HSE Bulletin – Have you checked your water Water Safety system recently?
A simple assessment reduces the risk of legionella. Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of lung infection.
It is normally contracted by inhaling small droplets of water (aerosols), suspended in the air, containing the bacteria.
If you are an employer, or someone in control of premises, including landlords, you must understand the health risks associated with legionella and take the right precautions for Water Safety to reduce the risks of exposure to legionella.
• hot water storage cylinders (calorifiers) should store water at 60°C or higher.
• hot water should be distributed at 50°C or higher (thermostatic mixer valves need to be fitted as close as possible to outlets, where a scald risk is identified).
• cold water should be stored and distributed below 20°C.
The bacteria begins to die in temperatures above 50°C and cannot survive above 60°C.
Further advice can be found in our downloadable publication Legionnaires’ disease – The Control of Legionella bacteria in water systems.
for more HSE Bulletin, HSE’s website also offers practical advice and guidance to help you understand the risk from legionella and legionnaires’ disease.
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