Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause a serious type of pneumonia called Legionnaire’s disease. In Ireland, it is the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) that is responsible for regulating the control of Legionella and the prevention of Legionnaire’s disease.
To assess the risk of Legionella in a building or facility in Ireland, the HSA recommends following the guidance set out in the Code of Practice for the Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems, which includes the following steps:
- Identify and assess the sources of risk. This includes looking at the water systems in the building, including hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, and spa pools, and identifying any conditions that could lead to the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria.
- Implement control measures. Based on the assessment of risk, put in place appropriate control measures to prevent or control the growth of Legionella. This may include measures such as regular cleaning and disinfection of water systems, temperature control, and the use of water treatment chemicals.
- Monitor and review control measures. Regularly monitor and review the effectiveness of the control measures in place to ensure that they are working as intended and that the risk of Legionella is being adequately controlled.
If you are responsible for a building or facility in Ireland and are concerned about the risk of Legionella, it is important to follow the guidance set out by the HSA to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to control the risk and protect the health and safety of building occupants.
Please contact info@safersolutions.ie or look us up on www.safersolutiions.ie for more information.