Legionella Awareness Online Courses

ECHO3 EDUCATION LIMITED

This Legionella Awareness course has three aims:

1. One, explain what legionella bacteria is, and where it can occur
2. To describe how legionella bacteria can be dangerous to health
3. To provide information on legal duties, and managing the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria

Unlike some other health and safety topics, there is no single piece of law which applies to the control of risks from legionella.

Instead, various bits of legislation apply. This course provides an overview of the various legislation that could be applicable to your business

The most common cause of Legionnaire’s disease is inhaling water droplets or mist which is infected with legionella bacteria. While anyone can be infected, men are more susceptible to infection than women. Also at higher risk are people over fifty years old; anyone who smokes or drinks heavily; anyone who suffers from a chronic respiratory condition or kidney disease; and anyone who has a weakened immune system.

Because early symptoms - including fever, chills and a cough - of Legionnaires’ disease are similar to flu, initial diagnosis can be difficult.

Legionnaires’ disease does not go away by itself and needs medical treatment, including antibiotic medication. Most people go on to make a full recovery, but recovery time can vary.

The lung infection caused by the legionella bacteria can affect breathing and lead to serious illness and even death. Other complications include sepsis, a dangerous bacterial infection throughout the whole body.

Recovery prospects can depend on when treatment started, and pre-existing health.

Legionnaires’ disease can affect people in close contact with contaminated water sources, and also over a wider geographic area. Four people were killed and ninety-two cases identified in a major public outbreak in 2012 in the west of Edinburgh. Despite a major investigation, the source of the legionella was never conclusively identified.

All duty holders and anyone who needs an awareness of the risks associated with Legionella.

There are currently no Q&As for this course. Be the first to ask a question.