Air conditioning suspected in fatal Legionella outbreak

An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in the Barrow-in-Furness area has claimed its first victim, with 47 further confirmed cases and up to 15 other people thought to be suffering with similar symptoms. The outbreak is believed to have emanated from the Forum 28 complex, which has been closed since the first case of the disease was diagnosed - though local council officials continue to check other buildings in the town.

The first anecdotal evidence suggested that poor maintenance of the air conditioning system in the complex is to blame for the spread of the bacterium which causes Legionnaires' disease. The council employee in charge of maintenance has been temporarily suspended following checks which confimed the presence of the Legionella bacteria in the steam pumped from the air conditioning unit into a public passageway outside.

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), strict health and safety guidelines should be applied to safeguard against legionella.The regulations require anyone who is in charge of premises to undertake a risk assessment of such systems, and to put in place the necessary precautionary measures to prevent legionella and control the health risk from the use and handling of treatment chemicals.

According to the council, monthly checks had been made to the air conditioning system, but there have been suggestions that this regime could be insufficient, depending on the type and age of equipment in use. Investigations by the local police and HSE are continuing.

The Workplace Law Network reported on 19 June on the Health and Safety Commission's review of its Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) and Guidance for the control of legionella bacteria in water systems, which is being undertaken by the Building Research Establishment. The ACoP itself was published in January 2001. The Workplacelaw Network also produces a Network Guide on Legionella, written by Jo Guy of SafetyCo, which is free to members.
This document is for general guidance and research purposes only, and does not purport to give professional advice. Please check the date at the top of the article; the Workplace Law Network retains historic articles for general research.