insideKENT Magazine Issue 54 - September 2016 | Page 150
BUSINESS
Legionella might be closer
than you think
Legionnaires’ disease… no doubt you will have heard of it. And perhaps you think it is something
that is only related to large industrial buildings or big hotel complexes. Well, that’s not entirely the
case. The truth is, the media typically report on the stories linked to well-known brands, leaving
many other cases without a mention. And this gives people the wrong impression of just how far
this problem can spread, and what they can – and should – be doing about it.
The main issues when it comes to legionella
outbreaks are: lack of risk assessments, no action
on specialist advice given, inadequate training
and resources, poor lines of communication and
unclear responsibilities.
Dean at Legionella First has been a specialist in
legionella control for over 10 years. We asked
him what his main concern was in educating the
public about Legionnaires’ disease and legionella
bacteria within water system.
“I read all the news and updated guidance on
the bacteria and the disease, and what worries
me the most is that most of these outbreaks
could have been prevented by one break in the
chain of events leading up to it. Legionnaires’
disease can destroy brands and companies, but
most important of all it destroys lives. People
who are infected and subsequently survive will
normally have lifelong health problems related to
the infection.
with needless info – we want you to use the
document and not leave it on a shelf! As the
person responsible for water in your building you
need to make sure that the risk is assessed and
is required for a large skyscraper down to a onebedroom rented flat.
“At Legionella First we have a very experienced
team and have worked with hotels, care homes,
schools, hospitals, leisure centres, dentists,
private landlords and lettings agents to name a
few. The most important building block in any
legionella control plan is the risk assessment;
this will tell you what needs to be done and give
you guidance on how to go about it. Our
assessments are to the point and not beefed up
“We are offering insideKENT readers a free
consultation health check of your building to see
if you are compliant with current guidance. Please
mention insideKENT when contacting us.”
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Legionella First
01474 391471
[email protected]
www.legionellafirst.co.uk