Risk Assessments sought in regard to Legionella
Occupational Health Authorities Requesting Risk Assessments in regard to Legionella
Many occupational health authorities are raising awareness of the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria and the control measures necessary to reduce the risks by writing to organisations asking them to complete and return a Legionella Risk Assessment. A number of rugby clubs have received these letters requesting them to complete and return a Legionella Risk Assessment.
Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anybody, but which principally affects those who are susceptible because of age, illness, etc. People catch Legionnaires' disease by inhaling small droplets of water suspended in the air, which contain the bacteria. Fortunately most people exposed to Legionella do not become ill, nevertheless appropriate control measures should be put into place to significantly reduce any risk.
The letters from Occupational Health follow due to outbreaks last year in Edinburgh resulting in just over 100 people being treated for Legionnaires, claiming the life of three people and an outbreak in Stoke-on-Trent resulting in 21 reported cases and two deaths.
Clubs should carry out risk assessments including assessing the risk of Legionella.
Controls to put in Place in regard to Legionella:
1. Regular flushing of unused showers and taps during long periods of un-use e.g. summer.
2. Showerheads are removed and cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis.
3. Tanks are checked annually.
4. Carry out a suitable water risk assessment. Refer to http://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires for additional information.
The RFU has a number of resources to support clubs carryout risk assessments including:
• RFU Risk Assessment Templates & Video’s: Legionella is covered in our risk assessments templates and video’s covering showers (see attached and link below).
• RFU Health & Safety Webpage: http://www.rfu.com/managingrugby/clubdevelopment/legalandadmin/healthandsafety
• RFU Legal Helpline: If clubs have further queries the helpline includes Health & Safety enquires by calling: 0844 561 8177 & quoting the Scheme Number: 81066
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