Legionella Threat on Trains Risks RMT Strike

RMT threatens strike action over legionella on trains

A rail union has said it will consider strike action over the threat of “potentially lethal” legionella bacteria found on Thameslink trains. This is because ‘trace’ amounts of legionella were found in seven toilets on four trains.

Thameslink responded to the reports and said ‘the toilets had been drained and bleached’ but the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said this was “half-hearted and inadequate”. The train operator came back to say there was “no recorded case of anyone, ever, contracting legionella from a train”.

However, the train union said there were ‘seven toilets on four trains that had “actionable traces” of the bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease’.

Untreated Legionnaires’ Disease

If a person contracts Legionnaires’ disease and it is left untreated Legionnaires’ disease it can be life-threatening and sometimes fatal. Symptoms are often flulike and can include a high fever and muscle pain. The disease is treated with intravenous antibiotics.

Where is Legionella Bacteria Found?

Legionella bacteria is commonly found in sources of water, such as rivers and lakes. It can sometimes make its way into manmade water supply systems in buildings. The bacteria is also linked to a milder flu-like illness called Pontiac fever.

You can read the rest of the BBC article here.

Ensure Your Building is Safe

If you manage a building or commercial premises you are responsible for the water safety. Do you have regular Legionella Water Testing in place? Are you confident that the water is safe for public consumption? If you would like to discuss your Legionella programme please contact us today.