A few days ago it emerged that G4S Cash Solutions has been fined £1.8 million for failing to protect its workers from legionnaires' disease. Harlow Council took action in October 2013, following reports that a worker had contracted the serious lung infection which causes flu-like symptoms.
Town Hall's environmental health officers were unable to prove that the Harlow worker had contracted the disease through the site. However, searches uncovered that there was a serious lack of compliance in maintaining water systems at the workplace.
Harlow Council began prosecution proceedings and G4S pled guilty to two charges under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act on June 20. At their sentencing the court judge fined the company and the company have told the court that they have taken a number of measures to improve the health and safety of their site.
The bacterial infection Legionella is one of the main risks of contamination in engineering water systems. The most severe cases are from Legionnaires disease, which can lead to Pneumonia, and other secondary infections, which could lead to death. The infection flourishes in temperatures of between 25°C and 45°C, particularly, if an abundance of nutrients such as sludge, sediment or rust in the water systems and it affects a range of structures such as air condition systems, cooling towers, hot and cold water systems and many more.
It is vitally important that an assessment should be undertaken to prevent and control the risk of a legionella outbreak. This can involve monitoring, inspecting, cleaning, disinfecting, flushing and sampling.
Label Source has supplied various labels to water system inspection companies and UKAS test laboratories to identify monitoring points, decontamination actions, safety procedures and inspection records. For further information on what custom printed labels, sign and tags we could offer you, contact us by email (sales@labelsource.co.uk) or by telephone(0800 3761693 in UK or +44 1443 842769 if you're outside the UK).
One of the main health risks from contamination in engineering water systems is the bacterial infection Legionella. This bacteria can be transmitted through water vapour or mist and inhaled, hence leading to respiratory infections. The more severe cases are from Legionnaires disease, which can lead to pneumonia , and other secondary infections, which can lead to death. The milder forms are Pontiac fever, and Lochgilhead fever.
Legionella microorganisms flourish in temperatures of between 25°C and 45°C, particularly, if an abundance of nutrients such as sludge, sediment or rust reside in the water system. Structures at risk include cooling towers, air conditioning, hot and cold water systems, humidifiers, spa pools, hot tubs and Jacuzzis, decorative water fountains, dental equipment, ice making machines and dishwashers.
It is necessary that an assessment should be undertaken to prevent or control the risks of a Legionella outbreak. This can involve monitoring, inspecting, cleaning, disinfecting, flushing and sampling.
Label Source has supplied various labels to water system inspection companies and UKAS test laboratories to identify monitoring points, decontamination actions, safety procedures and inspection records. For further information on custom printed labels, signs and tags contact us by e-mail (sales@labelsource.co.uk) or by telephone (0800 3761693 in UK or +44 1443 842769 outside UK).
