Coastline Housing is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of its customers and employees and recognises that the risk from Legionella bacteria may arise in customers' homes.

What is Legionella?

Legionnaires‘ disease is a form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. It can kill.

Legionella are bacteria common in natural rivers and lakes, and artificial water systems (such as hot and cold water systems, storage tanks, pipe work, taps and showers).

Other potential sources of Legionella include spa and whirlpool baths, humidifiers, drinking 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 above 50°C will kill them.

What you can do to reduce the Legionella risk in your home:

The risk of Legionella is very small. However when you first move in to your property, be sure to:

• Run your shower or bath continuously for a minimum of 5 minutes to flush through any form of bacteria.
• Keep your water cistern covered, insulated, clean and free of debris
• 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.

Our Commitment

We are working with Quest Environmental Solutions Ltd, the only company registered with the Legionella Control Association (LCA) in Cornwall.

QES has completed Water Hygiene Risk Assessments on our sheltered schemes, offices and communal flats.

QES also carry out a risk assessment on each of our empty properties. This ensures the property is safe when we hand it over to the new customer.