Introduction
Coastline Housing Ltd is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of its customers and employees. Coastline Housing recognise that the risk from Legionella bacteria may arise in customer's homes.
What is Legionella?
Legionella are bacteria that are common in natural rivers and lakes, etc and artificial water systems, (e.g. hot and cold water systems storage tanks, pipe work, taps and showers).
Legionella are usually associated with larger water systems, (e.g. in factories, hotels, hospitals and museums, and cooling towers), but they can also live in smaller water supply systems used in homes and other residential accommodation.
Other potential sources of Legionella include spa and whirlpool baths, humidifiers, dinking water systems, water features, garden hoses and sprinklers and fire-fighting systems (sprinklers and hose reels).
Legionella can survive in low temperatures, but thrive at temperatures between 20°C and 45°C. Temperatures in excess 50°C will kill them.
Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria.
What you can do to reduce Legionella risk in your new home.
The risk of Legionella is minimal; however you should take the following actions when you move in to your property:
· Please run your shower or bath continuously for a minimum of 5 minutes when you move in to flush through any form of bacteria.
· Please keep your water cistern covered, insulated, clean and free of debris
· Please ensure that your pipe work is insulated and if not, ask us to do it for you.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Raising the temperature of the warm water is one way to control Legionella growth, but could also increase the risk of burns and scalding. Please take care of the risk of scalding and burns, especially if you have children.
Coastline's Committment
To comply with the Statuatory Regulations that are laid out in the Approved Code of Practice (L8) published by the Heath and Safety Excutive, Coastline are working with Quest Environmental Solutions Ltd, the only company registered with the Legionella Control Association (LCA) in Cornwall.
QES are currently undertaking Water Hygiene Risk Assesments on our Sheltered Complexes, HMO's, Corporate Buildings and Individual properties.
Click on there logo to visit their website
For further information please contact Marcus Preedy on 08452 700 720
