FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Surge in Legionnaire’s Cases Puts the Spotlight on Public Sector Managers

March 4th, 2008

Statistics released by the Health Protection Agency reveal a surge in the number of cases of the deadly Legionnaire’s disease in the past six years and bring into sharp focus the responsibilities of public sector managers in combating the disease on their premises.

The statistics show a dramatic rise in the number of reported cases in England and Wales, from 180 in 2000 to 552 cases in 2006. The number of deaths in that period has almost doubled and high profile cases of the disease, such as the Barrow-in-Furness incident where seven people died and a further 180 were infected, as well the resulting court case involving the council, illustrate the importance of managers taking a proactive stance in dealing with the issue.

The statistics have raised fears that the ‘L8’ Approved Code of Practice, which focuses on the control of the legionella bacteria, is not being followed and that managers remain unaware of the scope of their responsibilities, from a hygiene perspective and in relation to their insurance policies. These topics, including the lessons to be learned from the Barrow-in-Furness incident, will be discussed at a conference for professionals from the heating and ventilation industry, HEVAR 2008, which takes place on 26-27 March in Manchester.

One of the key participants at HEVAR 2008 is Swiftclean, an air and water hygiene specialist that provides a number of services to public sector organisations, including ductwork cleaning and monitoring, legionella risk assessments, water tank cleaning and refurbishment. The firm has 25 years of experience in the industry and its considerable technical expertise was demonstrated by their collaboration with industry organisations in drafting guidance documents such as the HVCA Guide to Good Practice: Internal Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems (TR/19).

Further information and guidance about these issues is available from Swiftclean by calling 01702 531221 (UK head office) / 0116 2413075 (Midlands office), by emailing info@swiftclean.co.uk, or by visiting their website at www.swiftclean.co.uk.

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