- May 18, 2020
- Posted by: Water Hygiene Services
- Category: Company News, News
Yorkshire Evening Post
Water Hygiene Services managing Director Ben Baldwin is delighted to have been featured in the Yorkshire Evening Post article ‘Leeds water company warns unused buildings to carry deadly Legionnaires’ Disease risk‘.
Fatal Legionella Bacteria
‘Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many buildings across the city are currently unused as people remain isolated in their homes – but Bramhope-based Water Hygiene Services has warned this carries a risk of the fatal Legionella bacteria building up in stagnant water or heating systems.’
‘The company said unless preventative action is taken, when hot and cold water systems are not running, the chances of the bacteria forming increases’.
‘Legionella bacteria can cause a range of diseases but the most serious is Legionnaires’ disease – a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and everyone is susceptible to infection’.
Covid-19
Covid-19 has had such an impact on so many businesses and organisations that the priority is for premises to reopen as soon as possible. However, it is not that straightforward. Managing Director Ben recognises this and is urging those duty holders to take action sooner rather than later.
‘Water Hygiene Service is urging those with responsibility for looking after buildings to take steps now to control the risk from Legionella during the lockdown’.
Quote from Managing Director Ben Baldwin
Managing director Ben Baldwin said to the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Hot and cold water systems in buildings that are now empty pose a risk of water stagnation which could lead to a potential build-up of bacteria, therefore to reduce risk, these systems must be reinstated correctly prior to being returned to operation.”
“Water Hygiene Services Ltd has continued to service critical organisations such as NHS Hospitals and the Social Care sector to ensure the water systems are safe for the service users as they remain fully operational during this time.”
Schools, Colleges and Universities
Hot and cold water systems in buildings that are now empty pose a risk of water stagnation which could lead to a potential build-up of bacteria, therefore to reduce risk, these systems must be reinstated correctly prior to being returned to operation. At Water Hygiene Services Ltd, we suggest water systems are re-commissioned in line with the guidance set out by the Legionella Control Association. It is therefore very important Dutyholders (those responsible for the management of the premises) communicate with their water treatment service providers well in advance of a planned opening date. For example, should schools, colleges and universities all reopen in the coming months, there will be a huge demand for water systems to be serviced accordingly over the next few weeks and months, and possibly not enough engineers to complete this work at the last minute.
Water Hygiene Services is a member of the Legionella Control Association.
If you would like to discuss a recommissioning job, please contact a member of the team today.