According to the latest data from the Public Health Agency, there have been a total of 7 cases of Legionella in Northern Ireland in 2022. Whilst this may initially appear to be of little significance, the potential risks associated with Legionella are serious and can be fatal, making any occurrence of this disease a serious public health concern.
As a Northern Ireland business, you have a duty of care and you are expected to comply with all relevant health and safety regulations, of which includes taking precautions to avoid Legionella taking form in your establishment. This is to protect both employees and customers who may frequent your business.
At Enviro Fire Water & Air Limited, (Enviro FWA) we specialise in Legionella Risk Assessments in Northern Ireland. We provide this service in order to ensure that your premises remain in optimal condition and that potential health risks such as Legionella are avoided.
What Is Legionella?
Legionnaires disease is a deadly lung infection common in hospitals, hotels, offices, spa pools, air conditioning systems, taps, showers and humidifiers. The number one source of Legionella is the public drinking water supply.
The Mayo Clinic describes it as: “a severe form of pneumonia – lung inflammation usually caused by infection. It’s caused by a bacterium known as Legionella.”
Legionella is an airborne disease. People are more commonly infected after inhaling tiny droplets of the legionella bacteria rather than from drinking infected water. While an uncommon disease, Legionella bacteria can be deadly.
As a result, you should prioritise getting Legionella Risk Assessments carried out at least every two years. Regular risk assessments will identify any potential bacterial threats and ensure you’re complying with all Northern Ireland health and safety regulations.
What Causes Legionella?
Legionnaires’ disease is bacteria commonly found in our drinking water systems.
Usually, exposure to Legionella bacteria is exposure to contaminated water from shower heads, ice machines and faucets.
And while Legionella bacteria can be found in water at various temperatures from 0 degrees Celsius up to 60 degrees Celsius, it is primarily found in hot water services.
Hot water services under an increased risk include hot tubs, air conditioning plants and evaporative cooling water systems.
Legionella bacterial growth usually occurs at temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius in stagnant water, such as empty business premises. The causes of Legionella are clear, and the expectation is on you as a business owner or employer to maintain a safe water system.
Why Are Legionella Risk Assessments Important?
As we mentioned earlier, an office or building not in use for an extended period of time can provide the ideal environment for Legionella. But there is some good news; Legionella is mostly preventable if all of your building’s air conditioning and water systems are adequately maintained.
That’s where the benefits of legionella risk assessments become so important.
Legionella risk assessments and temperature checks should be carried out regularly.
And if you’re responsible for healthcare premises, then a Legionella Risk Assessment should absolutely be carried out annually.
What Is The Law in Northern Ireland Regarding Legionella?
In Northern Ireland, it is your legal responsibility to obtain a Legionella Risk Assessment and establish a Legionella Risk Management Programme.
In addition, you are expected to implement and manage precautions and keep all of your records. In other words, the onus is on you to ensure you’re complying with all the Northern Ireland legislation.
Need a Legionella Risk Assessment For Your Business?
At Enviro FWA we specialise in developing and delivering Legionella Risk Management Programmes that will help you manage the risk from Legionnaires’ Disease.
The programme is developed in accordance with the guidelines and recommendations from the UK Health & Safety Executive L8 and the Health and Safety Commission (HSC).
By consistently carrying out one of our risk assessments, your business will be in a much better position to reduce liability should any legionella issues arise. After your site survey, our highly-trained risk assessors will send you a comprehensive report identifying potential risks.
The report will also include any remedial action you need to take to ensure you continue meeting current legal requirements and standards. You will also receive a schematic drawing of your water system along with a guide that explains how to comply with the Associated Code of Practice (ACOP L8).
If you want to safeguard your business, customers and employees, against this potentially deadly disease, get in touch with Enviro FWA today.
“At Enviro Fire Water & Air Limited, we understand the critical nature of Legionella risk management. With cases present in Northern Ireland, it’s clear that Legionella is not just a theoretical risk but a real and present danger. Effective risk management is not an option, it’s a necessity for the well-being of everyone involved and for the compliance with Northern Ireland’s legal standards.” – Enviro Fire Water & Air Limited
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