The health risks of legionnaires disease are real and should never be taken lightly. The disease can cause severe and often fatal lung infections in those vulnerable to the infection including elderly, chronically ill or those with weakened immune systems. It is therefore very important for those responsible to ensure that all water systems are risk assessed and tested regularly to minimise the potential of infection.
legionnaires disease risk assessment is a legal requirement and a key part of the management of any facility where people are likely to come into contact with water and spray. The risk assessment should be carried out by a suitably competent person and should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis, usually at least once a year. The assessment should consider factors that increase the risk of a person developing legionnaires disease and include an outline of control measures to mitigate that risk.
Legionnaires Disease Risk Assessment: Assessing Potential Hazards
While there are a number of ways that the assessment can be conducted, it is often recommended that a professional company undertake it for larger sites or those with more complex systems. This can provide reassurance that the assessment is being undertaken correctly and will allow those responsible to manage their facilities with confidence.
Once the sampling results have been received, they can be used to determine whether the water system needs to be disinfected. However, interpreting the results and understanding what actions are required can be a complicated process and should be completed by professionals familiar with the infection and its prevention and control.