Legionella
Legionellosis is a collective term for diseases caused by legionella bacteria including the most serious Legionnaires' disease. Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and everyone is susceptible to infection. The risk increases with age but some people are at higher risk including:
- people over 45 years of age
- smokers and heavy drinkers
- people suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease
- diabetes, lung and heart disease
- anyone with an impaired immune system
Legionella bacteria may be found in domestic properties, and in particular hot and cold-water systems, including shower heads. It is therefore important to control the risks by introducing appropriate safety measures outlined in Legionnaires' disease - The Control of Legionella bacteria in water systems (L8).
Cloch will appoint a competent external contractor to carry out Legionella Risk Assessments to identify and assess potential sources of risks. Where risks are identified a maintenance regime will be put in place to control and monitor the risk or actions which will be taken to eliminate the risk.
Before your tenancy start date, our void repairs contractor will have thoroughly flushed all taps, replaced shower heads (if applicable) and an inspection would have been carried out where a water storage tank is present.
To prevent the growth of bacteria, it is also the tenant’s responsibility to carry out the following:
- Disinfect shower head(s) at least every 2 months.
- All little used outlets should be flushed through for at least 2 minutes once per week.
- If the property has been left vacant for a period of time (e.g. when on holiday), you must ensure that all outlets both hot and cold are flushed through for at least 2 minutes.
- Inform Cloch if there are any issues arise with the hot water within your home for example your hot water not heating correctly or any debris or discolouration in the water.