British Tourist Contracts Legionnaires’ Disease in Crete – A Stark Reminder of Hidden Waterborne Risks With the summer holidays fast approaching we felt compelled to share this timely and sobering reminder of the very real risks posed by Legionella bacteria whilst on holiday… we’ve also included a really helpful guide from our team on what […]
Are Flexible Hoses a Legionella Risk? Flexible hoses and tap connectors are commonly used in hot and cold-water systems across many types of buildings. They offer a quick, cost-effective solution for linking fixed pipework to taps, toilets, and other outlets, particularly in spaces where rigid piping would be more difficult to install. While their convenience […]
Step-by-Step Guide to Reducing Legionnaires’ Disease Risk in Your Workplace Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially serious illness caused by Legionella bacteria, which can thrive in poorly maintained hot and cold-water systems. Anyone responsible for managing buildings or water systems, whether as an employer, landlord, or facilities manager, has a legal duty to minimise the risks […]
Managing Legionella Risk in Private Healthcare Premises While much of the focus on healthcare in the UK centres around the NHS, a significant portion of healthcare services is delivered by private providers. These include private hospitals, clinics, care homes, and wellness facilities operated by organisations such as Bupa, Nuffield Health, HCA and Spire Healthcare. Regardless […]
How Does Saving Energy Affect Legionella Control Measures? In today’s climate-conscious world, the push toward energy efficiency is stronger than ever, with homes and businesses alike seeking ways to reduce energy consumption and lower carbon footprints. While this shift is essential for environmental and financial reasons, it’s equally important to recognise the unintended consequences that [
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