Legionella Sampling and Analysis

Is it important to test water for Legionnaires disease?

Every year in the United Kingdom alone there are between 300 and 400 recorded cases of Legionnaires disease, approximately 10-15% of which result in death. What makes this all the more tragic is that testing water for Legionella – this includes well water testing, drinking water testing and private water supply testing – can mean these deaths are completely avoidable.

Often the danger goes unnoticed, but there is always the risk that neglecting to follow health regulations will have far-reaching and ultimately devastating consequences.

Regular Legionella Sampling / testing and risk assessment is necessary

The Legionella bacteria incubate in the right conditions in hot and cold water systems and particles of water called aerosols rise up out of the water. If inhaled, these particles can cause Legionnaires disease.

As an employer of more than five people, a landlord, or anyone else in charge of a particular premises, you are fully responsible for the health and safety of your employees, tenants, etc, and it is up to you to take the necessary precautions. You must therefore make sure that you understand the health risks connected to Legionella and you must monitor all of your systems effectively, which means regular testing and risk assessment, including Legionnaires testing, Legionella sampling and water quality testing.

How can I make sure I’m regularly and effectively testing for Legionella?

Legionnaires disease is a genuine and serious public health concern. Typically, when there is an outbreak, there is a fatality rate of between 5% and 30% in people who contract the disease. Aside from this tragic loss of human life, the consequences for the manager, owner or person in charge of the building or business can be faced with devastating and very costly liability claims, as well as very damaging publicity. It makes sense therefore, for many reasons, to proactively manage the risk of Legionella bacteria forming in cooling towers and hot and cold water systems, rather than taking any risks.

Water temperature must therefore be properly and regularly monitored and regulated. Blue Fish Water Management offer a number of tools for effective Legionella testing and correct monitoring, and by turning over your testing to a professional water management company, you can be absolutely sure that you, your employees and tenants are safe.

Don’t forget that it is also your legal obligation to have your water checked with Legionella Sampling and Analysis. So book a risk assessment today, with Blue Fish Water Management.