Legionella Awareness
Legionnaires' disease is the most serious of a group of diseases caused by types of bacteria (Legionella pneumophila) and is contracted by the inhalation of contaminated water droplets normally in the form of an aerosol which contains the bacteria.
The result of exposure can lead to lung infection with flu-like symptoms that can in certain high risk groups lead to serious health implications which can be fatal.
All premises where water is stored or distributed are at risk of Legionella exposure and this is why employers, landlords and dutyholders have a responsibility to assess the risk from water and where appropriate put adequate controls in place as part of their compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
