Legionella awareness in the Borough

As part of the |European Safety and Health campaign, the Council's Food and Safety team is raising awareness of the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria and the control measures necessary to reduce these risks in premises across the borough.

The dangers of legionella are most often associated with poorly maintained evaporative condensers, also known as cooling towers, in large premises such as factories, leisure centres and hospitals. There is a requirement for |cooling towers to be registered with their Local Authority - currently there are several premises registered within Elmbridge Borough Council.

However, the risks are not restricted to cooling towers; legionella can be found in hot and cold water systems in hostels, residential care homes and hospitals, spa baths, Jacuzzis and hydrotherapy pools. However, if the appropriate control measures are put into place, the risks can be significantly reduced.

During the European Safety and Health campaign, council officers visited and advised residential care homes, health clubs and other relevant businesses in the borough on effective ways to reduce the risk of legionella exposure in their premises and to remind businesses that they have a legal duty to do so. Follow up visits are carried out to check compliance with legal requirements and to asses the risk of exposure and to ensure appropriate steps have been taken to prevent or control this risk.

Further Information:

• |Legionella information sheet