Legionella Testing in South London

Legionella testing is essential for both domestic and commercial properties, as contaminated water containing this bacteria can cause a potentially fatal form of pneumonia if droplets are inhaled.

All hot and cold water systems can provide the right conditions for the legionella bacteria to grow, but some environments are more favourable, which can increase the risk of exposure. Both large and small systems can be colonised so it’s important to take steps to manage the risks effectively.

The risks in residential settings are generally low because of regular water usage and turnover, but it may be useful to have an assessment carried out in any case so you can be assured that there is indeed little to no risk. Regular reviews of these assessments can also be beneficial to ensure that nothing has changed within the system.

For smaller domestic systems, keeping hot water hot and cold water cold can ensure that the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria is minimised. Keeping the water moving reduces the chances of the bacteria multiplying.

Other control measures include flushing out of the system, preventing debris from entering, removing any unnecessary pipework and putting temperature control measures in place. Combi boiler and electric shower installation can reduce the risk even further, since no water storage is involved.

Landlords are legally required to assess and control exposure risk, although they are not required to produce or obtain a testing certificate.

Which businesses are high risk for legionella?

Some commercial properties are at higher risk of legionella because of the nature of their water systems. These include schools, hospitals and care homes, spas and saunas, swimming pools, hotels, shipping facilities and air-conditioning and cooling towers.

When should legionella testing be carried out?

It’s advisable to test for legionella bacteria if the system of controls in place is failing, for example with temperature or disinfectant concentrations.

Testing can also be beneficial if there’s a population with heightened vulnerability in close proximity, such as the residents of a care home.

If you suspect that your water system may be compromised, testing is also recommended as a course of action so you can rule out any risks.

Testing must be conducted by a competent person or persons with the relevant training and experience to identify the conditions that encourage bacterial growth.

Here at South Thames Gas, we provide comprehensive testing services for legionella, either as part of a proactive maintenance contract or as a one-off assessment. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with the team today to discuss your requirements. We provide all our clients with a free no obligation quote, so give us a call to see how we can help.

Our customer service department is open Monday to Friday between the hours of 08:00 and 17:00, while our emergency helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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