Choosing a Legionella Risk Assessment Service Provider

With more than 32,000 people infected with Legionnaires Disease within a 10-year span and 600 outbreaks as ascertained by the European Working Group for Legionella Infections, it isn’t surprising that the bacteria is a major concern among the UK government. In fact, Legionella Risk Assessment is now a requirement for many companies to ensure that their environment remains safe for workers.

What is Legionnaires Disease?

The Legionnaires Disease is caused by the bacteria legionella and produces pneumonia-like symptoms. The condition is prevalent and monitored in the UK, although it is also found (but often misdiagnosed) in other countries. Treatable through intake of antibiotics, the fatality rate can still be as high as 30%, especially if the treatment is administered late. It usually takes at least one week to make a full recovery after suffering from this condition.

Where Does It Come From?

Legionella is commonly found in the water or it can also be airborne. Fortunately, it doesn’t spread from one person to another, therefore minimizing the risks. Still, outbreaks aren’t unheard of, especially in a controlled environment with a common source of water such as hotels and large-scale companies. Drinking or even just inhaling the mist of the infected water can lead to the symptoms including chills, cough, high fever, and body pain. In the work setting, an outbreak of legionella can effectively freeze operations.

Choosing Your Legionella Risk Assessment Provider

Despite the ease of its treatment, legionella is best prevented rather than cured. Fortunately, there are companies that currently offer risk assessment services. Through their help, companies will be able to meet the legal requirements set by the UK as well as protect their workforce from possible outbreaks.

When choosing a company, make sure to consider the following factors:

• Find one with a large operation, preferably covering all of the UK. This will make it easier for them to make assessments in your location, regardless of where it is specifically.

• Find one that adheres with ACOP L8. This is the set of approved practices by the Health and Safety Executives.

• Aside from ACOP L8, the company should also follow the ISO9001 regulations.

• Opt for a company that offers complete services from water to air hygiene. They should be able to handle water treatment of steam boilers, cooling towers, chlorine use, water softening and more. Doing so would help you get cheaper rates when requiring a service.

With the right safety measures in place and a thorough risk assessment, preventing a legionella outbreak is perfectly possible. Although some companies may see this as additional expense, the assessment is well worth the cost of keeping business operations moving.

The author is a best expertise in developing business.