School of Civil and Building Services Engineering
Department of Building Services Engineering
“An engineering approach to legionella control in Health care Facilities”
By Paul Cleary
Table of contentsWhat is legionella
How it affects people
Legislation dealing with legionella
Case studies
Lessons learned
The role of the Building Services Engineer
What is legionella ?Human Hair: 10ˉ⁶ m Legionella Bacteria:
10ˉ⁹m
Legionella related deathsSpain-Costa Blanca-January 2012-2 deaths
Basildon Hospital-Essex- August 2011-1 death
Spain-Murcia-July 2001-6 deaths
Ireland-67 reported cases between 2001 and 2007 resulting in 5 deaths
Optimum growth conditions for legionella
Who is at risk ?Older people –over age 40-MalesPeople who smokePeople who drink to excessPeople with suppressed immune systems. For
example HIV sufferers or organ transplant recipientsPeople with underlying health problems such as
diabetes, heart complaints and respiratory problems.People with impaired choking reflex such as stroke
sufferers
Legionella related legislationThe Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act
2005
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work ( General Application ) Regulations 2007
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) - The Management of legionnaires’ disease in Ireland (Endorsing HSC Approved Code of Practice);
Case StudiesSt Patrick’s University Hospital
Basildon University Hospital
I work there
Directly involved with legionella prevention programme
Access and permission to publish data-test results etc-
In a neighbouring Country so relevant to Ireland
Has suffered recent outbreaks of legionellosis
Has been fined for legionella related deaths in the past
Lessons learnedIndependent risk assessment essential
Design and build of hot and cold water storage and supply systems critical
The role of chlorine dioxide
Regular independent water sample testing
Interaction with stakeholders
Cold water storage
Chlorine dioxide plant
Building Services Engineer
Infection Control
Committee
Nursing Staff
Household & Catering
Staff
Outside Agencies
