LEGIONELLA IN SUMMER
Summer has arrived, bringing with it the warmth and sunshine we all love. While it is a season of relaxation and outdoor fun, it also presents possible threats to our water systems. Within the water industry, it’s widely known that the summer months provide an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria like Legionella.
As temperatures rise, so does the risk of these microorganisms wreaking havoc on our water supply. Legionella thrives in warm water environments, making it more prevalent this time of year. Contaminated water systems can lead to serious health issues, putting everyone at risk.
HOW DOES TEMPERATURE AFFECT THE GROWTH OF LEGIONELLA BACTERIA?
Legionella’s optimum temperature for growth is between 20°C and 45°C. In hot weather, any stored cold water (in tanks or pipes) is at increased risk of the temperature creeping up above 20˚C. When this happens, bacteria can start to grow at an exponential rate.
THE RISK DURING THE SUMMER SEASON:
In the summer months, premises are often left vacant, meaning there is an increased risk to the water system. This risk is due to the water being stagnant where it attaches to surfaces to grow and reproduce. In summer the bacteria reproduces at a higher rate due to a rise in the water temperature. This proliferation increases the threat to human health, if the system is not flushed properly on return.
LMS recommends running taps and showers for a minimum of five minutes upon arrival at any vacant properties. It is also a good idea to do this when you return home from breaks away.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS DUTY HOLDER:
Summer is a crucial season for Duty Holders to stay on top of preventing their properties’ water systems from being contaminated with bacteria like Legionella. As a Duty Holder, it is your responsibility to monitor or seek out professionals, such as Legionella Management Solutions, to ensure that you can prevent bacteria proliferation and maintain a high standard of safety in line with the following legislation:
- Health & Safety at Work Act (1974)
- Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Approved Code of Practise (ACoP) L8
- Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Health & Safety Guidance HSG274
HOW WE CAN HELP:
LMS will develop and deploy a scheme of control, this will include a logbook which is used to store the records of legionella control and monitoring tasks carried out.
This includes:
- Weekly flushing of little-used outlets
- Monthly temperature test results of representative outlet
- Quarterly descaling of shower heads and spray taps
- Annual inspection of calorifiers
- Annual water storage tank inspection
- 24 monthly Legionella risk assessment review
- A Water Hygiene Engineer will visit the site at regular intervals to ensure that risks are kept in check whilst carrying out the above
- Temperatures and conditions will be compared with parameters detailed in ACoP L8.
To find out how we can help you fulfil all your legal responsibilities for Legionella compliance;