Rank: New forum user 
|
I was wondering if anyone can help regarding a recommendation made by a legionella company that we currently use to undertake legionella risk assessments. Our maintenance department and housing managers currently flush out vacant properties toilets and taps on a monthly basis. Shower heads are also disinfected quarterly. In recent risk assessments they have now stated that all staff doing this should be provided with ppe and rpe due to the risk of exposure to legionella. I have read through L8 and RPE guidance but there is no mention of a requirement. Can anyone advise on whether this is a requirement and where I can find the information or whether this is over the top. Thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
When are they recommending RPE? Is it during the quarterly disinfections only or during the monthly general flushings? If it is during the quarterly disinfection runs, is the risk from the disinfectant (which I can see) or from the possibility legionella being present in the water? Do they have any evidence of there being significant quantities of legionella being present in the water? If there is a significant level of legionella in the water then there is something wrong with the regime they have imposed. The aim the process is to reduce the amount of legionella to a safe level. You would only need RPE if there was a risk (and the face fit test etc). If they can’t control the legionella in the system they should simply drain it have it dry until tenants turn up and you can reconnect the water supply and flush it then.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
You could raise your concerns and questions with the risk assessor. Regards,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
If you have vacant properties then I think you will find that your insurance cover contains a warranty that they will only provide water damage cover if all water systems are shut off and drained while the property is empty. That means central heating systems and water supply to toilets, sinks basins etc. If you drain the systems then there is no legionella risk, no need to have people doing time consusming and unnecessary flushing and disinfection and no need for RPE - simples!!
|
 1 user thanked Hsquared14 for this useful post.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Originally Posted by: Hsquared14  If you have vacant properties then I think you will find that your insurance cover contains a warranty that they will only provide water damage cover if all water systems are shut off and drained while the property is empty. That means central heating systems and water supply to toilets, sinks basins etc. If you drain the systems then there is no legionella risk, no need to have people doing time consusming and unnecessary flushing and disinfection and no need for RPE - simples!!
Ah but....
IMHO that only works if the hot and cold water system is correctly designed so that when it is drained it does not leave sections holding water, which will soon become stagnant and full of legionella. When the water is turned back on and flushed it will all come flooding out. Best to wear RPE then. Of course it may need chemical flush if drinking water. Not usually necessary to drain heating systems unless there is a chance of freezing. Simply purging the pressure to zero will normally do, so no risk of burst pipes etc, but saves the inhibitor going to drain and the system remains protected from corrosion. Check with your insurer over this.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
A dust mask when correctly fitted and worn reduces exposure to dust - not micro-organisms, what type of RPE are they recommending?
|
4 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
A dust mask when correctly fitted and worn reduces exposure to dust - not micro-organisms, what type of RPE are they recommending?
|
4 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.