Legionella Water Testing Improved After a Legionnaires’ Fatality
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia that can be contracted when a person inhales water vapor containing Legionella bacteria. It can affect people of any age, but some individuals are at higher risk of getting it than others. It can be fatal for those who are over 70 years of age, have existing respiratory diseases, those who are immunocompromised and those who smoke. Such was the case when an elderly gentleman named Lewis Payne, a resident of a care home called The Willows. Lewis Payne died in November 1, 2012 after contracting Legionnaires’ disease. The bacteria that caused the pneumonia were traced to a wash basin within the South Reading care home.
Reading Crown Court
A regrettable loss
This case was brought to court by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The HSE severely criticised Reading Borough Council for its “systemic and continued failings” regarding the control and management arrangements for the bacteria. According to HSE Inspector Kelly Nichols, care providers were responsible for ensuring that “they are managing the risks from hot and cold water systems with respect to both Legionella and scalding risks especially due to likely exposure of more vulnerable people.”
Ultimately, Reading Borough Council admitted to committing a breach of Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It received a fine of £100,000 as well as £20,000 in costs.
Observing increased measures for prevention and safety
In July 2016, Reading Borough Council received additional safety measures that will be implemented in almost every Reading council building. This should minimise the possibility of more fatalities from the deadly Legionnaires’ disease.
The following measures can also be introduced in other commercial buildings and accommodation where people may risk becoming exposed to water systems that could potentially be contaminated with Legionella bacteria:
- Create a staff hierarchy of responsibility for Legionella water testing
- Require all managers and staff members who are tasked with addressing the risks of Legionella to undergo retraining
- Provide extra resources meant to support these managers and staff members, as well as to support various building management tasks
- Produce checklists indicating that all building managers have successfully completed the essentials safety checks
- Ensure that all other staff members receive the proper health and safety training and updates that are appropriate to each job position or role
- Carry out compliance audits
- Make a building compliance guide available to all managers