Legionella 101: Where It Hides and How to Control It

Legionella risk management is about consistent, documented control built on good processes and follow through. Here are some ways you can prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and keep your people safe and healthy.

What is Legionella?

Legionella Pneumophila is a bacteria that can cause Legionnaires disease; a severe form of pneumonia that can be fatal.

Legionella can be present in:

• Shower heads

• Faucets

• Drinking water

• Aerosol mists

• Humidification systems

• Cooling towers

• Other water systems

Preventative Measures

Legionnaires disease can be prevented at the source with the right proactive measures.

• Maintain control of scale, corrosion, and deposits to avoid buildup of biofilm and microorganisms.

• Support effective microbial control with a treatment approach that fits your system based on equipment design, water usage, and time of year.

• Prevent stagnant water and "dead legs" where there isn't a lot of circulation and biocide contact.

• Plan and perform routine cleaning and disinfection, especially at startup, after shutdown, and when systems have been idle.

Protecting People

Proper installation, usage, and maintenance of water treatment equipment is essential in keeping people safe.

• Inspect pumps, injection points, tubing, and secondary containment routinely. Confirm water treatment chemicals are being delivered where intended.

• Follow Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and wear PPE to protect the eyes, skin, and breathing passages.

• Store and handle oxidizers, acids/alkalis, and other chemistries according to label and SDS guidance.

• Standardize startup/shutdown steps, cleaning/disinfection steps, and response actions when readings fall outside control limits.

When in doubt, get in touch with us and we can help you take the proper precautions to keep you safe.