Wherever water is present, there is a risk of contamination with legionella. This bacterium feels like a fish in water at temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees. As the temperature of the water continues to rise, the chance that legionella will occur increases – a temperature of 37.5 degrees is optimal. If the conditions are favorable, the water in question becomes a breeding ground: it is only a matter of days before the bacteria can multiply explosively. Don’t let it get to this point.
Legionella prevention is fundamental
For companies with large water installations such as washing machines, fountains, misting systems, swimming pools and wet cooling towers, contamination is a disaster. Legionella prevention is therefore very important, because legionella poses a serious threat to human health: contracting a a bad cold or severe pneumonia is not unthinkable. Compliance with rules regarding legionella prevention is fundamental for companies.
How do you prevent legionella?
First of all, you prevent legionella by taking preventive measures and having strict checks carried out by a company specialized in legionella prevention. Measuring is knowing certainly applies here, but it is also essential to take the following measures into account:
- Control of temperature – Make sure that cold water pipes always remain below 20 degrees. The rule of thumb for warm water is a temperature above 60 degrees to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Clean regularly – Regular cleaning of water installations (such as shower heads, taps, pipes and hot water tanks) prevents the growth of legionella – as well as other harmful bacteria.
- Water circulation – By ensuring good water circulation in pipes and tanks, the chance of legionella bacteria becoming established is reduced. Stagnant water is the bacteria’s favorite, a constant flow of water keeps legionella at bay.
- Periodic checks – Periodic checks detect early problems and address potential problems. Part of these checks is checking the water temperature and carrying out microbiological analyses.
- Legionella management plan – A protocol that clearly states how you will tackle combating legionella will go the furthest. All information is included in this protocol: controls, procedures and preventive measures. Ensure that this plan remains up-to-date and involves everyone involved. These plans must be kept for 3 years.
Legionella prevention is certainly no easy task. It is a precise job that requires careful attention and attention lines come see. A consultancy firm specialized in the field of legionella prevention, looks for areas for improvement, tests according to regulations and actively participates in prevention against legionella.
The importance of legionella prevention
Legionella prevention is mandatory for some companies. This fact underlines the importance of prevention and having a watertight management plan. This obligation mainly applies to priority institutions, where vulnerable people – such as the elderly with reduced resistance – come.
Risk analysis and legionella management plan
Legionella can be easily combated with the right approach, but do not give the bacteria any room to maneuver and prevent legionella from rattling the gates of your company. An infection is easier to prevent than to combat. Use a risk analysis to map out where possible sources of contamination are located, draw up a management plan and plan periodic checks. Get rid of legionella!
