Legionnaires’ disease – The hidden killer in water systems

The HSE are currently advertising a free health and safety event to tackle the problem of legionnaires disease, an issue that can leave many people ill or possibly dead from an outbreak which in turn leads to substantial compensation claims, reputation impacts and possible prosecution, not to mention heartache for those affected by such an outbreak.

Check out the below exert, direct from the HSE website for details:

‘Free Health and safety event

This free event is being organised by ‘The Harrogate & District Health and Safety Forum’, a partnership between Local Businesses, HSE and Harrogate Borough Council.

Date

Wednesday 26 February 2014 – registration and exhibition from 12:30pm – 13:00pm

Location

The Pavilions
Great Yorkshire Showground,
Harrogate HG2 8NZ

Event overview

If you are an employer or someone in control of premises, you have a duty to manage legionella risks. Many water systems, including hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, spa pools, fountains and decorative water features, vehicle washers, misting devices etc., can provide the right conditions for legionella bacteria to grow and be spread, unless those systems are managed correctly.

This event is primarily aimed at small to medium sized businesses such as hotels, guest houses, caravan parks, care providers including residential and nursing homes, providers of leisure facilities, schools etc. but will be of interest to any business where there is a reasonably foreseeable legionella risk from your water systems. The event will give you a better understanding of the organism, help you to identify whether your water system is high or low risk and, where necessary, control the risk. It supports one of HSE’ s key priority areas.

Existing members and non-members welcome.