
![]() |
Mark Sennett
Managing Editor |
![]() |
Kelly Rose
Editor |
ARTICLE
Renewed focus on legionella risk
23 January 2013
Businesses are being told to do more to protect workers and members of the public from exposure to legionella.
Businesses are being told to do more to protect workers and members of the public from exposure to legionella.
The Heath and Safety Executive has issued a safety notice after identifying common failings in legionella control from a review of outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease in Great Britain over the past ten years.
HSE's findings confirmed that cooling towers and evaporative condensers are the most common source of significant outbreaks.
Ninety per cent of outbreaks stem from failure to recognise potential legionella problems or to adopt effective control measures.
The notice also stresses the need for effective and consistent monitoring of water quality and the importance of responsibilities being assigned to named individuals with proper management oversight.
HSE's legionella expert Paul McDermott said: “Through this safety notice we are reiterating what those responsible for the maintenance of water systems should be doing already. Failure to comply with the law means they may face legal sanctions, including in the most serious cases prosecution through the courts."
The Heath and Safety Executive has issued a safety notice after identifying common failings in legionella control from a review of outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease in Great Britain over the past ten years.
HSE's findings confirmed that cooling towers and evaporative condensers are the most common source of significant outbreaks.
Ninety per cent of outbreaks stem from failure to recognise potential legionella problems or to adopt effective control measures.
The notice also stresses the need for effective and consistent monitoring of water quality and the importance of responsibilities being assigned to named individuals with proper management oversight.
HSE's legionella expert Paul McDermott said: “Through this safety notice we are reiterating what those responsible for the maintenance of water systems should be doing already. Failure to comply with the law means they may face legal sanctions, including in the most serious cases prosecution through the courts."
MORE FROM THIS COMPANY
- Total cost of construction injuries revealed
- Managing stressful situations
- Government publishes aviation COVID-19 guidance
- Managing health risks for plumbers
- Workers exposed to asbestos during refurbishment project
- Research reveals healthcare staff's virus transmission risk
- Fire and Security Matters Awards 2022 finalists revealed
- £230k fine after lifting operation accident
- Consultation opens on RIDDOR change
- Millions of workers suffer in silence with mental health
RELATED ARTICLES
- No related articles listed
OTHER ARTICLES IN THIS SECTION