High summer temperatures can bring increased legionella risks

This week we are expecting temperatures to soar across the UK. Whilst most of us welcome the sunny weather, it's important to be aware of the impact this may have in terms of increasing the legionella risks at your properties.

Water temperatures between 20°C and 45°C provide ideal conditions for legionella bacteria to grow and multiply. Therefore as the ambient temperature begins to rise, the water stored within poorly insulated pipework and water storage vessels can also quickly rise and may greatly increase the risk of legionella growth. Areas of low circulation such as dead legs and storage systems can often present particularly high risks in warm conditions.

Equipment such as air conditioning units, showers and garden irrigation systems that are less frequently used during the winter months could potentially be harbouring legionella bacteria. Throughout the summer months, these water systems often experience increased usage, leading to the dissemination of legionella bacteria (the bacteria becoming airborne in the form of aerosols) increasing the potential for individuals to be exposed.

How Metro Safety can help

We understand that it's not always reasonably practicable to completely eliminate the risk from legionella. In these situations professional advice is often required to find alternative solutions and design management and monitoring procedures to help minimise legionella risks and ensure compliance.

Metro Safety have a team of experienced water safety specialists and are able to provide a cost effective range of water safety services to help you achieve full legionella compliance.

If you would like to discuss any legionella management issues or you would like to have a water risk assessment carried out on your property please feel free to call us on 0207 960 3939 or send us an enquiry.