One could be forgiven for becoming overwhelmed at the number of tasks required to control the levels of Legionella bacteria in a water system. However, there are some essential steps that should make it easier to ensure you cover all the salient points when assessing and controlling legionella risks in your own water systems.
Ice machines and chilled water dispensers are becoming increasingly popular both at home and in the workplace where they are used for a variety of purposes. At first glance, the freezing water temperatures used to create ice would suggest that opportunities for bacterial growth would be very limited and so the risks to people using them insignificant. However, this may not always be the case …
Pulp and paper mills incorporate many processes that use water as part of their operation and this can increase the risks associated with Legionella bacteria and Legionnaires’ disease. Here we review guidance issued by PABIAC, supported by the Health & Safety Executive, dealing with the control of Legionella and other bioaerosols in paper mill water systems.
In the UK every business operating a water system must, by law, assess the risks and then put in to place and maintain suitable safety measures to protect their employees and others from the potential risks caused by legionella and Legionnaires’ disease.
No doubt you have heard the term duty holder before. But what does it mean when it’s associated with the control of legionella at your business? Not knowing the answer could leave you exposed to health and safety issues, potential prosecution… it could even jeopardise lives.
Do hosepipe bans, the use of water butts and hot weather increase the risks from Legionnaires’ disease in the garden?
Hot tubs present an attractive way to enjoy a dip in some refreshing water. But is that water as refreshing as you think it is? It may look inviting, but it is far from uncommon for people to experience health issues including infections and skin problems.
Recent investigations suggest 95% of UK garden water butts are contaminated with the potentially deadly Legionella bacteria.
Managing legionella risks in schools and other educational buildings is very important if you are to ensure staff, students and others are safe from the effects of Legionnaires’ disease.
For many of us, washing our car is a job to be done on the weekends. Many people wash theirs by hand using hoses, buckets, and sponges on their driveways and outside their homes. Others go to an automatic car wash to take the hard work out of the task… but are we safe?