TRADE ASSOCIATION SAYS MORE MUST BE DONE TO COMBAT LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE
Deaths and serious illness resulting from Legionnaires’ disease is still far too prevalent in hotels, hospitals and other public buildings, and is usually the consequence of poor maintenance regimes or complacency. The HVCA says more needs to be done to combat this ever-present threat.
7 December 2011 – Most people remember the tragic outbreak of legionnaires’ disease in 2002 in the town of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, resulting in the deaths of seven members of the public with a further 180 people taken ill. Yet, almost 10 years on, incidents of Legionnaires’ disease in workplaces, hotels, hospitals and other public buildings are still occurring on a regular basis.
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anybody but primarily affects those who are more susceptible because of their age, those suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease and people whose immune system is impaired. Infection is caused by breathing in small droplets of water contaminated by the bacteria.
Water temperature between 20°C and 50°C is the range in which Legionella bacteria will proliferate most rapidly, with the optimum temperature believed to be 37°C. Legionella bacteria is however killed within a few minutes at water temperatures above 60°C.
Blane Judd, Chief Executive of the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA), says that a regular programme of inspection and maintenance of air conditioning, water holding and water supply systems is essential if future deaths from Legionnaires’ are to be avoided. Mr Judd comments, “On average there are approximately 300 reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease each year in the UK and when clusters of cases occur they can typically be traced back to poorly maintained cooling tower systems, air conditioning plant or hot and cold water systems in offices, factories, hotels, hospitals and other larger establishments.
“Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia but it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of creating the conditions in which the legionella bacteria thrive by taking important measures such as a programme of regular inspection and maintenance of susceptible plant and equipment including regular cleaning and disinfection.
“Building owners and occupiers should be aware of, and comply with, their legal obligations, and these are set out in a single document, published by the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), called ‘Legionnaires’ disease – The control of legionella bacteria in water systems’. This is a HSC Approved Code of Practice (ACoP), commonly referred to as L8.
“HVCA members have the experience and expertise to help building owners and duty holders to comply with this legislation.
“We would also say to any employee that if you are at all concerned that maintenance is not being carried out you should raise this issue with the building manager or owner and ultimately with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)”.
For more information about the HVCA and the services provided by its members visit http://www.hvca.org.uk.
Ends
Issued on behalf of the HVCA by Next Step Marketing Ltd
Media enquiries to: Heather Lambert
Tel: 44(0)1256 472020
Fax: 44(0)1256 471010
E-mail: heather@nextstepmarketing.co.uk
Notes to Editors
Established in 1904, the HVCA represents the interests of firms active in the design, installation and maintenance of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Its membership comprises over 1,500 companies throughout the UK, a combined turnover exceeding £4bn and a workforce of 50,000. HVCA members are subject to regular third party inspection and assessment of their technical competence and commercial capability.
HVCA operates the Heating Helpline (www.heatinghelpline.org.uk) to provide consumers with free, impartial advice on every aspect of home heating.
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