Newsroom
The Department of Labour Inspection has called for stricter monitoring and maintenance of water systems as high summer temperatures increase the likelihood of Legionella bacteria developing in certain installations.
In guidance issued on Wednesday, the department said the combination of hot weather and greater use of cooling equipment can create favourable conditions for the bacteria to multiply, particularly where water systems are not properly cleaned, inspected or maintained.
Legionella is found in artificial water systems and can cause Legionnaires' disease, a serious form of pneumonia. The bacteria are most likely to grow where water remains stagnant, temperatures fall within a favourable range, or maintenance of pipework and equipment is inadequate.
People become infected by breathing in tiny droplets of contaminated water. The department said the illness cannot be passed from one person to another and is not contracted through drinking water.
Health officials said facilities caring for vulnerable people require particular attention. These include hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres and residential care homes, along with hotels, tourist accommodation and other hospitality premises.
The department also identified several types of installations that require careful management, including large hot and cold water distribution systems, storage tanks, rarely used taps and showers, hot tubs, spa facilities, cooling towers, central air conditioning systems, decorative fountains and other equipment capable of producing fine water spray.
Domestic split-unit air conditioners are not generally considered a source of Legionella because they do not rely on stored water, the department said.
Employers and those responsible for managing hotels, healthcare facilities and other buildings were reminded of their obligations under occupational safety and health legislation to maintain comprehensive Legionella prevention programmes.
Recommended measures include appointing a person responsible for managing the risk, carrying out regular written risk assessments, keeping hot water above 50C and cold water below 25C, flushing outlets that are seldom used, and routinely cleaning and disinfecting tanks, pipework, shower heads, filters, cooling towers and related equipment.
The guidance also recommends maintaining and disinfecting hot tubs and wellness facilities in line with manufacturers' instructions, carrying out water sampling and laboratory testing where risk assessments indicate this is necessary, and keeping records of inspections, cleaning, disinfection, temperature checks and test results.
The department said hospitals, clinics and elderly care facilities should apply enhanced monitoring and control measures because patients and residents are more susceptible to severe illness.
