Legionella Knowledge Zone

BUPA care home fined £3m after Legionnaires death

A fatal case of Legionnaires’ disease at an Essex care home in 2015 has resulted in a £3 million fine for BUPA after the Health and Safety Executive prosecuted the company for a series of management failings.

Reduce legionella risk in hospitals and healthcare

Reducing Risks of Legionnaires Disease in US Hospitals

In June 2017, a memorandum was issued by the USA’s Center for Clinical Standards and Quality, and Survey and Certification Group (CMS), concerning the requirement to reduce the risk of legionella spreading through water systems in US hospitals and healthcare facilities (memo reference S&C 17-30).

Huge Fine for Car Parts Manufacturer after Legionnaires’ Outbreak

A UK car parts manufacturer based in South Tyneside has received a seven-figure fine following two major incidents at the plant inside a 12-month period. The Health and Safety Executive conducted an investigation into the company following an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease and an explosion that occurred within the same period.

Chlorine Dioxide: The Perfect Way to Control Legionella Bacteria

Chlorine and chlorine dioxide are two popular, but very different chemicals that are commonly used to treat water against lots of different bugs including legionella and other potentially dangerous bacteria. Both have their advantages and disadvantages especially when it comes to the control of Legionella bacteria in water systems.

Facts About Legionnaires Disease

How much do you know about Legionnaires’ disease? Many people are aware it is a disease caused by Legionella bacteria – one that attacks the lungs. As such, it can present much like the flu to start with, which means some cases are not identified as Legionnaires’ disease until after the infection has taken hold.

Mycobacteria in Water: Things to Be Aware Of

Mycobacteria are a group of rod-shaped bacteria that can cause several diseases in humans including tuberculosis and leprosy. Around 20 of the 90 known species can cause illness. The bacteria are not believed to spread from one person to another; rather, they are thought to spread via environmental means. This is particularly notable in non-tuberculosis mycobacteria, or NTM for short.

Can Hospital Sinks Harbour Dangerous Bacteria?

As awareness of the benefits of good hygiene, and in particular hand hygiene has increased in hospitals and other healthcare environments we have seen a corresponding rise in the number of sinks available for staff, patients and visitors.

Can You Insure Against Legionnaires Disease?

In this article we consider whether businesses and other organisations can insure themselves against the commercial consequences resulting from an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease. If you’ve never considered it then perhaps you should think again – especially when you look at the potential for loss of business, loss of reputation and personal injury compensation claims that could be levelle

Legionella Record Keeping – A Guide for Duty Holders

The Health and Safety Executive publishes plenty of useful information concerning legionella record keeping involving the monitoring and maintenance of water systems such as hot tubs, cooling towers, and hot and cold water distribution systems within premises of many kinds. Understanding how legionella bacteria spreads, how this can be prevented (or at least controlled), and recording what control

How to Check Hot Water Temperatures at Sentinel Taps

Why Legionella Flushing of Taps & Showers is Important

If you own or manage a building in the UK that has a water system of any kind, under current health and safety law you will need to identify the potential risks the system can cause from contamination by legionella bacteria and the potential for Legionnaires’ disease.