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Managing Legionella In Industrial And Manufacturing Warehouses

Lucion Group

Lucion Group

30th October, 2023

In 2023, UK manufacturing industries are expected to shrink by -3.2%. Industry experts caution against policymakers accepting this as the new normal. While the government is slow to develop a comprehensive industrial strategy, manufacturers must continue to manage their assets, reduce risks, and comply with regulations. Unlike many sectors, the industrial and manufacturing sectors can sometimes present significant risks not present in other industries, such as moving machinery, labs, chemicals, pipelines, and 24/7 operation. Health and safety is a top priority for our clients, particularly on COMAH sites, where our teams provide a holistic suite of legionella services. Within the industrial and manufacturing industries, many water systems are used constantly as part of production and/or maintenance. Some of these are cooling towers, spray paint systems, effluent treatment plants and fire/dust suppression systems to name a few. All of these should have a legionella risk assessment carried out to the relevant guidance and British Standard. Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, accounts for approximately 250-300 confirmed cases each year in England and Wales, according to Public Health England. However, many cases go unreported, rendering the current statistical analysis of Legionella-related illnesses highly inaccurate.
It is widely acknowledged within the scientific and medical communities that Legionella infections often go unnoticed. There is a high probability that you have been exposed to Legionella bacteria at some point without even realising it, as the symptoms of certain strains closely resemble those of the flu. Most individuals simply dismiss flu-like symptoms and manage them on their own without seeking medical attention. Even if they do consult a doctor, the diagnosis usually leans towards flu or a generic respiratory condition.

Understanding Legionella

Legionella bacteria encompass over 60 known species, with Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 responsible for approximately 90% of all infections. Pontiac Fever is a type of Legionella infection with a short incubation period of 1-3 days, typically non-fatal but exhibiting symptoms similar to acute flu. On the other hand, full-blown Legionnaires' disease, which can progress to pneumonia, has an incubation period of 2 to 10 days and can be fatal in 10 to 15% of cases, with a significantly higher risk for elderly individuals and those with compromised immune systems.

How Does Legionella Spread?

To contract Legionella, one must inhale water droplets containing the bacteria that have been transmitted into aerosol form. Water temperatures between 20°C and 45°C will influence bacterial growth especially around a body temperature of 37°C. Water systems with stored and/or recirculation designs can facilitate bacterial growth even more so if these are poorly maintained as nutrients can also provide a breeding ground for the bacteria. Legionella can also remain dormant in seemingly "safe" water systems for several years, protected within the biofilm present in the plumbing infrastructure. While Legionella species are commonly found in natural water resources like rivers and lakes, unsuspecting individuals have contracted Legionella-related illnesses from various sources including man-made water systems. These can include cooling towers, other risk systems and domestic water systems with showers being considered high risk due to aerosol release and exposure, inadequately treated and maintained recreational water sources such as spa pools and whirlpools, and even the spray from decorative fountains or water features.

Legionella Regulations for Duty Holders and Employers

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, duty holders and employers bear the responsibility of ensuring a safe working environment. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 provides a comprehensive framework for health and safety, including the requirement for conducting risk assessments. Additionally, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) applies to employers and encompasses the control of biological agents such as Legionnaires' disease, in addition to chemicals. These regulations mandate that a competent person conducts a risk assessment to prevent, reduce, control, and, where possible, eliminate risks within the workplace. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a competent person should be selected to carry out a legionella risk assessment and also regularly inspect and maintain all water systems in accordance with guidance as a minimum requirement. Lucion Services and our Legionella team are equipped to undertake water sampling and provide expert guidance, ensuring a safer environment for communities and the environment. We are your ideal partner in managing Legionella risks effectively within your buildings and assets. Our team deliver; Choose Lucion Services to protect the well-being of individuals and the environment from Legionella hazards.

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