The Dangers of Legionella in Commercial Properties

Legionella is a dangerous bacterium that thrives in water systems, posing serious health risks to occupants of commercial properties. Poorly managed water systems can become breeding grounds for Legionella, leading to outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia. In this blog, we will discuss the dangers of Legionella in commercial water systems, how to identify risks, and the importance of effective Legionella control.



What is Legionella?

Legionella is a type of bacteria commonly found in freshwater environments like rivers and lakes. However, in man-made water systems, such as cooling towers, hot and cold water systems, and storage tanks, the bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels.

When Legionella-contaminated water is aerosolised and inhaled, it can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal respiratory infection. This makes Legionella a significant health hazard in commercial properties with large-scale water systems.

Why Are Commercial Properties at Risk?

Commercial properties, particularly those with extensive water systems, are at higher risk for Legionella outbreaks. Hotels, hospitals, office buildings, and industrial facilities all have complex water systems that create ideal conditions for Legionella growth. Stagnant water, warm temperatures (between 20°C and 45°C), and insufficient disinfectant levels contribute to bacterial proliferation.

Certain areas within commercial properties are particularly vulnerable to Legionella growth. Cooling towers and air conditioning systems, where water is recirculated, provide an ideal environment for the bacteria to thrive. Hot water systems that maintain temperatures within the Legionella growth range are also at risk. Additionally, shower heads and taps can release aerosolised water droplets, potentially spreading Legionella bacteria into the air and increasing the chances of exposure.

Health Risks of Legionella

The most serious illness caused by Legionella is Legionnaires' disease, which can result in severe pneumonia, leading to hospitalisation or death. Individuals over 50, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Outbreaks in commercial properties can lead to multiple infections, putting employees, visitors, and residents at serious risk.

Additionally, Legionella in water systems can lead to legal consequences for businesses, as health and safety regulations require property owners to manage the risks associated with Legionella. Failure to do so can result in significant fines, business disruption, and reputational damage.

How to Control Legionella in Water Systems

Effective Legionella control is essential for safeguarding commercial properties. Here are some key steps businesses should take:

Regular water risk assessments can help identify areas where Legionella bacteria could proliferate. Regular testing can detect contamination before it becomes a health risk. Maintaining water temperatures is crucial; keeping hot water above 60°C and cold water below 20°C will help prevent the growth of Legionella.

Regular cleaning and disinfection of water systems, such as cooling towers and water tanks, are critical in minimising Legionella risk. Flushing unused outlets and regularly circulating water helps to prevent stagnation, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.

Caledonian Heating & Plumbing

At Caledonian Heating & Plumbing, we specialise in Legionella control for commercial properties, recognising the dangers it poses in water systems. Based in Edinburgh, we offer thorough Legionella risk assessments, water testing, and water tank cleaning to ensure compliance and safety. Contact us today to arrange a Legionella assessment or discuss your water management needs.