Blog | Legionella

Legionella in Water Systems

The presence of legionella bacteria within water systems can have a harmful effect of human health. As a result, UK businesses are legally required by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to take suitable precautions to control the risks associated with its presence within water systems.

Building services engineers play an important role in keeping a building’s occupants safe. Good water system design ensures that a property’s occupants are safer from the risks posed by legionella.

What is Legionella?

Legionella is a bacteria often found in different water sources. In water temperatures below 20°C the bacteria remain dormant, and they don’t survive in temperatures above 60°C. However, at temperatures between 20-45°C and where suitable nutrients are available, the bacteria will grow and multiply.

The occurrence of this is most common in purpose-built systems where water is often maintained at temperatures which facilitate growth.

What is Legionnaires' disease?

Legionella bacteria may grow if conditions are favourable. In turn, this increases the risk of a building’s occupants catching Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia which can be fatal. It is contracted through inhaling airborne droplets of water which have been contaminated by the bacteria. These droplets can be produced by hot and cold water taps, cooling towers, air conditioning units, spa pools, and more.

Though anyone can contract this disease, some categories are at higher risk. For the elderly, smokers, heavy drinkers, those with poor immune systems, and individuals with respiratory issues, catching this disease can be extremely dangerous.

Minimising Risk

There are 3 main ways a business can try to mitigate the risk of legionella:

Temperature Control

Controlling water temperature is vital to preventing a building’s occupants catching legionnaires’ disease.

Water must be stored at temperatures which legionella bacteria can’t grow in. Hot water storage cylinders must store water at temperatures of 60°C or higher. Alternatively, cold water must be stored and distributed at temperatures below 20°C.

2. Maintain Units

Water systems, and sentinel outlets (furthest away and closest to each cylinder or tank) must be regularly monitored in order to comply with legal requirements.

Units that are not regularly used must be flushed and purged regularly to prevent contaminated droplets being released into the air.

3. Improve Design

Water systems can be designed in a way that minimises legionella growth. Possible measures include:

Keeping pipework as short and direct as possible to reduce stagnant water
Implementing sufficient insulation within tanks and pipes
Choosing materials which make it more difficult for legionella bacteria to grow
Minimise contamination through fitting screens and lids to cover tanks

All water systems must be designed to ensure it complies with regulatory standards, with preventing legionella growth being of upmost priority.

Summary

The HSE consider Legionnaires’ disease to be preventable when good water systems are in place. Businesses have a legal responsibility to minimise the risks involved in legionella within a building. It is vital that the water systems within a building are designed with the presence of legionella as a key consideration.

Here at DARe-me Consulting Engineers, we have a wealth of experience of designing water systems that minimise the growth of legionella bacteria. From refurbishments to new builds, we can design hot and cold water systems that help keep your building's occupants safe. Contact us today to enquire about your building project.

Current Job Vacancies

Our Current Vacancies ... to apply email your CV to jobs@dare-me.co.uk

Position: Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Glasgow

Employment Type: Full time / Permanent

Experience: Minimum 5 years relevant design experience

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: Excellent / Dependant on experience

Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree in Building Services or Mechanical Engineering.

Chartered status: IMECHE/CIBSE is preferred or progression towards chartership.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Proficiency in AutoCAD with a working knowledge of Revit.

2. Technical proficiency, strong communication skills, effective time management, and a collaborative team approach.

3. Demonstrated ability to exercise financial control and project management skills would be advantageous.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct mechanical design and consulting tasks encompassing systems design, production, specifications, and scheduling.

2. Provide comprehensive reports and guidance to clients.

3. Coordinate with internal and external design team members, representing the company in meetings.

4. Serve as the primary contact for clients, ensuring their needs are met efficiently by leading or assisting consultants.

5. Foster effective collaboration with all stakeholders impacted by your work.

6. Demonstrate accountability in project management and actively mentor junior staff through training initiatives.

7. Monitor and adjust personal and team workload schedules regularly. Establish and update task priority lists accordingly.

8. Review the accuracy and completeness of documentation produced by colleagues.

9. Uphold adherence to all Quality System protocols.

10. Fulfill administrative duties including tracking project-related man-hour commitments and providing monthly reports on project fee details.

