Warning issued about Legionnaires’ disease as businesses re-open
As the phased reopening of business continues in the coming weeks and months, Green Party Spokesperson for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Steven Matthews TD has encouraged business owners, particularly hotels, B&Bs and hairdressers to take every precaution against Legionella bacteria which can develop in water tanks after significant periods of disuse. Read the full article… Read more »
After coronavirus comes another hidden and deadly respiratory disease, experts warn
ANOTHER hidden and deadly respiratory disease could be on the way after the coronavirus, experts have warned. Read the full article here
Toilet flushes may spread Legionnaires’ disease
Two patients at a hospital in France likely contracted the disease through inhaling contaminated toilet water that was aerosolized during flushing. Read the full article here
Use of face masks designated KN95
A substantial number of face masks, claiming to be of KN95 standards, provide an inadequate level of protection and are likely to be poor quality products accompanied by fake or fraudulent paperwork. These face masks may also be known as filtering facepiece respirators. Read the full article here
Legionnaires’ disease: lockdown risks and reopening safely
When buildings reopen after lockdown, it is essential that water systems are not put back into use without considering the risks of Legionnaires’ disease. There is an increased risk of waterborne pathogens such as Legionella bacteria being present as a consequence of the conditions that lockdown may have created. Read the full article here
RYA releases new Legionella disease guidance
The importance of following good water system hygiene management when re-opening buildings. Read the full article here
Road work unearths early-1800s wooden water pipe in York
In 1816, when pedestrians, mules and horses traveled the streets, the newly founded York Water Company installed a wooden water pipe around the Colonial Courthouse, at that time located in the center of the city square. Read the full article here
Legionellosis
Legionellosis varies in severity from a mild febrile illness to a serious and sometimes fatal form of pneumonia and is caused by exposure to Legionella species found in water, and potting mixes. It is often categorized as being community, travel or hospital acquired based on the type of exposure. Read the full article here
Health and Safety Executive reminder on water systems safety during the COVID-19 lockdown
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has reminded building occupiers, businesses and other duty holders restarting operations after the COVID-19 shutdown to review their water systems maintenance arrangements to avoid creating a public health hazard from waterborne bacteria such as legionella [1]. Read the full article here
Govt closes four schools over legionella concerns
The Gibraltar Government has closed four schools due to the presence in the schools’ water system of legionella bacteria, which can cause lung inflammation. Read the full article here
