FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Legionella Management Audits – Do You Comply?

August 6th, 2008

Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

Are you sure your water management system is effective, safe and legally compliant?

Under health and safety law, you have to consider potential risks from legionella that may affect employees or members of the general public. You must take appropriate precautions, such as preparing a scheme for legionella prevention, keeping records and monitoring that work carried out has been effective.

Are you happy that your organisation’s existing policy on legionella risk management and control meets current Health and Safety guidelines?

Risk assessment is the responsibility of the employer or person in control of the premises. If this cannot be carried out in house, help can be sought from external consultancies.

Does this issue really affect my organisation?       

Health Protection Agency (HPA) statistics showed a dramatic rise in the number of reported outbreaks of legionella in England and Wales, increasing from 180 cases in 2000 to 551 in 2006. Only recently, the bacteria which causes Legionnaires’ disease has been found in Coleraine Leisure Centre’s water system and at the Defra offices in Devon during a routine national testing programme.

What are the risks to me as a public sector manager?

The number of deaths caused by Legionnaire’s Disease from 2000-2006 has almost doubled. Serious examples of the disease, such as the Barrow-in-Furness incident where 180 people were infected and seven people died, as well the prosecutions that followed the incident, illustrate the importance of public sector managers being aware of the their responsibilities.

How can I find out more about this issue?

Sentinel Water provides a professional, impartial, consultancy service, exclusively dealing with the management and control of legionella bacteria. They offer Independent Legionella Water Management Audits and will review your current Water Management Programme against best practice and current legislation. For further information telephone 01708 552122, email enquiries@sentinelwater.co.uk or visit their website at www.sentinelwater.co.uk.

Contact:

Buyers Guide
0191 265 6388
0191 265 3388
info@buyersguide.co.uk
www.buyersguide.co.uk

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