28 Apr 2009 - Legionella - Managing the Risk

 

Training is an essential part of a company’s legionella control policy.

 

In 2001 the Health and Safety Commission and Executive published Approved Code of Practice L8, entitled ‘Legionnaires’ Disease - The control of legionella bacteria in water systems’.

 

The Approved Code of Practice has a special legal status. If a company is prosecuted for breach of health and safety law with regards to controlling the bacteria that causes 'Legionnaires ’ disease and it is proved that the company did not follow the relevant provisions of the Code, a court will find the company at fault.

 

Approved Code of Practice L8 places particular importance on the training of personnel at all levels within a company. The need for training is explained in paragraph 43 of the Approved Code of Practice, which states –

 

Inadequate management, lack of training and poor communication have all been identified as contributory factors in outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease. It is therefore important that those people involved in applying precautions are competent, trained and aware of their responsibilities’. 

 

Legionella – Managing the Risk is a one day course aimed at all those appointed to control the legionella bacteria in all water systems.

 

The course explains the responsibilities of all personnel involved in legionella control from the Duty Holder and directors to the Responsible Person and nominated deputies to operators and appointed contractors.

           

Legionella – Managing the Risk covers the control of legionella in cooling tower systems, hot and cold water systems, process water systems, emergency systems, fire systems and in any system where water is likely to exceed 20⁰C and a spray or aerosol may be generated during operation or when being maintained.

 

Legionella – Managing the Risk is designed to look at legionella control from a practical point of view rather than talking about a mysterious bug. The course introduces:

1. The microbiology of legionella; what it is, how it multiplies, what conditions it requires to grow and how it develops within our bodies and causes Legionnaires’ disease.
   
   
2. The history of legionella Legionnaires' disease.
   
   
3. Approved Code of Practice L8 and the legal responsibilities of all parties appointed to control legionella.
   
   
4. Risk assessment and precautionary measures.
   
   
5. The safe operation and monitoring of cooling towers an evaporative condensers.
   
   
6. The safe operation and monitoring of hot and cold water systems.
   
   
7. The safe operation and monitoring of process, fire, emergency systems and other systems

 

Course handouts and course certificates are provided on the day.

The course is run by our Training Manager who is a BSc. Honours degree Microbiologist with City and Guilds qualifications.