Guide to the Authorised Person (Water) and Competent Person Roles The Authorised Person (Water) and the Competent Person are two central figures in the management of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens within workplace water systems. While their responsibilities differ, both play critical roles in ensuring that water systems remain safe, compliant, and effectively managed. Together, [&hellip
What is Backflow and How Can it Adversely Affect Water Quality? In this article our Legionella and water safety experts look at plumbing backflow and how it can adversely impact water quality and the safety of water supplies. The article explains what water system backflow is and how it occurs. It highlights examples and considers […]
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Work? In this article our built environment specialists examine ways to assess and then improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in your workplace to create a better, healthier working environment, reduce absenteeism and improve productivity. The article explains what indoor air quality is, what influences it and why it […]
Firm Fined for Failure to Manage Legionella Risk Resulting in Death of Prisoner A fine of £600,000 has been imposed on Amey Community Limited, following the death of a prisoner at HMP Lincoln in 2017. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the death of Graham Butterworth, who died on 5th December 2017 after falling […]
What is Indoor Air Quality or IAQ? Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of air inside buildings, impacting occupants’ health, comfort, and well-being. It is influenced by pollutants including chemicals, particulates, and biological agents including Legionella bacteria; ventilation, humidity, and temperature. Poor air quality can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and other health
How to Prevent Legionella Problems in New Buildings Preventing Legionella problems in newly constructed buildings is far easier, and more cost-effective when water safety is built into the design from the outset. Many of the common issues that lead to Legionella contamination can be eliminated entirely by engaging water safety experts early in the planning […]
How An Authorising Engineer (Water) Ensures Water Systems Stay Safe Water safety is a critical concern in all complex building systems, particularly in environments such as hospitals, universities, and large commercial or public sector premises. Ensuring these systems remain safe, compliant, and free from harmful pathogens like Legionella requires expert oversight. This is where an […]
How a Lack of Legionella Training Contributed to Devastating Legionnaires’ Outbreak In this article we examine the impact of inadequate Legionella training and a lack of available resources on an organisations ability to control Legionella risks effectively, meet its water safety compliance obligations, and ultimately keep people safe. The article highlights how a detailed understanding [&he
UK Company Fined £900,000 for Legionella Risk to Vulnerable Care Home Residents A UK company has been fined £900,000 after an outbreak of Legionella bacteria at its care home facility in Birkenhead, Merseyside, exposing vulnerable residents to the risk of Legionnaires’ disease. The dangerous bacteria was detected in the water systems at Vincent Naughton Court […]
Failure to Act Highlighted Legionella Concerns in the Barrow Report The Barrow Report was compiled following an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at a town centre arts and leisure facility called Forum 28 in Barrow in Furness, UK in 2002. The Health and Safety Executive led a detailed investigation into what happened, resulting in a court […]