COVID-19 and Health and Safety – Preventing Legionnaire’s disease when re-opening
As talks surrounding easing of lockdown restrictions continue, we are busy making sure that businesses are ready to re-open safely.
There is potential for multiple outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease following the COVID-19 outbreak if actions taken are not carefully considered. The Legionella Control Association have released some excellent guidance which should be considered when making decisions on how to control legionella during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Guidance makes clear that duty holders responsible for hot and cold water systems in buildings that are empty or only partially in use must address the issue of stagnation. The guidance details what needs to happen during these times.
As business start to re-open, water systems must not simply be put straight back into use. A re–commissioning plan is essential to allow safe start-up and any plan for recommissioning buildings must take into account the safety of the operatives carrying out the work. The hazard present within water systems in this situation would be greater than normally expected and reasonably practicable measures such as limiting aerosol, minimising exposure and use of RPE (respiratory protective equipment) should be considered.
The complete list of principles is available on the LCA website via this link and are well worth a read https://www.legionellacontrol.org.uk/news/90/
Please contact us on 01442 877322 if we can help further.
Any guidance given in our articles is not official and Safer Food Scores can take no responsibility if the information is used to form part of any legal or regulatory compliance for your business. However, please do get in touch if you are interested in our support services and would like to benefit from official guidance relating to your particular circumstances, email [javascript protected email address]
