Monitoring the Threat of Legionnaires' Infection

August 2002

The recent, tragic outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Cumbria, UK, has once again highlighted the importance of regular maintenance and testing of air conditioning systems. The Health and Safety Commission guidelines on legionella require that specific, weekly tests be carried out on all potential sources of infection. Palintest produces a kit to help monitor the threat of Legionnaires's disease which contains all the components needed for these HSC tests.

The HSC's Approved Code of Practice and guidance, published last year, recognises that an important method of reducing the risk of infection is a comprehensive monitoring programme and, along with specific monthly and quarterly tests, requires conductivity, bacteria, disifectant and pH to be tested weekly.

The Palintest L8 Kit, which comes in a convenient carry case, includes tests for each of these key parameters. All the tests are part of the Palintest system of water analysis, used throughout the world. Consisting of test equipment and reagent systems that are easy to use, and based in standard analytical methods, rapid, accurate results can be obtained by all users, with or without formal laboratory training.

The bacterium that can cause Legionnaires' disease in all water systems in plants and in buildings. Systems presenting the greatest risk involve water-cooled cooking towers and evaporative condensers, such as air conditioning plants and industrial cooling systems in hospitals, hotels and offices. However, any system that disperses water into the air is a risk, including whirlpools and spas, showers and spray humidifiers.