important advice for Cricket Clubs opening up their bars after lockdown.....
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With Clubs opening up their bars this weekend, it is important to note the dangers of legionnaires disease which could be present in your water systems which have not been used for the past couple of months
Please see below the information which we originally sent out to all Clubs in May.
Legionnaires’ disease can be contracted by inhaling small droplets of water (aerosols) suspended in the air which contain Legionella bacteria. The disease is fatal in 10% of cases. Symptoms include fever, a non-productive cough and pneumonia, very like those of COVID19. The groups of people susceptible to Legionnaires’ disease are similar to those most susceptible to serious complications from COVID-19 infection: those with serious underlying health conditions; those over 50 years; smokers.
Legionella bacteria are naturally present in water systems. The closure of buildings due to COVID19 restrictions will result in bacterial growth in water systems to a level which may cause illness unless they are maintained. Of note, the warmer summer months increases this risk.
All water systems need to be considered: shops; hair dressers; offices; hotels; gyms; sports clubs; golf clubs; hotels; pubs; clubs; restaurants; camp sites and anywhere that has a water supply and is currently shut down. Volunteer-run premises need to be included.
Fundamentally, regular flushing of the water system throughout the shut period is required, however all aspects of the water management system need to be reviewed and will be dependent on the complexities of the system. A “competent person” is needed to implement certain measures when you reopen your business. This should be someone with sufficient authority, competence, necessary skills, knowledge of the system, and experience. It may be a combination of yourself, one or more workers and/or someone from outside your business. Typically, for example, a water consultant is needed for the disinfection of a water system.
If you do not understand this guidance you may not be a competent person as far as Legionella control law is concerned & you will need to seek further assistance. (See links below)
Comprehensive guidance has been produced by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) – during this Covid-19 pandemic.
HSE website also gives general advice
https://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/what-you-must-do.htm
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg458.pdf
NHS website gives medical advice if you think you may have Legionnaires’ Disease
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/legionnaires-disease/ or you can call 111
Public Health England (PHE) gives advice
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/legionnaires-disease-guidance-data-and-analysis
Contacts for advice
For advice re offices hotels, sports centres/clubs, offices, retail outlets contact your Local Council Environmental Healthteam. If you are unsure who this is use the link
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
The Legionella Control Association (LCA) is a voluntary organisation, membership comprises providers of services and products concerned with the control of legionella bacteria in water systems
https://www.legionellacontrol.org.uk/
For the most up to date information make sure you check https://www.gov.uk/ for current official Government Guidance & search for Legionella or Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionella Control - Detailed Guidance for Business and LA can be downloaded HERE or from the related documents section at the bottom of this page.