What is Legionella?

Legionella is a serious health risk that affects all kinds of people, particularly sick patients. It falls to employers to ensure their GP surgeries and pharmacies don’t encourage the pathogen to grow in their water supplies.

Without proper supervision, you could end up inflicting life-threatening illnesses on anyone who encounters the legionella virus. Employers could then end up facing unlimited fines, business closure, and imprisonment.

Peninsula offers expert advice on how to manage the risks of legionella. We also offer 24-hour H&S advice – helping you eliminate dangerous pathogens found in your GP practice. Call us on 0800 028 2420 to book a free consultation with our Health and Safety consultants today.

Now, let’s take a look at what legionella is, where it’s found, and what the laws are around protecting vulnerable people from such dangerous pathogens.

What is Legionella?

Legionella is a type of bacteria that causes fatal forms of pneumonia. The pathogen is linked to all kinds of respiratory illnesses; the biggest one, Legionnaires’ Disease.

Legionella bacteria is originally found in natural environments like ponds, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. However, the conditions are rarely aligned enough for people to contract it. Instead, it’s found in poorly managed water supplies like:

• Water systems.
• Cooling towers.
• Evaporative condensers and humidifiers.
• Hot and cold-water systems.
• Spa pools, hot tubes, and saunas.
• Indoor ornament fountains.

If your GP surgery or pharmacy owns water sources like these, you must ensure they’re safe to use. Without proper GP health and safety procedures, you could end up putting your patients’ lives at risk of contracting this deadly pathogen.

How is legionella contracted?

When people encounter legionella disease, it’s usually done through inhalation. They’ll breathe in small droplets of water that contain the lethal pathogen.

Whilst the risk of contracting legionella through natural habitats is low, the case is quite the opposite for man-made water sources. There are many reasons for what causes legionella. For example:

• The temperature in some or all parts of a water system is between 20-45°C (which encourages bacteria growth).
• Breathable water droplets are made and dispersed through devices, like cooling towers or water outlets.
• Devices have storage areas where water is saved and re-circulated.
• Bacterial cultures grow certain types of nutrients (like in rust, sludge, or organic matter).

Who does legionella affect?

Symptoms of legionella can affect anyone; however, there are certain patients who are more susceptible to dangerous viruses, like Legionnaires’ disease. For example, patients who:

·         Are over 45 years old.

·         Smoke and drink alcohol heavily.

·         Receive certain medical treatment (like chemotherapy or organ transplants).

·         Have heart conditions or respiratory issues.

·         Have a weak or suppressed immune system.

Signs of legionella include coughs, shortness of breath, chest pains, and feverish temperatures. Despite flu-like symptoms, legionella is not contagious. Vulnerable people, particularly those with respiratory problems, can suffer from long-term health issues or even fatalities.

What is the law on managing legionella?

In the UK, employers are legally obliged to minimise any health and safety risks that could potentially harm people within their premises – including legionella prevention.

GP practices and pharmacies must comply with all relevant legislation, including regulations outlined by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Let’s look at all forms of legionella regulation:

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA)

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA), employers must ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all their staff through reasonable measures and safe working practices within your GP premises.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), employers must ensure any harmful materials found on their premises are managed properly. This includes toxic pathogens, like legionella, which has the potential to cause serious to fatal infection.

The Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice (ACOP)

Under the Approved Code of Practice and Technical Guidance (L8), employers are expected to follow advice on legionella testing kits to help ensure all water systems within their GP practices are safe to use.

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)

Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR), employers must report any legionella illness connected to their GP surgery or pharmacy. This includes anyone who’s worked on water systems that have been contaminated by legionella bacterium.

How to prevent legionella in water systems

From risk assessments to replacing equipment, there are numerous ways to help prevent deadly legionella pathogens. The main methods include temperature control, cleaning maintenance, and proper plumbing.

Water systems within GP surgeries or pharmacies should meet the following standards:

• Cold water must be stored below 20°C.
• Cold water must be distributed below 20°C.
• Hot-water storage cylinders should store water at 60°C or higher.
• Hot water must be distributed at 50°C or higher.

 Water systems must be reviewed regularly, and only by a competent person with the right training and qualifications. They’ll inspect, clean, and maintain them in accordance with legionella risk assessments.

 Legionella is often found in areas with stagnant water, like unused outlets (showers, taps, and toilets). These should be cleaned weekly and descaled quarterly. Water storage tanks should also be checked for signs of debris and corrosion.

Plumbing is another area where legionella is often found. Employers must ensure their water pipes:

•   Are as short and direct as possible.
•  Are protected from contamination (like with tank lids or insect screens).
• Have adequate insulation.
• Use material that doesn’t encourage legionella growth.

Employers must check distribution temperatures on sentinel outlets regularly. This includes those closest and furthest away from water tanks or cylinders. Hot-water cylinders are checked monthly; and cold-water cylinders are checked every six months.

Get expert advice on managing legionella with Peninsula

Poor temperature controls, dead-leg pipes, and unused water fixtures – any of these can host traces of legionella. That’s why it’s important for employers to eliminate the deadly bacteria within their GP surgeries and pharmacies.

Peninsula provides expert advice on managing legionella. We offer 24-hour H&S advice – ensuring your business premises are free from lethal pathogens and viruses.

Want to find out more? Contact us on 0800 028 2420 and book a free consultation with one of our Health and Safety consultants today.