Red Dragon Inventories can provide Legionnaires Disease Test Service (Legionella Risk Assessments) in Cardiff and South Wales to a commercial business or domestic properties which requires a Legionella Risk Assessment who has a duty to identify and control the risks associated with Legionella
The Red Dragon Inventories Legionella Risk Assessment process will in summary include:
- Site survey of customers water system
- Obtain water samples
- Water samples are tested in an UKAS approved laboratory
- Provide customer with Legionella Risk Assessment Certificate
*If the bacteria are detected in the water at any customer site, we will contact you discretely and help you deal with the problem, please do not take a chance with your water, legislation, your personal health or the health under your care
What is Legionella.?
Legionella pneumophila or Legionnaire’s Disease as it is more commonly known, is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water containing Legionella. All man-made hot and cold-water systems are likely to provide an environment where Legionella can grow. Where conditions are favourable (ie: suitable growth temperature range; water droplets (aerosols) produced and dispersed; water stored and/or recirculated; some ‘food’ for the organism to grow such as rust, sludge, scale, biofilm etc) then the bacteria may multiply thus increasing the risk of exposure. It is a well-known fact the organism will colonise both large and small systems so both require risks to be managed effectively
The Danger of Legionella Disease
Legionella becomes a danger to us all when conditions are right for the bacteria to breed. Water temperature plays a major part in encouraging bacteria growth. Temperatures between 20-45 Celsius are ideal for bacteria growth. The infection is normally caused by inhaling small droplets of water (aerosols) and is why showerheads in domestic and commercial properties are a key source of Legionella infection. Testing these sources should be a key part of a regular testing program. The storing of water, particularly when water temperatures are ideal for bacteria growth (20-45 Celsius), can also present the possibility of infection. The use of and/or the recirculation of stored water should, therefore, be avoided. Testing areas where the potential for water storage is essential in regular testing program. The Legionella bacteria will also breed more effectively where deposits (rust, sludge, scale and other organic matter) within water systems are present. It may be difficult to assess your water system to determine if these deposits are present but a Risk Assessment by a professional Risk Assessor will help you understand this along with any other areas of concern within your water system
What is the Risk of Legionella Disease?
Legionnaires disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and everyone is susceptible to infection. The risk increases with age but some people are at higher risk including:
- Smokers
- Heavy drinkers
- Over 45 years old
- Chronic respiratory or lung disease
- DiabetesKidney disease
- Heart disease
- An impaired immune system
Legionella risks during the coronavirus(COVID-19) outbreak
The Health and Safety Executive currently(2020) suggests:
- Employers, the self-employed and people in control of premises, such as landlords, have a duty to identify and control risks associated with legionella
- If your building was closed or has reduced occupancy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, water system stagnation can occur due to lack of use, increasing the risks of Legionnaires’ disease
It is also scientifically recommended if a building has been shut down for 21-30 days, or longer, the existing water becomes stagnant therefore the bacteria could amplify
Legionella Risk Assessment – Customer Certificate
For impartiality reasons Red Dragon Inventories use an independent UKAS accredited laboratory. All of Red Dragon Inventories samples are processed by this laboratory in accordance to strict British Standards(BS) ensuring the results delivered comply with all the regulatory mandatory requirements. The Certificates supplied to every customer at the end of the process comply with the Health & Safety Executive(HSE), Care Quality Commission(CQC, Care Inspectorate in Scotland and CSSIW in Wales) and meet insurance requirements
The Cost of a Legionella Risk Assessment
The cost of a Red Dragon Inventories Legionella Risk Assessment will be both dependent on the size of the property and the total number of appliances. Please contact us for a quotation if you have a commercial or domestic property which requires a Legionella Risk Assessment