2.13 Prevention And Control Of Legionellosis
Legionellosis is the term used for infections caused by Legionella bacteria. The potentially most serious infection is Legionnaires' disease, a pneumonia that mostly affects people who are susceptible on account of illness, immunosuppresion, age, smoking etc. Less serious conditions include Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever.
The risk of infection chiefly arises from inhaling water droplets formed from a contaminated water supply. The regular cleaning of shower heads and the maintenance of hot and water systems above 50 C and below 20 C respectively are used to minimise this risk.
Legionella bacteria propagate in water when:
- Water temperature is between 20C and 45C;
- Direct sunlight illumination;
- Presence of nutrients - sludge, algae, rust etc.
Policy
The University will take all reasonably practicable actions to control Legionella bacteria in water systems on its premises and eliminate as far as reasonably practicable the risks of Legionellosis. A suitable and sufficient risk assessment of any system in which water is stored or used will be made and the appropriate procedures applied and monitored.
Legal Requirements
The University Is Required To:
- Identify the statutory duty holder for overall responsibility to manage and implement the policy;
- Appoint in writing the Nominated Responsible Person who has day-to-day responsibility to implement the policy and ensures that operational duties are carried out properly. A Deputy should also be appointed to cover in the event that the Nominated Responsible Person is off site;
- Identify and assess sources of Legionella and the risk of Legionellosis;
- Set up a scheme with layout plans and procedures to prevent and control the risk;
- Keep adequate written records, layout plans and procedures;
- Check the scheme is working effectively;
- Appoint competent persons to carry out the necessary risk assessments and necessary precautions;
- If appropriate, notify the Local Authority of the presence of any cooling tower.
Responsibilities And Site Organisation
The Statutory Duty Holder - Estates Manager, Property Services Department
Nominated Responsible Person - Premises Manager
Deputy Responsible Person - Senior Maintenance Assistant
A Service Provider to undertake legionella risk assessments and physical inspections as agreed by the Responsible Person
Day-to-Day Management
The arrangements for the day-to-day maintenance of the water systems within the University premises rest with the Premises Manager as appointed and accepted in writing by the Estates Manager, the statutory duty holder for BSU.
All maintenance schemes will comply with the requirements of the HSE document "Legionnaires" disease - the control of legionella bacteria in water systems: Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L8- and COSHH 2002 Regulations.
The operation and maintenance of the installed hot and cold water systems at Bath Spa University rests with Property Services Department. The Premises Manager is required to ensure that the hot and cold water systems are adequately checked to ensure as far as reasonably practicable that the residual risk of anyone on site contracting Legionellosis is negligible. There should be layout plans for all the water systems at risk and procedures for their management.
It is the responsibility of the Estates Manager to ensure that Log Books are kept of the routine measurement checks and inspections and these are maintained up to date and that necessary remedial actions are implemented.
The standards for the frequency and nature of monitoring, cleaning and disinfection of the hot and cold water systems should comply with those specified in the HSE Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L8-. Cold water systems need to be maintained at or below 20 C and hot water systems at 60-65 C.
Action in the event of a suspected case of Legionella involving the University
All necessary action to be taken to minimise further contact with the suspected source
Action will be taken without delay to isolate and disinfect the relevant water system taking advice from the Service Provider.
The Safety Office needs to be informed and they will inform the Health and Safety Executive if the outbreak of Legionnaires' disease is confirmed.
July 2004