There have been reports of a number of Legionella outbreaks recently across the world which once again show how this deadly bacteria can infiltrate a wide variety of water systems.  The cases illustrate how different organisations – from small independent hotels to large manufacturing facilities – have to deal with the problem of Legionella.

News of the latest outbreaks highlight the importance of water hygiene for the well-being of employees and the reputation of organisations more generally. Companies should act fast to put in place water management processes and prevent the kind of scenarios we see below.

United Kingdom

Here in the UK, a factory in Tyneside is facing a new health investigation after a sixth worker was confirmed to have contracted Legionnaires’ disease.

Faltec Europe, a company which has a workforce of nearly 500 people and makes components for the car industry, was previously forced to shut down four cooling towers in June by the Health and Safety Executive after significant levels of the bacteria were found on site.  Four workers and a nearby resident contracted the disease.

There have also been reports that a manufacturing facility in Lincoln has tested positive for Legionella. Bifrangi, which makes crankshafts for car and agricultural and parts for cutting gear used in mining, said that shower heads, hoses and the water feed had been disinfected with chlorine and the system flushed following the discovery during regular Legionella checks at the end of November.

United States

Four rooms at the Hannibal hotel in Hannibal, Missouri tested positive for Legionella bacteria in November.  The hotel was temporarily closed after health officials found evidence of the outbreak.

In another case in Minneapolis tests detected Legionella in the water at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Medical Center. Officials said the bacteria was found in water samples taken at five different locations at the V-A.

New Zealand

Legionella bacteria was found in water cooling towers at a milk processing plant in Pahiatua. The company, Fonterra, said that two contract workers and one Fonterra staff member were admitted to hospital having contracted legionella. The plant processes some 3.8 million litres of milk at the facility every day.

Minimising the risk of Legionella outbreaks

We advise employers or people in charge of premises to carry out a regular Legionella risk assessment in order to identify any risk areas that they may have and minimise any Legionella outbreaks. All those in charge of premises can be held liable for not undergoing a Legionella risk assessment.

Brodex are here to help you protect and manage your water system from potential risks such as Legionella. For futher information on our services, go to: http://www.brodexuk.com/services/