Guide to Legionellosis : Temperature Measurements for Hot and Cold Water Services

Legionellosis is a small problem in terms of the many other diseases and health issues that exist, but its significance lies in the fact that it is the only form of peumonia known to man which could be reduced or controlled with the assistance of the building services industry.

Guidance aimed at reducing the risk of legionellosis in the UK was introduced by the Government in the early 1990s in two documents.

The Health and Safety Commission's "The Prevention or Control of Legionellosis (including legionnaires' disease): Approved Code of Practice" (ACOP), and the Health and Safety Executive's "The Control of Legionellosis including Legionaires' Disease: Health and Safety Series Booklet (HS(G)70)".

These indicated that water temperature measurement is a significant factor in assessing risk from legionella in hot- and cold-water systems.

Although simple in principle, it soon became apparent that companies appointed to undertake risk assessments were experiencing considerable variations in water temperature measurements.

The assessors' interpretations of results were also variable because these often depended upon their backgrounds and training. As a consequence, clients were taking action on risk assessments where the supporting information in terms of temperature measurement was neither repeatable or reliable.

Presenting a procedure for water temperature measurement for hot and cold water services, this volume provides a method of working which can be used for water temperature measurement as part of a risk assessment or routine inspection and maintenance, in compliance with the general intent of the ACOP and HS(G)70.

It also provides advice on interpreting the results in order to encourage a greater uniformity in the conclusions and actions are advised to those responsible for implementing precautions.

For building owners and operators, the book provides a useful reference document which they can specify as an industry standard when appointing individuals or companies to undertaken duties which involve water temperature measurements. Although the document only addresses the HS(G)70 guidance on water temperatures, its principles on planning, measurement and site procedure are equally applicable to health care premises and other major estates such as defence and environment where different parameters of water temperature control and operation may be in use.