Legionella bacteria are associated with cases of Legionnaires’ Disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia, caused by breathing in water droplets or aerosol contaminated with the legionella bacteria.
The bacteria are found in the environment, usually in ponds, streams and reservoirs. When water is drawn from these sources for our hot and cold supply, small, but not dangerous, numbers survive the various disinfection processes.
When do legionella bacteria become dangerous?
Poor temperature control within a water system is a common cause. However, ‘deadlegs’ in pipework and taps and showers that are infrequently used, but not regularly flushed, can also cause the bacteria to grow very quickly.
At this point, there is a real risk of people contracting Legionnaires’ Disease.
Who is most at risk of contracting Legionnaires’ Disease?
Elderly people are at high risk of contracting Legionnaires’ Disease, if they are exposed to the legionella bacteria, particularly if they also have health problems. This is because our immune systems decline with age.
In cases of Legionnaires’ Disease, there is a high incidence of mortalities amongst the elderly.
Inspectors are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of legionella bacteria and are now looking for evidence of testing within properties.
So help fulfill your requirements under the CQC Standards, (Care Inspectorate in Scotland and CSSIW in Wales) by carrying out a legionella test.
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