Legionella
Legionnaire’s disease is caused by the bacteria Legionella of which there are 42 species, the most common causing illness being Legionella Pneumophilia. The bacteria are widespread in the environment.
There are two forms of illness which can develop after a person has been infected with Legionella bacteria:
- Legionnaire’s Disease, which causes a pneumonia (a lung infection). This is usually a severe illness and sometimes fatal
- Pontiac Fever. Here the same bacteria cause flu-like symptoms which are not usually serious.
People usually become infected by breathing in water droplets (aerosol) that are contaminated with large numbers of legionella bacteria.
Legionella outbreaks are more commonly noted when affecting large numbers of people through exposure to the airborne bacteria generated by badly maintained wet-system air conditioning systems, cooling towers etc. Individual infections can often be misdiagnosed and go unreported. These can often originate from plumbing facilities serving small numbers of people or individuals, such as shower hoses that have been left filled with standing water for some time, or from poorly maintained spa baths etc.
People are more likely to develop Legionnaires Disease if they are already in poor health; if they have a chest disease; if they smoke; if they have low immunity to infection caused by such things as alcohol dependence, AIDS, or serious illness.
Children and young people appear not to contract Legionella. Young, fit adults are more likely to develop the flu-like Pontiac Fever. But, in older people and the elderly, the full blown Legionnaires Disease is more likely to develop, often with fatal consequences.
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 places duties on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees at work, and anyone else who may be affected. This duty extends to any risks from legionella bacteria, which may arise from work activities.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 also place duties on employers and occupiers of premises to carry out risk assessments. This includes the control of release of micro-organisms and microbiological agents.
We strongly believe in the sensible risk approach at Fox~Robinson. The suitable and practicable management of the risk of Legionella within your organisation by Fox~Robinson will ensure your compliance with legislation.