Legionella Fact Sheet

www.hydrochemgroup.co.uk

What is Legionella?
Possible Pathways Legionnaires ‘Disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which
can affect anybody, but primarily affects those who are susceptible
because of age, illness, immune suppression or smoking.
Possible pathways for It is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumonia.
exposure to Legionella
bacteria Where is it found?
As they are commonly found in environmental sources they may also be
found in purpose built water systems such as cooling towers, evaporative
condensers and whirlpool spas.

Legionella risks in the workplace

Hot Tubs &
Taps Spas Any water system, with the right environmental conditions, could be a
source for legionella bacteria growth.
There is a reasonably foreseeable legionella risk if your water system:
• Water temperature is between 20–45 °C
• Creates and/or spreads breathable droplets, e.g. aerosol created by a cooling
Humidifiers Showers & tower, or water outlets
& Misters Baths
• Stores and/or re-circulates water
• Likely to contain a source of nutrients for the organism to grow, e.g. rust, sludge,
scale, organic matter and biofilms

Drinking
Water
Cooling
Water
Preventing and controlling the risk
The key point is to design, maintain and operate your water
services under conditions that will either prevent & control the risk
from legionella bacteria.

To reduce the risk you must introduce appropriate controls.

Fountains Pipes
• Implementing a system: Developing a schematic diagram.
• Responsible person(s) for carrying out the assessment and
managing its implementation.
• Safe and correct operation of your system.
• Carry out checks & ensure that the release of water spray is
properly controlled.

Symptoms Bac
t
mul eria
tem tiply wh
are peratur ere
Chills bet es
20 ween For more information on HydroChem Services,
High Fever -45
°C Risk Assessments & System Efficiency Measures:
Headaches Contact us
Muscle Aches Who’s most at risk?
01429 860 836
Coughs Smokers
Elderly info@hydrochemgroup.co.uk
Diarrhea Asthma Sufferers
Suppressed immune
www.hydrochemgroup.co.uk
Sufferers