11. Oversee project management activities, including the coordination of junior staff and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

12. Adhere to security protocols and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial information.

13. Fulfill any additional responsibilities required to support the company's core objectives as directed by the Directors.

14. Contribute to compliance with relevant ISO standards and national regulations in all operational activities.

Our Current Vacancies ... to apply email your CV to jobs@dare-me.co.uk

Position: Associate Electrical Design Engineer

Location: Glasgow

Employment Type: Full time / Permanent

Experience: 10+ years relevant design experience

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: Excellent / Dependant on experience

Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) degree in Building Services or Electrical Engineering.

Chartered status: IET/CIBSE is preferred or progression towards chartership.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Generate electrical design drawings, conduct calculations using software such as Amtech, Hevacomp, IES, Relux, and Dialux, and prepare reports, specifications, and schedules.

2. Play a role in achieving BREEAM or equivalent regulatory compliance.

3. Contribute to compliance with Building Regulations Part F, Part L, or Section 6 through modeling efforts.

4. Participate in witnessing tests for the proving and commissioning of final installations.

5. Aid in the training and development of junior engineers.

6. Adhere to internal and external project timelines efficiently.

7. Adhere to the company's Quality Assurance management systems.

8. Provide support to Directors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct mechanical design and consulting tasks encompassing systems design, production, specifications, and scheduling.

2. Provide comprehensive reports and guidance to clients.

3. Coordinate with internal and external design team members, representing the company in meetings.

4. Serve as the primary contact for clients, ensuring their needs are met efficiently by leading or assisting consultants.

5. Foster effective collaboration with all stakeholders impacted by your work.

6. Demonstrate accountability in project management and actively mentor junior staff through training initiatives.

7. Monitor and adjust personal and team workload schedules regularly. Establish and update task priority lists accordingly.

8. Review the accuracy and completeness of documentation produced by colleagues.

9. Uphold adherence to all Quality System protocols.

10. Fulfill administrative duties including tracking project-related man-hour commitments and providing monthly reports on project fee details.

11. Oversee project management activities, including the coordination of junior staff and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

12. Adhere to security protocols and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive commercial information.

13. Fulfill any additional responsibilities required to support the company's core objectives as directed by the Directors.

14. Contribute to compliance with relevant ISO standards and national regulations in all operational activities.

DARe-me Consulting Engineers

Core Values

Technical Excellence

Our commitment to quality service extends beyond external interactions with clients, designers, contractors, and industry stakeholders. Internally, we foster a collaborative environment where teamwork is paramount. Our aim is to be the dependable choice for clients and fellow team members alike. Upholding a consistently high level of service is essential in maintaining our reputation as trusted partners.

Excellence in Deliverables

Renowned for delivering superior end-products, we prioritise the continuous development of our workforce. We meticulously review and refine our methodologies, processes, and outputs to ensure unparalleled quality. Our focus on people development drives our relentless pursuit of excellence. We embrace innovation and adaptability to remain at the forefront of our industry, consistently exceeding expectations as the consultant of choice.

Innovation

Innovation lies at the heart of our operations, and we leverage advanced technologies such as the latest computer software and even drones for surveying to enhance our services. By integrating drones into our surveying process, we achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and safety standards. This innovative approach not only sets us apart but also ensures that we deliver exceptional results to our clients, reinforcing our position as industry leaders.

Empowerment and Growth

Central to our values is the empowerment and growth of our staff. We invest in their professional development through robust technical support and training programs, instilling confidence in their abilities. Additionally, we prioritise streamlining processes to promote a healthy work-life balance, enabling our team members to thrive personally and professionally. Our comprehensive benefits package underscores our commitment to their wellbeing, health, and financial security.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

We are dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility in all aspects of our operations. From minimising our environmental footprint to actively contributing to community and charitable initiatives, we strive to make a positive impact. Our sustainable practices not only align with our core values but also reflect our commitment to creating a better future for generations to come.

Stay in touch with us on social media, we DARe you!

Get in Touch

83 Old Castle Road, Glasgow, G44 5TG

Glasgow: 0141 374 2965

Edinburgh: 0131 235 2965

London: 0208 087 2965

enquiries@dare-me.co.uk

Button
Photo By: John Doe
Button
Button
Button