Legionnaires
You may have heard from time to time in the news about Legionnaires disease but you may not be sure what it is, or why protection of the public from contracting it is so important.
Infection by the Legionella bacteria will cause Legionnaire’s Disease – a form of pneumonia that can be potentially fatal. Although it typically affects more men than women, it can be contracted by both sexes, and while it isn’t contagious, it can have very serious medical consequences.
First identified back in 1976 when there was an outbreak at the American legion in Philadelphia that infected more than 220 people and which caused 34 deaths, Legionnaire’s disease has been on the rise in recent years. The most up to date figures have shown between 200 and 250 reported cases in the UK every year.
Call Today: 020 7965 7225While Legionella bacteria is found widely in natural sources of water, it also lives in man-made systems in kitchens and bathrooms. It thrives in water at a temperature of between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius and when the contaminated water is inhaled it can cause an infection. If a water source is contaminated with sludge, rust, organic matter, bio films or scale, it can encourage the multiplication of the Legionella bacteria. This could result in serious illness for anyone who is exposed to it.
Employers are legally required to identify any potential risk areas in their premises and need to have measures put in place in order to control those risk factors. Also, employers are required to manage and implement precautions as well as to keep full records of all the steps that they’ve taken. Legionella risk assessments are, therefore, a vital step in protecting employees as well as the public from being exposed to Legionnaire’s Disease and contracting this illness. Since these risk assessments are legally required, they are something that you need to take seriously for your business premises. The risk assessment should also be reviewed following a change of system or at least every two years to ensure that all precautions are still working.
Gas Flo are on hand to carry out your Legionnaire’s risk assessment within the M25 area and to ensure the safety of you and your workforce.
Email us: info@gas-flo.co.uk
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