Managing Legionella In Industrial And Manufacturing Warehouses

Lucion Group

30th October, 2023

In 2023, UK manufacturing industries are expected to shrink by -3.2%. Industry experts caution against policymakers accepting this as the new normal. While the government is slow to develop a comprehensive industrial strategy, manufacturers must continue to manage their assets, reduce risks, and comply with regulations.

Unlike many sectors, the industrial and manufacturing sectors can sometimes present significant risks not present in other industries, such as moving machinery, labs, chemicals, pipelines, and 24/7 operation. Health and safety is a top priority for our clients, particularly on COMAH sites, where our teams provide a holistic suite of legionella services.

Within the industrial and manufacturing industries, many water systems are used constantly as part of production and/or maintenance. Some of these are cooling towers, spray paint systems, effluent treatment plants and fire/dust suppression systems to name a few. All of these should have a legionella risk assessment carried out to the relevant guidance and British Standard.

Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, accounts for approximately 250-300 confirmed cases each year in England and Wales, according to Public Health England. However, many cases go unreported, rendering the current statistical analysis of Legionella-related illnesses highly inaccurate.

Kieran Irving, Lucion Services National Legionella Risk Assessor/Consultant, provides valuable insights into the risks associated with Legionella and why choosing a certified service provider is vital in safeguarding both people and the planet.

It is widely acknowledged within the scientific and medical communities that Legionella infections often go unnoticed. There is a high probability that you have been exposed to Legionella bacteria at some point without even realising it, as the symptoms of certain strains closely resemble those of the flu.

Most individuals simply dismiss flu-like symptoms and manage them on their own without seeking medical attention. Even if they do consult a doctor, the diagnosis usually leans towards flu or a generic respiratory condition.

Understanding Legionella

Legionella bacteria encompass over 60 known species, with Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 responsible for approximately 90% of all infections. Pontiac Fever is a type of Legionella infection with a short incubation period of 1-3 days, typically non-fatal but exhibiting symptoms similar to acute flu. On the other hand, full-blown Legionnaires' disease, which can progress to pneumonia, has an incubation period of 2 to 10 days and can be fatal in 10 to 15% of cases, with a significantly higher risk for elderly individuals and those with compromised immune systems.

How Does Legionella Spread?

To contract Legionella, one must inhale water droplets containing the bacteria that have been transmitted into aerosol form. Water temperatures between 20°C and 45°C will influence bacterial growth especially around a body temperature of 37°C. Water systems with stored and/or recirculation designs can facilitate bacterial growth even more so if these are poorly maintained as nutrients can also provide a breeding ground for the bacteria. Legionella can also remain dormant in seemingly "safe" water systems for several years, protected within the biofilm present in the plumbing infrastructure.

While Legionella species are commonly found in natural water resources like rivers and lakes, unsuspecting individuals have contracted Legionella-related illnesses from various sources including man-made water systems. These can include cooling towers, other risk systems and domestic water systems with showers being considered high risk due to aerosol release and exposure, inadequately treated and maintained recreational water sources such as spa pools and whirlpools, and even the spray from decorative fountains or water features.

Legionella Regulations for Duty Holders and Employers

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, duty holders and employers bear the responsibility of ensuring a safe working environment. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 provides a comprehensive framework for health and safety, including the requirement for conducting risk assessments. Additionally, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) applies to employers and encompasses the control of biological agents such as Legionnaires' disease, in addition to chemicals. These regulations mandate that a competent person conducts a risk assessment to prevent, reduce, control, and, where possible, eliminate risks within the workplace.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a competent person should be selected to carry out a legionella risk assessment and also regularly inspect and maintain all water systems in accordance with guidance as a minimum requirement.

The Importance of Choosing LCA-Member

To effectively manage risks and ensure the safety of people and the environment, it is crucial to engage a trusted service provider who is a member of the Legionella Control Association (LCA).

Established in 1999 by the British Association for Chemical Specialities (BACS) and the Water Management Society (WMSoc), the LCA is a voluntary organisation comprising companies involved in controlling Legionella bacteria in water systems. The LCA's mission is to ensure all service providers are working to the Code of Conduct

LCA members must adhere to a Code of Conduct, which encompasses nine key requirements, and comply with specific Service Standards for the registered Legionella control services they provide. Furthermore, LCA conducts annual audits to ensure compliance with the Code and service standards.

Lucion Services, as an LCA member is certified to deliver a range of essential Legionella services, including risk assessments, monitoring, sampling, interpretation of samples, training, cleaning and disinfection and consultancy.

Our certified team provide a suitable and sufficient legionella risk assessment in accordance with the following legionella guidance documents;

As an LCA member, Lucion Services and our Legionella team are equipped to undertake water sampling and provide expert guidance, ensuring a safer environment for communities and the environment. We are your ideal partner in managing Legionella risks effectively within your buildings and assets. Under our LCA certification, Lucion Services is certified to deliver;

Legionella Risk Assessments
Legionella Sampling
Interpretation of Legionella Samples
Legionella Training
Legionella Consultancy

Choose Lucion Services, an LCA-certified provider, to protect the well-being of individuals and the environment from Legionella hazards.

About the Author

With over 13 years of experience in various roles relating to the sampling and management of legionella, Kieran demonstrates a high level of competency. During his time in the industry, Kieran has achieved City and Guilds Risk Assessment for Legionella and Water Hygiene Control in Water Systems, City & Guilds Clean and Disinfection of Hot and Cold Water systems, Water Management Society Practical Legionella Risk Assessment and City and Guilds Level 2 Plumbing.

Kieran has provided legionella services to clients across multiple sectors including education, industrial, marine, healthcare and retail.

Kieran Irving, Legionella Risk Assessor/Consultant

E: kieran.irving@lucionservices.com

M: +44 (0)745 8088 225

T: 0345 5040 303