Tuesday, 5 October 2010

Legionella – South Wales – Source Tests Negative

Four sites tested as potential sources for the recent Legionnaires Disease outbreak have come back negative.

All four sites in Merthyr Tydfil have been told they are safe to re-open as no live legionella bacteria were found.

Over a hundred properties have now been visited in addition to 28 cooling tower sites. Investigations continue.

The outbreak area is a 7.5mile corridor between Abergavenny and Llandarcy.

Public Health Wales warn that it is likely that more cases of Legionnaires’ disease will emerge before the source is found. Anyone concerned should contact their GP.

Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia that is contracted by breathing in infected water droplets. Common sources include cooling towers, showers and hot and cold water systems.

The risk from Legionella bacteria is present in any building containing water systems and should be managed according to the guidance in HSE document ACoP L8. This document details a programme for control based on a 2 yearly risk assessment and an on-going monitoring regime.

If you need assistance ensuring you have the risk from legionella under control, please
contact us and we will be happy to assist you in controlling this risk.


Riverside Environmental Services Ltd provide high quality exposure assessment and monitoring services nationwide. Including; Asbestos, Legionella, COSHH, Air Testing, Occupational Health, Noise and Vibration. See our full list of services for details.

For more information please contact us.
0870 950 0161



No comments:

Post a Comment