Now that summer has come to an end, now is the time to ensure that Legionnaires’ disease has no place in our work environments. Legionella bacteria thrive in warm conditions, and prolonged periods of high temperatures, combined with properties being vacant or underused, create the perfect breeding ground. Unused taps, showers and pipes within water systems that have sat stagnant over the summer can become a serious health hazard. What seems like a minor oversight can quickly turn into a major risk for both staff and visitors.
☀️Summer Risks:
Summer poses increased risks for waterborne bacteria like Legionella due to several contributing factors:
💧Unused water systems have had all summer to heat up, creating ideal conditions for bacterial growth.
💧Higher temperatures accelerate the reproduction rate of bacteria.
💧Stagnant water in rarely used systems can become a breeding ground for Legionella. This is particularly vital when staff numbers reduce over the summer months due to annual leave, so systems that are usually turned over by a business workforce can be left needing more attention.
☀️Our Advice:
Even simple actions can make a huge difference. Running taps and showers for a minimum of five minutes when returning to underused spaces helps flush out stagnant water, reducing bacterial build-up and making the system safe for immediate use.
But prevention is more than just a quick flush. A professional Legionella risk assessment is crucial to establish a compliance regime, which may include a sampling schedule. At LMS, we use a UKAS-accredited laboratory to test the water quality of any samples we take and identify any positive results. This step is especially important after the summer months, when warmer temperatures can increase the risk of Legionella growth. Sampling after summer ensures that any issues are detected and addressed as soon as possible.
At LMS, we understand the seasonal challenges that can lead to Legionella growth. Our experts provide peace of mind by delivering tailored control schemes designed to reduce risk and ensure compliance. These may include the weekly flushing of underused outlets, monthly temperature testing with recorded results, full Legionella risk assessments, and remedial works where required. By putting these proactive measures in place, we help keep your water systems safe and your workplace fully protected.
How We Can Help:
Legionnaires’ disease is preventable, but it requires vigilance and proactive action-especially after the warmer months. Don’t wait until a risk becomes a problem.
💡 Take action today: Schedule a risk assessment and let our experts help you winter-proof your water systems. Your employees and visitors deserve a safe environment and peace of mind.
Check out our full list of services here. Or call us on: 020 8049 5494