Download Legionaires Disease Policy

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LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE (LEGIONELLA) POLICY
General
Fostering Relations has adopted the following document to supplement its policy:
HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE – “LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE – A GUIDE FOR EMPLOYEES”
(See copy attached)
Legionella is the name given to a rod shaped bacteria found in both natural and man- made water
systems. Where legionella bacteria are present in man-made water systems they may present a
potential risk if inhaled in water droplets or water vapour.
If inhaled, legionella bacteria can cause legionnaire’s disease, which in vulnerable people can be fatal.
The bacteria favour temperatures between 20 – 45 degrees centigrade, where sediment, sludge, scale
or organic matter are present as a source of nutrients.
Fostering Relations management has a responsibility to manage the risks to the health and safety of
staff and others who may be affected by its undertakings. Currently Fostering Relations has no buildings
under its sole control and therefore there is no statutory requirement to carry out a legionella risk
assessment and implement control measures. However staff and carers are advised to always take
account of the following:
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The potential for water droplet formation
The potential for water stagnation
The water temperature
The likely risk to those who will inhale water droplets
A means of preventing or controlling the risk
The following water based systems have the potential for harbouring legionella bacteria:
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Cooling towers
Evaporating condensers
Hot water services > 300 litres
Humidifiers and air washers where the temperature exceeds 20 degrees centigrade
Water storage tanks
Water softeners
“dead-legs” – unused pipeworks etc
Showers
This is not an exhaustive list.
z:\policies and procedures\health and safety policies and procedures\legionaires disease (legionella)
policy.docx
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Legionella may be controlled by:a) Avoiding temperatures between 20-45 degrees centigrade
b) Avoiding water stagnation by use of mains water or a system of running off (for example: unused
showers should run once per week for at least 5 minutes)
c) Avoiding the use of materials which would act as a source of nutrition
d) Keeping the system clean and well maintained
e) Use of a suitable water treatment where it is appropriate and safe to do so
f) Avoidance of agitation or generation of water sprays where reasonably practical to do so
FOR FURTHER GUIDANCE PLEASE REFER TO THE H.S.E. LEAFLET “LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE –
A GUIDE FOR EMPLOYERS”
Signed ………………………………………………………………………..Registered Manager
Date: April 2017
Review Date: April 2019
z:\policies and procedures\health and safety policies and procedures\legionaires disease (legionella)
policy.docx