News article published: 19th February 2019
Statistics from 2018 have revealed that Legionella outbreak cases have increased over the last year (814) compared to 2017 (693).
Legionella is a huge issue in the UK and yet still goes under the radar for many organisations. Data taken in December last year via PHE showed that there were 814 confirmed cases of disease or instances of Legionella recorded in the UK, with a significant spike in August and September. The disease is caused by the inhalation of contaminated water droplets. Elderly or infirm individuals are particularly at risk of infection, as the disease attacks impaired immune systems, and symptoms can often be misdiagnosed as flu or pneumonia. The evidence from last years report serves to demonstrate the need for regular and stringent water-hygiene training.
Hot spots for contagion generally include systems and facilities which contain and distribute large amounts of water including Swimming and Hydrotherapy Pools, Cooling Towers & Evaporative Condensers, Pipework and Calorifiers, Cold Water Storage Tanks as well as Showers & Spray Heads, and Taps.
If bacteria enter into the water system and are not dealt with, they can linger in pipework and affect every water outlet within the premises.
The latest version of 'BS 8580-1 Water quality. Risk Assessments for Legionella Control Code of practice' has now been released (published 30th January 2019). If you are a Duty Holder or the appointed Responsible Person managing/controlling the risk of Legionnaires’ disease in the workplace, you need to have an awareness of the British Standard BS 8580. The initial BS 8580 was published back in 2010 and provides a guide to risk assessments performed with the intention to identify and manage risks associated with Legionnaires disease.
View the full article here.We provide courses in the control and prevention of legionella that are accredited by City & Guilds. We can facilitate training from purpose-built centres in York and Slough, or prepare an event to be carried out onsite. Courses cover everything from Legionella Management & Awareness to Disinfection & Risk Assessment, making them the perfect solution for comprehensive water hygiene training. Every element is tailored to be fit for purpose and for compliance by our team of highly-experienced training consultants.
View our complete list of Legionella-based courses here.
You will also find a video guide from Water Hygiene Training Manager Tony Green. Further to this you can also get in touch with us directly to find out more about the courses we offer, by contacting an Account Manager on 0333 121 1215 and by email at info@ppltraining.co.uk.
Disclaimer - Data taken in December 2018 via Public Health England