Blog Category: Legionella Control

Dealing with the unforeseen challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on people all across the world. Many of the buildings where we lived out our pre-virus days have been largely empty and idle. But as restrictions are easing in many parts and people are tiptoeing back into everyday life, they […]

Legionella bacteria naturally occur in many water sources such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. However, they can also be present in manmade water systems, such as those found in buildings and equipment. That said, sampling for legionella is a practical and sensible way to monitor how safe the water in your building is. Sampling can […]

Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water containing Legionella. All man-made hot and cold water systems are likely to provide an environment where Legionella can grow. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that the risk of exposure to legionella in residential premises is properly […]

Legionella is an opportunistic waterborne pathogen associated with Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. Legionella bacteria are found naturally in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams. The bacteria can become a health concern when they grow and spread in man-made building water systems like showers, cooling towers, decorative fountains, hot tubs, hot water tanks, large & […]

Legionnaires’ disease can cause serious illness and, in some cases, even death if it is not managed correctly.  It is contracted by breathing in droplets of air containing Legionella bacteria. Legionella bacteria are present in natural waters and enter the building water systems through the mains water supply.  Airborne water droplets are created by water […]

As part of the law outlined in The Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (S.I. No. 10 of 2005), measures are required to be in place to manage the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria in the workplace. Much health and safety legislation and practice focus on the statutory duty holder being responsible […]

All businesses operating in the Republic of Ireland have a legal responsibility to ensure their water supplies are safe for use and don’t put their employees, visitors and other people at unnecessary risk. Part of this process includes monitoring the levels of Legionella bacteria present in those water systems and managing the risk associated with […]

Stagnant water in building water systems can lead to some serious issues. One of the most dangerous is the growth of legionella bacteria that could lead to Legionnaires disease. Legionella can quickly grow and proliferate in water systems where favourable conditions are available. Legionella can quickly grow in stagnant water ranging between 20°C – 45°C. […]

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, often requiring intensive care treatment in hospitals. Legionellosis can be fatal and death can occur in approximately 10-15% of otherwise healthy people. Under favourable conditions, any man-made water system could get contaminated with legionella bacteria which can pose a risk to building occupants. Measures are […]

After a risk assessment is completed, a written scheme of control must be prepared and implemented to control the risk of legionella in your water systems. A key element in the legionella risk management programme involves keeping and maintaining records. Having an effective monitoring programme and keeping records is essential to demonstrate that your water […]