Preventing Legionnaire’s Disease A TENANTS GUIDE
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Contents What is Legionnaire’s Disease?
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Where is Legionella Found?
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What precautions can I take?
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What do I do if I think I may have contracted Legionnaire’s disease?
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What is Legionnaire’s Disease? A harmful strain of bacteria called legionella pneumophilia causes Legionnaire’s disease. It can also cause Pontiac fever and Lochgiolhead fever. It’s caused by inhaling small droplets of water from contaminated sources containing a significant quantity of legionella bacteria. This can be contracted within 2-10 days of exposure to the bacteria and can be caught by anyone. However, it is more likely to affect people who are susceptible because of age, illness, low immunity or smokers. There are approximately 400 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease reported in the UK each year.
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Where is Legionella Found? Legionella is commonly found in natural sources, such as lakes, ponds, and reserviours. It enters our water systems through the water mains supply. Its harmless to drink and cannot be passed from person to person. The main areas of risk are where the bacteria can multiply and increase to dangerous levels and then be spread, for example, in spray from showers and taps. Temperature is critical to Legionella bacterial growth and it thrives in temperatures between 20ยบC and 45ยบC. It feeds on biofilm in tanks and pipework or any sources of water in your home. Other sources include: Air conditioning units, artificial ponds, whirlpools, hot tubs, fountains and swimming
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What precautions can I take? The risk of contracting the disease is low but it is good practice to take the following precautions:
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Flush through showers and taps for 10 minutes following a period of non-use, for example, after you have been on holiday or if a room is not in regular use.
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Keep all shower heads and taps, clean and free from a build-up of limescale, mould or algae growth. Regular bleaching and disinfecting every three months will help sterilise and kill any bacteria.
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Tell us about any problems such as, water temperature fluctuations, debris, rust, or discolouration to the water flowing from your water outlets.
As part of your landlord’s annual service and maintenance checks to your heating and hot water systems, engineers will check the hot water setting and flow rate to ensure there is a reduced risk of Legionella bacteria forming. These settings are selected for your safety. We strongly advise that you do not change them.
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What should I do if I think I may have contracted Legionnaire’s disease? The symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease can be very similar to other illnesses and can include a cough, a fever, chills aches and shortness of breath. If you begin to feel unwell, or if you suspect that you or someone in your home has contracted Legionnaire’s disease, contact your doctor immediately. Should you be diagnosed by a medical professional as having contracted Legionnaire’s disease, contact us immediately so that we can take the appropriate measures.
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Contact us 0800 590 542 www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/housing customer.services@bassetlaw.gov.uk Text us on 07860 021 511 Find us on Facebook - BassetlawDCHousing Twitter @BassetlawDC Visit us at: Retford Office 17B The Square, Retford, DN22 6DB Worksop Office Queen’s Buildings, Potter Street, Worksop, S80 2AH
Carlton Forest House Hundred Acre Lane, Worksop, S81 0TS All offices are open: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
If you need any help communicating with us or understanding any of our documents, please contact us on 0800 590 542.
GL-56/BDC - 09/18