Legionnaire’s disease has become a matter of concern for many especially due to the recent outbreaks which could have been prevented from happening. There are several ways of reducing the risks associated with Legionella and the experts in the control and management and prevention of Legionella have come up with helpful tips that can prevent the risk of the disease. Here’s a Look: Temperature control This is believed to be one of the most important and effective tips for controlling Legionella growth along with meeting your daily legal duty under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. Below mentioned is an overview of the temperatures water should be stored and distributed at:
Keep away from stagnant water Stagnant water makes for a perfect breeding location for Legionella growth. Keeping this in mind, it is important to remove the dead ends in your pipework i.e. the lengths of pipe work which previously fed an outlet but are now of no use, along with flushing outlets which are no longer in use on a regular basis. This includes showerheads and taps as well. Cleaning and maintenance For taking preventive measures against Legionella, it is important to develop a clear plan of action to make sure that you do everything possible to prevent Legionella growth. One of the essential parts of this is cleaning and maintenance. It is a must to flush out the infrequently used outlets at least once a week. You must also clean the cold water tanks from time to time and drain the hot water cylinders. The signs of corrosion and debris must also be checked. Test for Legionella It is said that even a single species of Legionella bacteria can cause the disease. The Legionella Pneumophila is the main cause of legionnaire’s disease. It is responsible for almost all the outbreaks of the disease. The veteran administration healthcare facilities are required to test for Legionella every quarter. WHO advisors also advise testing for Legionella Pneumophila. Make sure the results are accurate Routine testing for Legionella Pneumophila is the best way to make sure that the water management plan is effective. Apart from identifying the presence of Pneumophila in your system, you will need consistent information about exact quantity and locations of the bacteria so that you can respond accordingly. Choose a laboratory accredited for Legionella testing It is recommended to use a laboratory that has proficiency in the subject method which is reflected by the certification by a national, regional, or local Government agency. This will make sure that the tests performed at the highest level of quality. Thus, following these preventive measures by Sydney health legionella will help in fighting the disease even before its breakout.
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