Legionella Compliance

Legionaires disease is caused by Legionella pneumophila bacteria.  Other species of Legionella can cause less serious illnesses as well, such as Pontiac fever.  The disease is contracted by breathing in aerosol (small water droplets) containing significant numbers of the bacteria.  Anyone can become infected, but the elderly and immunesuppressed are more susceptible.  Legionella bacteria are found in nearly all water systems, but normally at low safe levels.  However, within domestic and other man-made water systems conditions often arise where it can proliferate to dangerous levels.  Exposure often occurs at outlets producing significant amounts of aerosol, such as showers.

Duty Holders of all commercial and public building premises are legally required to assess the risk from legionella to anyone using the water systems and put in place control measures if required.  The HSE have produced two guidances called ACoP L8 and HSG274 as guidance as to what is required in regards Duty Holders obligations.  These are free to download from the HSE website: www.HSE.gov.uk.

In summary, for each premises there must be:

• A Legionella risk assessment to identify and assess the risk from each open water system. (N.B. small systems in shops and small offices may only require a simple risk assessment; refer to Residential/Small System services)

If significant risks are identified then:

• A control scheme must be established to monitor the risks, remediate any issues identified and ensure the system is adequately maintained to prevent future risks occuring.
• A competent responsible person is nominated to ensure the above is carried out effectively.

Some systems may require additional water sampling, especially where susceptible people are present, there is a history of legionella issues or the control scheme can not be adequately maintained.

• Carrying out legionella risk assessments
• Providing remedial services, including tank cleaning and water system disinfections
• Helping you monitor the system by providing template template record sheets and training your site staff how to carry out checks.
• Alternatively, we can carry out temperature monitoring, asset inspections or water sampling on your behalf.
• Sampling and inspecting cooling towers
• Sampling water systems for legionella in care homes, hospices and hospitals
• Provide training to responsible persons or to site staff carrying out the control scheme
• Audit your records to help demonstrate compliance with requirements
• Help you respond to legionellosis or legionella contmination incidents

Our risk assessments are not just legionella risk assessments!

...we call them Water Hygiene Surveys as they go beyond the requirements of BS8580 or HSG274. Our company roots lie in the water supply industry, so we also carry out water quality assessments and WRAS compliance checks as standard (as would be carried out within a water authority inspection).  This means as standard we include chlorine level checks, standard bacterial tests, aesthetic & taste assessments and actively look for WRAS compliance, such as shower restrainers and checks valves.  To our knowledge, we are the only consultants to do this as standard in this sector.

Private Water Supplies

Risk assessments can be carried out in accordance with the guidelines prescribed by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). This will include assessment of future monitoring requirements for compliance with the Private Water Supplies Regulations, which were amended in England in 2009. Recommendations for any necessary treatment or remedial work will also be made.

Stoneridge Construction can help you by:

• Sampling the water supply (frequency normally prescribed in the risk assessment, but annual sampling as a minimum is recommended)
• Providing expert advise in regards water quality issues and contaminations
• Source and fit treatment systems.

Swimming Pools & Bathing Waters

The water in swimming pools and other bathing facilities (e.g. hydrotherapy pools) is subject to water treatment to keep the water clean and prevent fouling or damage to process systems.  As well as standard daily tests for pH, temperature and treatment (usually chlorine), PWTAG Guidance indicates that all pool water should be sampled monthly for bacterial contamination and other chemical tests may be applicable.

Outdoor bathing is subject to natural conditions and contaminations.  A significant number of sites have been designated for testing at a national level where large numbers of the public maybe at risk whilst bathing.  However, for many smaller operations, such as Wakeboarding, Sailing & Canoeing, the waters are usually not tested.  This leaves your business susceptible to insurance claims where infection through the water has occured whilst carrying out activities organised by your company/organisation.  It is possible to sample the water to the same national standards to demonstrate the water you are using is safe.

Stoneridge Construction can help you by:

• Carrying out standard monthly bacterial testing and analysis
• Carrying out chemical tests to assess water treatment efficacy
• Carrying out bathing water testing and sampling
• Sourcing water treatment chemicals

Pre-Commision & Closed System Treatment

Pre-Commision cleaning and treatment of closed systems is important to ensure the systems are not subject to scale corrosion or microbial fouling, as per BSRIA Guidelines.  Following a series of high profile litigation cases in recent years, this has become increasingly important.

Domestic water systems and refurbished water systems also need to be flushed and in some cases disinfected.  This is to flush and remove and microbes on the pre-commision pipework that could cause water quality issues, as per BS8558.

Stoneridge Construction can help by:

• Carrying out closed system pre-commission flushing and water treatment as per BG50/2013 Guidance.
• Carrying out regular monitoring of closed systems to help prevent corosion, scaling and bio-fouling issues.
• Carrying out pre-commision flushing and disinfection of domestic water systems as per BS8558 guidance.

Other Services

Stoneridge Construction can help you with:

• Leak investigation works
• Calibration of thermometers
• Water quality investigation issues
• Process water testing
• Provision of water treatment chemicals
• Drain water sampling
• Ductwork cleaning