In the UK the Health and Safety Executives Approved Code of Practice ACOP L8 and Guidance document HSG274 Part 1 dealing with the control of Legionella bacteria in cooling water systems describe issues which can influence the effectiveness of a water treatment programme developed to control legionella. These issues include the control of:
This article is about the control of legionella in hot and cold water systems, an essential task if you are to protect the safety and health of people who may use such systems or come in to contact with them.
If you work in an organisation which has any type of water system, including hot and cold water systems, showers, spa pools, air conditioning units or cooling towers, then there should be someone in your company who is designated as the responsible person for legionella control. This role can be an onerous one depending on the size and complexity of the buildings and water systems at your place of work. The role typically involves assessing the risks and putting in to place procedures and systems for the control of Legionella bacteria, the microorganism which can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal lung infection.