Legionnaires’ disease – The hidden killer in water systems

Managing the Risk

presented by Karl Collingwood

Wednesday 26 February 2014

Types of water systems affected

and problem areas of systems

Role of water management companies

Competency and training

Your site - small to medium businesses

Course Content

Introduction

My ObjectivesExplain enough for you to understand the

general risk on your sites

Encourage you to take legionella control seriously

Assist you to reach the required standard = risk minimised to protect you and your position

Types of water system affectedProcess water – industrial, manufacturingCooling towers – foundries, refrigerationDomestic - for kitchens and bathrooms – have

stored cold water, stored hot water or direct fed

Leisure – spa poolsSpray formation – showers, spray taps,

garden sprinklers, pressure washers, misting systems

Cooling towers Cooling towers Cooling towers

Cooling Tower is a high risk system

Cold Water Storage Tanks

CWST inside – dirty, a glass of water to drink?

Dodgy hot water systems

Grubby shower heads

Scale and biofilm on tap heads

Spa pools, hot tubs, whirlpool baths

Role of water management companiesCarry out Legionella Risk AssessmentsProduce (written) scheme of controlProduce technical (schematic) drawingsGive advice on compliance, risk reductionAudit whole programme – especially recordsProvide training Supply water treatment chemicalsONLY SITE TAKES LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY

Competency - providerThere are no required qualifications‘Qualifications’ are 99% attendance courses with a

badge and simple assessmentBeware firms & people with no proper history in

the industry – avoid slick marketing, cheap quotesAsk for evidence of competency, CV, probing

questions, put them under pressureAsk for training record of individual from

legionella control (water management) firm

Competency & Training clientYou and your staff Training – seek good quality, purposeful – what

are course objectives? who is teaching?Providers - contact testimonials authors –

ensure genuine3 months after training review staff

competencyCheck Legionella Control Association websitewww.legionellacontrol.org.uk

Small and Medium sized businessesWater system design, installation, operation –

outdated, oversized, incorrectly usedLack of knowledge – no idea tanks in lofts,

where is the hot water cylinder?Temperature set at 37°C – ideal for legionellaOther problems – corroding tanks, overflow

pipes disconnected, tanks fed outlet used for drinking

Attitude – there is no problem, not doing it !

How are problems solved?Change attitudes by education & informationIt is a legal requirement – to protect everyoneIt is low cost – compared to not doing itUnderstand it is all about preventionAdvice on system design, installation, operationTraining for site staff – legionella awarenessHave a programme, LRA & annual reviewThink of it as an insurance policy

To do list !Water management companies should provide

services as agreed to required standards.Act in best interests of clientsBusinesses shouldChoose a supplier carefullyListen to their providers adviceAction the recommendationsKeep on top of legionella control e.g. annual

review

Recap

Legionella Control is about sensibly managing the risk from water systems

Water management companies help clients comply with the laws thereby protecting your business, staff, customers & general public

Business owners should accept their legal responsibilities, implement a programme and

manage on an ongoing basis