| 1. Do you understand the risks associated with legionella, and how best to control these risks? Legionnaires’ disease is caused by legionella bacteria, which can proliferate within hot and cold water systems and cooling towers. With a high fatality rate of approximately 15% it is essential that employers understand the risks associated with legionella bacteria and put measures in place to control these risks.
2. Do you know how to prevent Pseudomonas bacteria from growing in the first place?
Infections caused by Pseudomonas bacteria account for 10% of all Healthcare Acquired Infections (HCAI’s). Pseudomonas differs to Legionella as it can be spread from one person to another and can live on hands and surfaces for up to two and a half hours.
3. Do you comply with the HSE Approved Code of Practice, L8 and the Department of Health’s HTM04-01 and Addendum?
It is a requirement of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health, that healthcare providers control the risks associated with water-borne infections. If the HSE were to visit would your organisation be doing enough to comply?
4. Do you understand your role in managing the risks?
We all have a role to play in managing the risks from water-borne infections, from the appointed Responsible Person to the individuals responsible for temperature monitoring. Do you know your responsibilities?
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