THE PROBLEM: Legionella bacteria in high-risk water systems: Legionella bacteria can be found in a variety of purpose-built water systems. If conditions are favourable, the bacteria may grow, increasing the risks of Legionnaires’ disease - a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria penetrating the alveoli in the lungs. It is contracted by inhaling airborne water droplets containing viable Legionella bacteria. Conditions that can increase bacteria growth include:
• Water stagnation.
• Water temperatures between 20 degrees C and 45 degrees C.
• A source of nutrients such as algae and other bacteria.
HIGH RISK WATER SYSTEMS: Outbreaks of Legionnaires` disease occur from exposure to Legionella in systems where water is maintained at temperatures high enough to encourage growth. These include: cooling towers, evaporative condensers, air-conditioning systems, and hot and cold water systems - such as showers.
THE SOLUTION: The primary methods used to control the risk from Legionella are:
• Minimise the amount of water stagnation.
• Minimise the occurrence of water temperatures between 20 degrees C and 45 degrees C.
• Minimise the source of nutrients.
FOR HIGH RISK WATER SYSTEMS: Controlling the risk from Legionella bacteria can be achieved by the use of suitable water system treatments, such as SCALE DOWN and LEGIONNAIRE. Both SCALE DOWN and LEGIONNAIRE are compatible with the approved code of practice (Legionnaires` Disease - The control of legionella bacteria in water systems - L8) produced by the Health & Safety Executive in 2000.
Use SCALE DOWN to remove any limescale or sediment build-up. SCALE DOWN is a cold application descaling treatment, used to remove limescale and sediment buildup in hot and cold water systems - such as showers, showerheads and air-conditioning systems. Keeping a water system free from limescale or sediment buildup will remove potential habitats for water stagnation and bacteria growth.
Use LEGIONNAIRE to neutralise any acidic residue and kill any remaining bacteria. LEGIONNAIRE is a bactericidal sanitising treatment. It should used in conjunction with SCALE DOWN. Once all limescale and sediment deposits have been removed using SCALE DOWN - LEGIONNAIRE should be used to clean down all hard surfaces. This will neutralise any acidic residue and kill any lingering bacteria activity.