Legionnaires Disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anybody, but which principally affects those who are susceptible because of age, illness, immunosuppression, smoking etc.
It is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila and related bacteria that can be found naturally in environmental water sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, usually in low numbers. As they are commonly found in environmental sources they may also be found in purpose built water systems such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers, whirlpool spas, domestic and process water systems.
If conditions are favourable the bacterium may grow creating conditions in which the risk from legionnaires' disease is increased. It is therefore important to control the risks by introducing measures outlined in the Approved Code of Practice & guidance document HSC L8
Under the COSHH regulations 1988, risk assessments and the adoption of appropriate precautions to prevent Legionellosis are required.
The Approved Code Of Practice (ACOP), The Prevention or Control of Legionellosis (including Legionnaires Disease), set out further statutory requirements for dealing with this risk.
According to the ACOP you have the following responsibility as an employer
1. Identify and assess risk sources
2. Prepare a scheme for preventing or controlling the risk
3. Implement and manage precautions
4. Keep records of precautions implemented
(C) Copyright 2011 Pinnacle Consultant Services Limited. All Rights Reserved. Sitemap
Legionnaires Disease
Under the COSHH regulations 1988, risk assessments and the adoption of appropriate precautions to prevent Legionellosis are required.