Legionella

Description

Information about Legionella from the Health and Safety Executive explains that:

“Legionellosis is a collective term for diseases caused by Legionella bacteria including the most serious Legionnaires’ disease, as well as the similar but less serious conditions of Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever. Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and everyone is susceptible to infection. The risk increases with age but some people are at higher risk including:

• People over 45 years of age.
• Smokers and heavy drinkers.
• People suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease.
• Diabetes, lung and heart disease.
• Anyone with an impaired immune system.

The bacterium Legionella pneumophila and related bacteria are common in natural water sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, but usually in low numbers. They may also be found in purpose-built water systems such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers, hot and cold water systems and spa pools.”

The Legionella Online Training course defines what Legionella is and how it can affect human health. Symptoms of Legionnaires Disease are described and information on when to seek medical help is given. The course identifies the conditions that encourage the growth of the Legionella bacteria.  It also explains the need for an effective water management system.

Users will learn what responsibilities employers have in safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of both employees and the general public.  Employees also have a duty to co-operate with their employers. The course highlights the importance of regular risk assessments to identify and then, manage any risks.

The course explains RIDDOR.  RIDDOR is the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations.  The regulation specifies that you must report an occupational disease. In the case of Legionnaires’ Disease, this must be done if an employee has been diagnosed by a doctor and works on an air conditioning or hot water system, that may be contaminated.

The course explains that the duty-holder can appoint competent people (from within the organisation or from outside) to help identify risks and control measures.

Main sections in this Legionella online training:

• Overview
• History
• Water Systems
• Hot and Cold Water
• Evaporation and Other
• Final Test