What is Legionella?

Legionella is a family of bacteria that can cause a severe form of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ Disease. It is naturally found in water sources, but it can become a health hazard when it grows and spreads in large amounts. The bacteria is spread through the air when contaminated water droplets are breathed in. In this blog post, we will discuss the risks associated with Legionella, the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your employees from Legionella infections.

Legionella is a bacteria that can be found in water systems and it is often linked to the cause of a serious respiratory illness known as Legionnaires’ disease. This disease can be deadly and can be contracted by inhaling tiny droplets of contaminated water. It is therefore important to be aware of the potential dangers of Legionella and the ways in which it can be prevented.

People who are at higher risk of developing Legionnaires’ Disease include those over 50 years of age, smokers, or those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease can include cough, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, and headaches.

The good news is that Legionella can be controlled through proper maintenance of water systemssuch as hot water tanks, cooling towers, and showerheads. This includes regularly flushing and cleaning of the water systems, as well as keeping them at a temperature that prevents the growth of Legionella. It is important to take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of Legionella and Legionnaires’ Disease.

The human dangers of legionella in your water tank

Legionella bacteria can cause a severe form of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease, which can be deadly. It is spread through water droplets in the air from showers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and other sources. Inhaling these water droplets can lead to Legionnaires’ disease. The bacteria can also spread through contaminated water in tanks, pipes, and other water supply systems.

Water tanks can become contaminated if they are not properly maintained. This can happen if they are not cleaned or treated with chlorine or other disinfectants. If a water tank becomes contaminated with legionella bacteria, it can spread throughout a building’s water supply and lead to a potentially dangerous situation.

It is important for people to be aware of the potential dangers of Legionnaires’ disease and to take all necessary precautions to prevent it from occurring. This includes regularly cleaning and maintaining water tanks, pipes, and other water supply systems, and disinfecting them with chlorine or another approved disinfectant. It also includes avoiding inhaling water droplets frompublic showers, hot tubs, fountains, and other sources. By taking these precautions, people can help keep themselves safe from the dangers of legionella.

Regular testing for the presence of legionella

Legionella is a potentially deadly bacteria which can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious and potentially fatal form of pneumonia. To ensure that premises are free from the risk of legionella, it is essential to regularly test for its presence. Tests should be carried out at least twice a year in all premises where there is a risk of legionella, such as those with cooling towers, evaporative condensers, hot and cold-water systems, and spa pools. Samples should be taken from all areas of the premises, including the highest and lowest temperatures. These samples should be analysed by a competent laboratory to detect any presence of legionella.

Regular testing is essential to ensure the safety of the occupants of the premises as well as to detect any presence of the bacteria. If any tests reveal the presence of legionella, then the premises should be decontaminated, and the source of the contamination eliminated. It is important to note that most cases of Legionnaires’ disease are caused by poorly maintained water systems, so regular testing and maintenance of these systems is essential to ensure the safety of those occupying the premises.

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Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause a potentially fatal form of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease. This bacteria is found naturally in water and can grow in warm water systems such as hot tubs, cooling towers, and air conditioning systems. With the potential for such severe health risks, it is important to ensure the safety of any water system by testing for the presence of Legionella.

Albion Water Treatment is a trusted provider of Legionella testing services. Our experienced and qualified professionals can help identify any risks of Legionella contamination in your water system. Our tests can provide information to help inform necessary steps to prevent the risk of Legionnaires’ disease, such as regular maintenance and cleaning of water systems, and installation of effective filtration systems.

At Albion Water Treatment, our team of specialists have the skills and experience to provide a comprehensive Legionella testing service. We will work with you to ensure your water system is safe, and that any potential risks are identified and dealt with quickly. With our expertise and quality services, you can be sure that the safety of your water system is in good hands.

John Cantwell, Albion Water Treatment, Water Treatment UK, Steam Boilers UK, Legionella Control UK, Water Treatment Plant UK, Water Treatment Equiptment UK, Commercial Water Systems UK

John Cantwell – Managing Director.

Having completed Batchelor’s degree in Geography & Geology in 1990 then undertook a Masters Degree in Environmental Science at Brunel University London in 1995.

Joining a US firm Midland Research Laboratories headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas USA  John completed further training including work experience both in the UK and USA. Starting as a service engineer John has served an apprenticeship in the field second to none. It is this practicality and diversity in engineering excellence supplemented by further courses including boiler chemistry and cooling tower engineering that gives Albion the technical edge and know how to complete and master any challenge they face.

John augmented his understanding of the legal aspects of compliance by completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from Westminster University in 2001.

John has been an Authorising Engineer (water) for a UK NHS Trust and has many years’ experience resolving Legionella issues within healthcare estates including critical care settings.

Johns industry experience is expansive and includes petrochemical, process manufacturing, food and beverage as well as hospitality & healthcare.

Jon has strengthened and cemented this knowledge through participation and membership of the following:

 

John served for 16 years in the Reserves (Army) both in Royal Regiment of Artillery and Infantry where his specialisms included training to be a patrol medic. It is the qualities learned and ethos instilled that provides Albion with a can do approach.

Albion are proud supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Alex Devine, Albion Water Treatment, Water Treatment UK, Steam Boilers UK, Legionella Control UK, Water Treatment Plant UK, Water Treatment Equiptment UK, Commercial Water Systems UK

Alex Devine – Service Manager

Water treatment engineer with 20 years’ experience working on industrial plant and water systems including steam boilers and cooling towers.

Alex is fully conversant with steam boiler operation, Cooling towers closed system operation and chemistry.

A graphic designer by training Alex has used these core skills in his status as a qualified Legionella Risk assessor in the surveying and production of detailed system schematics. Alex holds competencies in both testing and monitoring of water systems. Alex is a member of the water management society.

Alex who hails from South Africa is proud to have served his national service in an armoured regiment of the South African Defence Forces.

Harvey Lyon, Albion Water Treatment, Water Treatment UK, Steam Boilers UK, Legionella Control UK, Water Treatment Plant UK, Water Treatment Equiptment UK, Commercial Water Systems UK

Harvey Lyon – Service Engineer

Harvey is a time served mechanical engineer and qualified Legionella risk assessor having completed many water treatment and Legionella courses over the 15 years he has served  in the water treatment industry. Harvey is a member of the Water Management Society. Harvey has a wealth of experience as a maintenance and disinfection engineer tasked with overseeing compliance in terms of current legislation to maintain safe water systems.

A former Army Infantry reservist Harvey served in the Royal Green Jackets and latterly the Rifles deploying on exercises around the world in a fascinating career spanning some 20 years.

Michaela, Albion Water Treatment, Water Treatment UK, Steam Boilers UK, Legionella Control UK, Water Treatment Plant UK, Water Treatment Equiptment UK, Commercial Water Systems UK

Michaela Blanarova – Office support and accounts

Michaela carries out our office support and account’s function. A graduate of the University of Ostrava, Czech Republic. Michaela holds a Masters degree in Maths.

Duncan Lyon, Albion Water Treatment, Water Treatment UK, Steam Boilers UK, Legionella Control UK, Water Treatment Plant UK, Water Treatment Equiptment UK, Commercial Water Systems UK

Duncan Lyon – Service Engineer South

Duncan joined Albion in 2023 with over 11 years’ experience undertaking a wide range of water treatment duties. Duncan has completed the Swimming Pools Operator course and has a wealth of knowledge in the care and treatment of these systems. He has completed many water treatment and Legionella courses in the course of his career and continues to develop his acquired skills.

Duncan is also a former Army reservist.