Legionella Safety

What is Legionnaires’ disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.

• Not everyone exposed to Legionella bacteria becomes ill.
• The symptoms are like the flu.
• You can’t catch it from other people.
• It can kill.

You can do some simple things to prevent Legionnaires' disease.

What do we do

How do people get Legionnaires disease?

You can get it by breathing in tiny droplets of water with the bacteria in it.

The risk is increased if:

• The water temperature in the system is 20-45 degrees celsius.
• Breathable water droplets can be created in the air e.g. shower spray.
• Water is stored and/or re-used.
• There are deposits that help bacteria grow, like rust sludge and scale.

You don’t usually get it from drinking water.

The risk of Legionnaires disease in your home is low.

Who is most at risk?

Anybody can get it, but older people and those with lung conditions are most at risk.

How to prevent Legionnaires' disease

• If you have been away or your water has not been used for a while, run showers and taps for 5 minutes.
• When you flush the shower, try not to make any spray. Take off the shower head or catch the water in a plastic bag and get rid of it carefully.
• Keep all shower heads and taps clean from scale.
• Make sure all taps and water outlets are run weekly.
• Flush toilets with the lid down if they haven’t been used for a while.
• Drain hose pipes after use and keep out of direct sunlight. Run for a couple of minutes before filling paddling pools etc.
• Keep hot water in your system at a temperature of 60 degrees celsius or more (for example in combi boilers). This will kill bacteria.

How to clean limescale from taps

• Soak cotton wool or cloth in either white vinegar or lemon juice
• Wrap the cotton wool or cloth around your taps
• Secure it in place with an elastic band and leave for a couple of hours or overnight

Increasing the water temperature is one way to control Legionella growth. But it could increase the risk of burns. Please take care , especially if you have young children.

If you have any questions about Legionnaires’ disease or need any advice, contact us.

myhome@thanet.gov.uk

Or call 01843 577262