Legionella is an infectious bacterium that is responsible for causing respiratory diseases in humans, such as Pontiac fever, Lochgoilhead fever and Legionnaires’ disease. The latter is the most serious of the three and could be fatal if left untreated.

Last year, there were 496 reported/notified cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the UK (source: PHE), and failing to protect against the bacteria could mean large fines and imprisonment for duty holders.

The bacterium is widespread in nature, and in small numbers it is actually harmless. The environmental conditions of purpose-built water systems, however, allow it to multiply rapidly and it is in this instance that it becomes a danger to humans.

Legionella spreads through air-born droplets of water that contain the bacteria. Humans that are within the vicinity of these aerosols, for example during a shower, are susceptible to breathing the bacteria into their lungs and developing Legionnaires’.

The symptoms of the disease will differ depending on how long you have it. At first, they will appear mild and flu-like:

• High temperature and fever of above 39C
• Muscle pain
• Headaches
• Confusion
• Chills
• Tiredness

After a few more days and once legionella has infected the lungs, victims will suffer from symptoms of pneumonia:

• A persistent cough (accounts for 75% of cases)
• Sputum production (accounts for 45% of cases)
• Chest pains
• Shortness of breath

Those most at risk of the disease are those who are 50 years of age or over, anyone with a pre-existing health conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes, those who drink or smoke heavily and people with a weakened immune system as a result of another disease like cancer.

In some cases, severe infection can lead to further health problems, such as organ failure, septic shock, or even death.

Why should your clients care?

It is a legal requirement for duty holders and anyone responsible of premises with a man-made water system to protect against the risks of legionella bacteria. The government is cracking down on anyone who fails to abide by health and safety regulations and in February of 2016 new sentencing guidelines were released that provide courts with advice on how to prosecute those responsible. Since then, there has been a significant rise in the number and value of fines issued, with cases against directors tripling within a year, according to law firm Clyde & Co.

Not only will non-compliance lead to large fines and sentencing, but your clients could even risk imprisonment and major loss to business as a result of reputational damage. 

The best way to preotect against legionella is to undertake legionella training and carry out regular risk assessments. To understand more about this, download our guide - it's written especially for for facilities managers and anyone else in responsible positions.