Checking for Legionella

Legionella screening and water analysis is the procedure of taking a water sample, in a sterilised bottle (with sodium thiosulphate) for a real reading, prior to sending out the water sample onto our UKAS certified laboratory for quick analysis and quick results. It is crucial to bear in mind that for accurate results, the water samples should be taken at the right points within the water system and you require to understand where to take those Legionella samples from. The purpose of screening water samples is to reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease which is a result of the Legionella germs growing in the water system and can be deadly so need to be taken seriously.
When to evaluate for Legionella

According to the HSE guidelines “water samples need to be analysed for Legionella periodically to show that germs counts are appropriate.” It is very important for you to referred to as well that Legionella testing is not a replacement for a complete threat assessment and ought to be used in conjunction with a danger evaluation and other legionella control measures to alleviate the risks of infection in your water system. The HSE likewise specifies within the HSG274 pt2 legionella screening “must be performed where there is doubt about the efficacy of the control program or it is known that recommended temperature levels, disinfectant concentrations or other safety measures are not being regularly attained throughout the system.” A full danger evaluation would also sign up if there is a need for water samples to be taken.
In both cold and hot water systems, samples must be taken:

If considered necessary by the water risk assessment sheffield;
from locations where the target control specifications are not fulfilled (i.e. where disinfectant levels are low or where temperatures are below 50 ° C (55 ° C in health care properties) for HWS or go beyond 20 ° C for cold water systems);.
from areas subject to low usage, stagnancy, excess storage capacity, dead legs, extreme heat loss, cross-flow from water supply or other anomalies.

In cold water systems, samples must likewise be taken as needed:.

from the point of entry (or nearby outlet) if the water is provided from a personal water supply or where the temperature of the inbound mains supply is above 20 ° C from the cold water tank or tanks;.
from the furthest and nearest outlet on each branch of the system (far and near sentinel outlets).

In hot water systems, samples need to be taken as required:.

from the calorifier warm water outlet and from the base of the calorifier, if it is safe to do so, as some systems are under significant pressure;.
from the furthest and nearby outlet on each branch of a single pipe system (far and near sentinel outlets);.
from the outermost and nearby outlet on each loop of a circulating system (far and near sentinel outlets).

Legionnaires’ Illness.

Legionella germs can be found in natural environments including ponds, rivers and lakes. The bacteria can also be provided in percentages within the mains water supply. Where there is water and the conditions of producing water beads (aerosols), individuals using or within the location of these services might be at risk. It is this germs found in the supply of water which is the cause of Legionnaires’ illness.

Legionella bacteria can likewise trigger other, less hazardous disease such as Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever, which can affect all individuals. The main route of infection is through inhalation, by breathing in airborne water beads that contain Legionella. The majority of cases or outbreaks of the disease have actually been through domestic water services, evaporative cooling towers, and health club pools.

Conditions and contributing factors to its growth consist of:.

Temperatures between 20-45 ° C.
Available nutrients (including sediment, biofilm, algae, scale, rust, product, and so on).
Presence of biofilm on surfaces of water.
Poor or inadequate management including training and awareness.

Water Systems.

Routine water tasting is the most reliable method to figure out water quality and test for the existence of legionella germs in your water supply. Without testing the water, you are unable to identify water quality and therefore you are unable to determine whether your water management and legionella control is enough. With regular legionella testing, you have the ability to show that your water management and legionella control procedures are ideal and the water in your water system is fit for purpose.

All our water samples are evaluated in UKAS certified labs as standard and we have the ability to carry out tests on a wide variety of microbiological samples and chemical testing services. Below are simply some of the water supply that we can check for Legionella:.

Consuming water (consisting of water dispensers and coffee devices).
Cold and hot water supply.
Coldwater storage tanks.
Warm water cylinders.
Water heaters.
Oral units.
Swimming swimming pools.
Spa baths.
Cooling towers.
Eye showers.
Eyewash units.
Water fountains.
Vending devices.
Closed water supply.