The risk of legionnaires' disease can be eliminated if appropriate control measures are taken, a fact that has been widely acknowledged by health and safety authorities worldwide. In order to protect their staff, visitors, and brand, hotels must have policies in place to prevent the spread of legionella bacteria.
In the daily operations of any hotel, no matter how big or small, guest health and safety must always be a top priority. If legionella bacteria proliferate in your water system, it could cause an outbreak of legionnaires' disease, which can be fatal if left untreated. There might be fines, property damage, and perhaps the hotel's closure if this keeps happening.
Reducing The Risks
Legionella grows and spreads via the air in water droplets that have been in stagnant water between 20 and 50 degrees Celsius. The bacteria can be inhaled and cause a lung infection leading to legionnaires' disease.
If not properly regulated, water sources such as showers, sinks, air conditioners, hot tubs, whirlpools, steam rooms, pools, hoses, and sprinklers can offer major threats to human health.
You should also check the plumbing at your hotel. Testing for legionella and taking precautions is especially crucial if the system is rusted, unclean, or covered with biofilm (a slimy covering).
Steps To Control The Risk
You can schedule a risk assessment with us to see if you are covering all your bases and where you can improve.
Showers, bathtubs, and sinks should be flushed at least once a week if the room is unoccupied to avoid water stagnation.
Cold water shouldn't get any warmer than 20 degrees Celsius, and hot water should stay at a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius.
Schedule routine water testing to alleviate worries.
All water fixtures need to be cleaned, descaled, and disinfected on a regular basis.
What About The Responsible Person?
Every hotel must designate a single individual to be responsible for legionella risk management, as doing so is mandated by law. This is the responsible person. However, it is helpful if all employees are aware of the bacteria, know why it is so crucial to keep it under control, and are aware of what they can do to prevent an epidemic. We can offer training to ensure everyone understands.
Please don't hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance from us by getting in touch today.
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