Protecting People, Buildings
and Plant…
Following the publication of the revised ACoP (Legionnaires'
Disease:
The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems) by the
HSE on 8th January 2001, Legionella is the source of much
written and verbal comment. It is therefore important to review
the whole subject of Legionnaires' disease and understand
how effective control is possible.
Legionnaires' disease is caused by the bacterium legionella
pneumophilia which is widely distributed in the environment
(occasionally the disease is caused by other species of the
legionella group). The bacterium can cause a pneumonia-like
infection in people that is fatal in around 12% of all reported
cases but can be significantly higher among at-risk groups
and where it is not fatal, many of the victims suffer varying
degrees of disablement.
The bacterium first hit the headlines in 1976 following an
outbreak at the American Legion Convention in Philadelphia
where 182 people suffered an acute respiratory disease, 29
of whom died. Subsequent investigations identified the legionella
bacterium which was, at that time, new to science.
A review of stored pathology samples revealed that undiagnosed
cases had occurred at least as far back as 1947. UK-based
outbreaks of the disease were identified at Kingston in 1980
and Glasgow in 1984. But it was the Stafford hospital outbreak
in 1985, followed by the BBC outbreak in 1988, the Corby outbreak
in 1996 and more recently the Barrow outbreak in August 2002
that really raised the profile of the disease.
Take Control Now
There is no escape from the consequences of bad water and
ventilation management. The costs to your company will rise,
equipment will breakdown and productivity will fall as staff
go sick or absent. Poor management could lead to bad publicity,
fines or even worse, court action if the Health Inspectors
or the HSE invoke the law.
The media seems particularly fascinated by stories concerning
outbreaks of Legionnaires’ Disease and the damaging
press coverage is often televised.
Problems need never reach that stage given the comprehensive
menu of water and ventilation services we offer.
The Next Step
Call our office for a FREE inspection of your water and ventilation
systems. With your agreement, we will then undertake an initial
detailed survey of all water and ventilation systems which will
give you these benefits.
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