Legionella has become an increasing concern for those who manage large buildings and facilities like hotels, hospitals, schools, commercial and residential buildings. Properly maintaining and continuously reviewing a building’s water systems is the key to keeping Legionella and Legionnaires’ disease at bay. If you would like your facility inspected and tested for possible Legionella contamination, Absolute Resource Associates can help.
A Legionella risk assessment investigation begins with assessing the entire location, identifying any potential places for Legionella to grow and thrive, such as cooling towers, sinks, faucets, water heaters, fountains and hot tubs. Once the various sources are identified, ARA will collect (swab and bulk water) lab samples from each area, and have the samples tested for Legionella growth. If lab results are positive for Legionella, those areas will need to be remediated.
Legionella Treatment and Remediation
Remediation options for Legionella contamination will vary from case to case, and some examples include: treating with a Chlorine or Bromine based solution, heating the water within the system to at least 158° F for at least 24 hours; and/or replacing the plumbing hardware in question. Once fully remediated, the areas should be re-tested before the building/facility can be given a clearance report.
Develop a Legionella Water Management Program
Developing and maintaining a legionella management program is a multi-step process that requires continuous review. Every building is different (depending on factors such as the structure, age, location, occupants of the building, or surrounding conditions) so each one needs a tailored program. A proper and thorough legionella investigation, combined with routine water testing and environmental sampling is recommended to keep your building’s water systems (and occupants) healthy. Give ARA a call to set up your customized plan today:
- Legionella risk assessment
- Legionella testing services
- Legionella inspection services
- Legionella management services
- Legionella water treatment
- Cooling Tower Inspections
- Remediation Planning
What is Legionella?
Legionella is a dangerous yet common bacterial organism that thrives in aquatic environments, and is often found in cooling towers, showers, faucets, hot tubs, water heaters, etc. The term was coined after an outbreak of illness at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia in 1976 in which 182 people became very seriously ill, and 29 of them died. Inhalation of the bacteria that belong to the family Legionellaceae can cause a form of pneumonia, now called Legionnaires’ disease, and although treatable, still maintains a mortality rate of 1 in 10.
Legionnaires’ Disease:
- Contracted by inhaling contaminated mist.
- Does not usually spread from one person to another.
- Legionnaires’ Disease does not have a vaccine.
- Legionnaires’ Disease is treatable with antibiotic, however…. 1 out of 10 cases are fatal.
- Flu-Like Symptoms start 2-10 days after exposure (cough, shortness of breath, fever, head & muscle aches)
- Populations at Increased Risk for Legionnaires’:
– 50 years old or older
– Current and former smokers
– Those with COPD, emphysema, etc.
– Immunocompromised individuals
For More Information about Legionella & Legionnaires’ Disease:
CDC Legionella fact sheet:
https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/downloads/fs-legionnaires.pdf