Legionella control
Legionella is common in most natural water sources. However, the warmer environment generally found in water systems in buildings encourages the pathogen to spread rapidly, becoming a serious health risk with potentially fatal consequences. For this reason UK law, in common with many other jurisdictions, requires every employer, landlord and building manager without exception to take steps to monitor and control legionella on all premises where employees and members of the public are present. The penalties for noncompliance with current HSE and other national guidelines for Legionella control may include heavy fines and/or imprisonment, and there is the risk of potential damage to the hard-won reputation of any commercial organisation or public body. There have been many well publicised cases of prosecution in recent years, and with the threat of infection to staff and members of the public, risk of prosecution is very real. Furthermore, the introduction in the UK of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 has serious implications for directors who fail to comply with the guidelines.
The risks of non-compliance are particularly acute in health-care, hospitality and education.
Best practice
The HSE guidelines for legionella control in the UK is known as the Accepted Code of Practice L8. The current ACOP L8 was introduced in January 2001, and since then knowledge of the risks associated with the pathogen has improved. The American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) are taking the lead in revising guidelines, as foreshadowed by Dr Janet Stout in her ASHRAE journal article in October 2007. Our US distributor, Enrich Corporation, works closely with Dr Stout, ensuring that Tarn-Pure is fully involved with the latest research and developments in legionella control.
We welcome the increasing recognition that copper-silver ionisation is consistent with best practice, and we will continue to develop Tarn-Pure technology for the benefit of our customers.
Regular monitoring and maintenance
HSE’s ACOP L8, in common with other national guidelines, requires all employers to ensure the safety of their water systems. This responsibility is a commitment to ensuring that all water systems are continuously compliant with the guidelines. Tarn-Pure or our distributors will either locally train building maintenance personnel in our simple routine procedures, or offer training courses at our offices in the UK. Alternatively Tarn-Pure or its distributors can carry out regular monitoring and auditing of your water systems for you.
