Legionella Policy and Procedure

Transcription

1 Legionella Policy and Procedure Document Type Author Action Required Owner (Dept) Legionella Policy and Procedure Health and Safety Manager Release Learning and Development Issue Date October 2014 Date of Review January 2016 Version 2

2 Contents Page No 1. Policy Statement Scope Legionella & Legionnaires Disease Procedure Assessing the Risks Risk Concerns and Control... 5 Page 2 of 6

3 1. Policy Statement 1.1 The two main reasons we monitor water temperatures and conditions is to prevent the risk of scalding and Legionnaires Disease. 1.2 The Mungo Foundation acknowledges its responsibilties under The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, in respect of its duties and obligations towards the health, safety and welfare of its staff and individuals we support. 2. Scope 2.1 All premises where there are hot and cold water outlets and air conditioning systems including portable humidifiers. 2.2 This policy applies to all staff, individuals we support, volunteers and in some cases members of the public. 3. Legionella and Legionnaires Disease 3.1 Legionella is a bacterium that is common in natural water systems (ponds, rivers, lochs etc) and since Legionella are widespread in the environment they may contaminate and grow in artificial water systems e.g. cooling towers and hot and cold water systems (storage tanks, pipework, taps and showers) Legionella is normally associated with larger water systems e.g. factories, hotels and hospitals but it can also live and thrive in smaller water supplies used in domestic homes and residential accommodation Legionella can also be associated with spa and whirlpool baths, humidifiers and sometimes in firefighting equipment (sprinklers and hose reels) Legionella can survive at relatively low temperatures of between 20 o C and 45ºC especially if the conditions are right e.g. if a supply of nutrients are available such as rust, sludge, scale, algae and other bacteria. However, high temperatures of 60ºC and above will kill the Legionella bacteria Legionnaires Disease is a potentially fatal form of Pneumonia caused by inhaling the Legionella bacteria. The infection is caused by breathing in droplets of water contaminated by the bacteria, but this cannot be passed from one person to another. Page 3 of 6

4 3.2 Everyone is potentially susceptible to the infection but some people are at higher risk, e.g. those over 45, smokers, heavy drinkers, those suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease and those whose immune system are impaired or are vulnerable to infection. Symptoms are similar to flu and can include: High temperature, fever and chills Debility Cough Headache Pneumonia It is treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early enough. 4. Procedure 4.1 Legionella Bacteria can thrive and multiply in hot or cold water systems and storage tanks and then spread through spray from showers and taps. 4.2 Although the generally high throughput and relatively low volume of water stored domestically reduces the likelihood of Bacteria reaching dangerous concentrations a risk assessment must still be carried out. 5. Assessing the Risks 5.1 When assessing the risk the following has to be considered: Are conditions right for Bacteria to multiply, e.g. is the water temperature between 20-45ºC; Are there areas where stagnant water could be stored (dead legs), e.g. pipes to a washing machine or dishwasher that is no longer in use; Are there infrequently used outlets e.g. showers or taps; Is there debris in the system such as rust, sludge or scale that could provide food for the Bacteria; Long or broken pipe work; Are there Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMV s) fitted that will set a favourable temperature for the Bacteria to thrive; Is there a method of spreading infection to people e.g. showers; Are any people living in the premises that may be considered more vulnerable to infection. Page 4 of 6

5 5.1.1 Answering yes to any of these questions suggests a potential risk to being exposed to Legionella however in a situation where water is used on a daily basis and there are no unused outlets or stagnant water the risks are relatively low A risk assessment must be carried out for each premise taking the above factors into consideration. 6 Risk Concerns and Control 6.1 If there is a concern over any identified risks there are measures that can be taken to further minimise and control the risks such as: Have the water system inspected, maintained, cleaned and disinfected annually by a competent contractor; Ensure water cannot stagnate anywhere in the system remove redundant pipework; Run through taps and showers no longer in use or used infrequently for a minimum of 1 minute x once a week (it is also good practice to record this); Check hot and cold water temperatures (by recording the temperature after the water has been running for 1 minute) on a regular basis and record; Take shower heads apart every 3 months clean and disinfect; Keep water tanks and cisterns covered, clean and free from debris; Insulate tanks and pipework; Ensure water stored in the hot water tank or cylinder is above 60ºC; Annual servicing of boiler and thermostatic mixing valves. 6.2 Residual Risk It should be noted that although one way of controlling Legionella is to raise the water temperature this may then present a risk of scalding where thermostatic mixing valves are not fitted Caution Hot Water signs can be erected above sinks and where individuals are vulnerable and at risk the necessary support and supervision to prevent burns and scalds should be put in place (including a scalding risk assessment) However, where there is an identified risk of scalding to the individual we support the water temperature must be regulated with TMV s or strict staff supervision. Page 5 of 6

6 6.2.4 Hot water should be controlled at 43 C +/- 2 C If after putting all these controls in place there still remains a significant or an uncontrolled risk to the health of people, a Legionella assessment and water test should be carried out by a reputable professional contractor/consultant and the recommendations from this assessment implemented. Further information can be obtained by downloading the following publication from the HSE website Legionnaire s Disease Essential Information for Providers of Residential Accommodation Page 6 of 6