While there are more than 50 different recognised Legionella species, less than half of those can cause illness in humans. However, while around 20 species are known to be harmful to us, just one has been identified as the cause of most outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease. Learn more …
How Many Legionella Species Exist & Which Ones are Dangerous?
/in Compliance, Guidance, Legionella /by Stuart DoonerWhile there are more than 50 different recognised Legionella species, less than half of those can cause illness in humans. However, while around 20 species are known to be harmful to us, just one has been identified as the cause of most outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease. Learn more …
Practical Guide to Controlling Legionella in Water Systems
/in Compliance, Guidance, Legionella /by Stuart DoonerOne 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.
Do Ice Machines Spread Legionnaires Disease?
/in Compliance, Guidance, International, Legionella /by Stuart DoonerIce 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 …
Controlling Legionella in Paper Mills
/in Compliance, Guidance, Legionella /by Stuart DoonerPulp 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.
Legionnaires Outbreak Claims Lives in Lombardy, Italy
/in International, Legionella, News /by Stuart DoonerThe town of Bresso in the Lombardy region of Italy hit the headlines in July as an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease claimed several lives.
Is your Legionella Control Plan Failing to Protect?
/in Compliance, Guidance, Legionella /by Stuart DoonerIn 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.
Who is the Statutory Duty Holder for Legionella?
/in Compliance, Guidance, Legionella /by Stuart DoonerNo 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.
Are You at Greater Risk from Legionnaires Disease in Hot Weather?
/in Compliance, Guidance, Legionella, News /by Stuart DoonerDo hosepipe bans, the use of water butts and hot weather increase the risks from Legionnaires’ disease in the garden?
Avoidable Waterborne Illnesses Costing US Healthcare Billions
/in International, Legionella, News /by Stuart DoonerHere we take a look at the impact of waterborne illnesses on US healthcare costs and consider whether there are lessons to be learned for the UK and other countries around the world.
Hot Tub Health Risks from Contaminated Water
/in Guidance, Legionella /by Stuart DoonerHot 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.