The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is urging caution when it comes to the hazards of Legionella.
It follows reports this week of rail workers threatening to strike after Legionella was detected on some trains.
Legionella was found to be present in a small number of Thameslink Class 700 train toilets, it has been reported. On discovery, Thameslink locked the toilets and took the trains out of service to drain, bleach and refill the tanks.
The CIPHE added that Thameslink had sought to minimise the risk. The train firm had added: “Legionella can potentially be spread through atomised water droplets in the air in enclosed spaces, but water in our toilets is gravity-fed, which makes this extremely unlikely and further lowers the already very low risk.”
Kevin Wellman, CEO of the CIPHE said: “While there have been no recorded Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks due to train toilets to date, Legionella is a very serious issue and should never be underestimated. Legionnaires’ disease normally hits its peek number of cases during the milder months of June-October, so that places us firmly in the danger zone. Outbreaks can prove deadly, especially to those with underlying health conditions.
“As those in the trade know, Legionella and other biofilm-associated bacteria can thrive in stagnant, or standing water. However, it comes as a surprise to many business owners, landlords and facilities managers that it can develop in all man-made hot and cold water systems, as well as air conditioning systems, hot tubs and even compost. The CIPHE is urging facilities managers, landlords and business owners to acquaint themselves with the risks of Legionella and the importance of only ever using professional plumbers to assess water quality.
“With businesses returning to the office after a prolonged closure we are entering a period of significant risk. The plumber’s role in protecting the public health is absolute.”