoccupied, there is potential risks to health
Where a building has been unoccupied for more than 30 days it is important to refer to buildings water management plan as flushing, disinfection and other measures may be required
Julie Spinks, MD of WRAS said “Stagnant water can pose a risk for the users and residents of any kind of building, so it is vital that the water system is prepared and refreshed before access resume”
When stagnant, water is prone to microbiological contamination and poses a significant risk to building occupants on their return, if not treated correctly
Microbiological contamination includes algae and bacteria such as pseudomonas and Legionella – and these can cause serious health issues if they enter the human body. For example, if inhaled (usually from water droplets dispersed from outlets such as taps (see video detailed in the link below for more info), showers, hot tubs and air-conditioning units), Legionella bacterium can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious and potentially fatal type of pneumonia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LskeGezlHBg