Legionnaires disease

A legionnaires disease risk assessment is carried our annually. Occupants should read the following information.

What is legionnaires disease? #

Domestic hot and cold-water systems can provide an environment where legionella bacteria grows. This can cause legionnaires’ disease; a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water.

Preventing legionnaires #

It is important to ensure that:

• hot water in the system remains hot
• cold water is kept cold
• water is kept circulating
• you do NOT interfere with boiler settings. It will be set to heat water to 60°C.

Contact us immediately in any of the following circumstances:

• The cold water still runs warm after flushing any accumulated in the pipes. It should not be above 20°C.
• The water is discoloured or contains debris.
• There is a fault with the boiler or hot water tank. Hot water should have a temperature of 50°C after running for one minute.
• Clean descale and disinfect shower heads at least every three months.
• If showers are only used occasionally, flush them through for at least two minutes every week. Keep away from the shower while this is done.

Vacant properties #

When the property has been vacant for more than a few days, flush the hot and cold-water systems by running all outlets for at least 2 minutes.

The property owner is legally responsible for taking precautions, but occupants must take steps to avoid legionella bacteria.