As of July 1, 2018, all landlords in England are required to test for Legionella bacteria in their properties. This testing must be done every three months and results must be recorded in a logbook. Landlords who do not comply with this law can be fined up to £2,500.
In the past, there have been a number of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in the UK that have been linked to poorly maintained water systems in properties. Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia that can be caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria.
Testing for Legionella bacteria is the only way to prevent these sorts of outbreaks from happening. By testing regularly, landlords can ensure that their properties are safe and compliant with the law.
If you’re a landlord in England, make sure you’re up to date with the latest Legionella testing requirements. It could save you a lot of money in fines, and more importantly, it could save lives.
Where is Legionella Found?
Legionella is a bacteria that is found in water. It can cause a serious lung infection, known as Legionnaires’ disease, which can be fatal. The bacteria are usually spread through airborne droplets, such as when water is sprayed from a shower or fountain.
Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease often occur in places where large groups of people are exposed to contaminated water, such as hotels, hospitals, and cruise ships.
In order to prevent the spread of Legionnaires’ disease, it is important to maintain clean water systems and to disinfect areas where the bacteria might grow.
How Can I Prevent Legionnaires Disease?
The best way to prevent Legionnaires disease is to avoid contact with water that may contain the Legionella bacteria. This includes avoiding showering or bathing in water that may be contaminated.
It is also important to avoid drinking water from sources that may be contaminated, such as fountains or spas. If you must come into contact with contaminated water, it is important to wear protective clothing, such as a mask and gloves.
In addition, it is essential to clean and disinfect any surfaces that may have come into contact with contaminated water. By taking these precautions, you can help to prevent Legionnaires disease.
Does My Apartment Have Legionella?
According to the CDC, Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause a serious lung infection (called Legionnaires’ disease) or a less serious lung infection (called Pontiac fever).
People can get sick if they breathe in small droplets of water that contain the Legionella bacteria. Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease have been linked to apartment complex public areas, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and cooling towers.
However, it is important to note that Legionella can also grow in other types of water systems, such as:
- domestic hot water systems
- evaporative air-cooling systems
- humidifiers
- hot tubs and spas
- nebulizers used for medical treatment
While the CDC notes that outbreaks are rare, they do happen. In 2018, there were several high-profile cases of Legionnaires’ disease linked to apartment complexes, one of which resulted in the death of a resident.
If you live in an apartment complex, it is important to be aware of the potential for Legionella growth. You should also know what to do if you develop symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, which include:
- Coughing
- shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- fever
- muscle aches and pains
- headache
- diarrhea
If you develop any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Your doctor will likely order a chest X-ray and a Legionella urine test. If the test comes back positive, you will be treated with antibiotics.
In most cases, Legionnaires’ disease is treatable if it is caught early. However, the CDC notes that the disease can be fatal in some cases.
To avoid Legionella growth in your apartment complex, it is important to maintain clean and disinfected public areas. You should also avoid contact with water that may be contaminated. If you must come into contact with contaminated water, it is important to wear protective clothing, such as a mask and gloves.
If you develop symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. With early diagnosis and treatment, most cases of Legionnaires’ disease are treatable.
What If I Have Symptoms of Legionnaires Disease?
People can become infected with Legionnaires disease when they breathe in Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires disease is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
People at risk for Legionnaires disease include those who are 50 years or older, smokers, heavy drinkers, people with chronic lung diseases, and people with weakened immune systems.
Legionnaires disease can be fatal, so it is important to seek medical attention if you develop symptoms. Symptoms of Legionnaires disease include coughing, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches.
Legionnaires disease is diagnosed through a chest X-ray and lab tests of your phlegm or blood. Treatment for Legionnaires disease includes antibiotics and oxygen therapy. You may also need to be hospitalized for treatment.
Legionella Risk Assessments Glasgow should be conducted regularly in order to protect against this potentially fatal bacteria. If you have any symptoms of Legionnaires disease, seek medical attention immediately.
Is there any Federal Regulation for Legionella Testing
At present, there is no mandatory federal regulation for Legionella testing in the United Kingdom.
However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published guidance that recommends regular testing for Legionella bacteria in all water systems, including those used for domestic purposes.
The HSE guidance also outlines a number of steps that should be taken to control the growth of Legionella bacteria, such as maintaining adequate water temperatures and preventing stagnant water conditions.
While there is no legal requirement to test for Legionella bacteria, it is considered good practice to follow the HSE guidance in order to minimise the risk of Legionnaire’s Disease.
How much testing is required
In the United Kingdom, the starting point for Legionella control is the Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice (L8) ‘Legionnaires’ disease.
The Control of Legionella bacteria in water systems. L8 provides detailed advice on how to identify and assess Legionella risks, and how these risks can be controlled.
As part of this process, a Legionella risk assessment must be carried out to identify any potential sources of Legionella bacteria. Once potential sources have been identified, testing may be required to determine whether they are harboring the bacteria.
However, it should be noted that not all sources of Legionella bacteria will require testing. For example, if a potential source is known to be maintained at low risk by good practice, then testing may not be necessary.
Ultimately, the decision on how much testing is required will depend on the specific circumstances of each case. However, by following the guidance set out in L8, businesses can ensure that they are taking appropriate action to control the risks posed by Legionella bacteria.
