A suspected Legionella outbreak is likely to be identified by the health authority who will communicate with all relevant local industrial premises, in order to attempt to identify the source of the bacteria. Where a STFC premises is approached in this way, the following action must be taken:
- Co-operate fully with the investigating authorities providing them with assess to sampling points etc in order that they can take water samples.
- Provide access to all relevant records, in particular to plans of cooling towers and hot and cold water services and records of inspections, cleaning and disinfection regimes.
- Shut down any systems capable of generating aerosols, which have been implicated in an outbreak.
- Undertake emergency disinfection of systems suspected of harbouring Legionella bacteria. This should only be carried out as directed by the Local Environmental Health Departments.
- Where relevant, investigate the health status of staff or other persons who could have been affected.
Further detailed requirements can be found in the HSE Guidance document L8 (Fourth Edition), HSG247 Part 1.
