ACOP L8 Legionella Information, Compliance, Consultancy & Advice
It is of paramount importance that all water systems have stringent Legionella control regimes in place to ensure their water systems are compliant with the Health & Safety Executive’s Approve Code of Practice (ACOP L8)
If water systems are not continuously monitored and maintained in line with ACOP L8’s technical guidance HSG274 it can leave systems at risk from the proliferation of harmful bacteria such as Legionella.
Legionnaire’s disease predominately affects people who have a suppressed immune system, smokers, and people over the age of 50. Legionnaires’ disease is form of pneumonia which can be fatal if contracted via an aerosol which is subsequently inhaled by the victim, often via showers, or misting systems.
It is a crucial part of a duty holders responsibilities to ensure that these systems are safe. If Legionella bacteria is found in a system via the sampling of outlets such as taps and shower hoses it is the duty holders responsibility to find the source of the outbreak.
In some cases these investigations can reveal poorly maintained cold water storage tanks or cooling towers which have heavily corroded internal walls or GRP cold water storage tanks which are suffering from heavy black sporing of the water tanks internal gel coat.
All of these issues are non-compliant with ACOP L8’s guidelines and remedial action must be considered.
Legionella is a bacteria that can be naturally found in almost all water sources however the risk of proliferation is increased when Legionella bacteria is introduced to an environment which attributes to its growth.
Actions to be Considered
The approved code of practice (ACOP L8) technical guidance HSG274 provides guidance and practical solutions on how to help control or prevent the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria from water sources such as cooling towers and cold water storage tanks.
Regular maintenance and monitoring of systems and associated outlets which could include temperature monitoring and sampling of outlets.
Minimalising the use of materials in water systems that could potentially harbour harmful bacteria, it is good practice to only use WRAS approved products when carrying out remedial actions.
Essentially it is a duty holders priority to ensure all possible actions are taken to avoid conditions which allow for the proliferation of harmful bacteria such as Legionella.
Avoid possible stagnation in cold water storage tanks as well as the build up of legionella bacteria harbouring sediment. Regular clean and disinfection’s should be carried out along with regular water tank and cooling tower inspections to ensure the associated water systems remain safe.
We Can Help
For additional help and guidance please contact our friendly team who are always happy to assist in providing free advice on how to maintain healthy water systems by reducing the risk of Legionella bacteria present in your cooling tower and cold water storage tanks associated systems.
Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
