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Legionellae
are a common environmental group of organisms that are
well adapted to surviving in a variety of water systems.
They may enter man-made systems where conditions often
allow them to multiply. If water droplets are created
and transmitted by such a system then people in the vicinity
may be at risk.
Legionellosis
is the infection transmitted by inhaling aerosols containing
Legionellae. Common sources
include shower-heads, fountains, spa-baths, air handling
units and cooling towers.
The Health & Safety
Commission has published an Approved Code of Practice,
which provides guidelines for the prevention or control
of Legionellosis, including monitoring for Legionellae
and microbiological trends.
Assessment of water quality
plays an important part in demonstrating due diligence
and the confirming the efficacy of control measures
which must be put in place to protect employees and
the general public.
A UKAS accredited
test is offered for the detection and enumeration of Legionella sp.
with biochemical confirmation for Legionella
pneumophila.
Advice and assistance are available
from our Building Services Department, including chlorination
to eliminate infestation.
For further information contact Eclipse
Scientific Laboratories
See our article reproduced from FMUK
(Facilities Management UK): Air
conditioning - home to deadly bacteria?
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