The Facts
Legionnaires' disease is an opportunistic infection caused primarily by the inhalation of Legionella bacteria in the form of a mist (aerosol), as produced by contaminated showers, cooling towers, whirlpool spas, and other water systems. Because Legionella bacteria lives in most natural water sources and in mains water and bore hole supplies, they readily enter, and subsequently colonise, the water systems of buildings. They can multiply rapidly in water at temperatures between 20°C - 45°C.As the temperature rises above 60°C the majority of legionella will be killed within 5 minutes. Below 20°C it remains dormant. Maintaining water temperature above 50°C and below 20°C is therefore the main method of controlling legionella in domestic water systems as recommended by the Department of Health, and the UK Health and Safety Commission.
CAUTION: Hot water temperatures that do not cause scalding are ideal for the legionella bacteria to grow in water system....but hot water temperatures that kill legionella bacteria will cause scalding.
The Guidance The UK Health & Safety Executive - approved code of practice & guidance for the control of Legionella bacteria in water systems - L8 - Please see the link to the Health & Safety Executive site, under 'More Information'. Additionally, for more help or advice, please contact either our in-house or field based teams. |
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