Legionnaires can be contracted through water sprays
January 14, 2009
Manufacturing companies are being warned that employees can be exposed to legionella bacteria wherever water is being sprayed.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is issuing the guidance following two cases where the condition was contracted in this way.
It advises businesses to include these hazards in their risk assessments as nearby workers can inhale the bacteria and develop legionnaires' disease.
Peter Woolgar, principal inspector with the HSE, recommends companies seek specialist advice if they do not have someone with the appropriate skills on staff.
He advises: "[Firms] should not underestimate the risk of this type of equipment giving rise to this life-threatening disease and should ensure all the usual precautions against legionella are in place."
The HSE is holding an awareness day on March 27th in Birmingham where water management specialists will be taught how to minimise the risk.
In other news, the organisation is launching an initiative to raise the profile of the health and safety issues surrounding the use of respirable crystalline silica.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is issuing the guidance following two cases where the condition was contracted in this way.
It advises businesses to include these hazards in their risk assessments as nearby workers can inhale the bacteria and develop legionnaires' disease.
Peter Woolgar, principal inspector with the HSE, recommends companies seek specialist advice if they do not have someone with the appropriate skills on staff.
He advises: "[Firms] should not underestimate the risk of this type of equipment giving rise to this life-threatening disease and should ensure all the usual precautions against legionella are in place."
The HSE is holding an awareness day on March 27th in Birmingham where water management specialists will be taught how to minimise the risk.
In other news, the organisation is launching an initiative to raise the profile of the health and safety issues surrounding the use of respirable crystalline silica.
More COSHH news:
Plant fined GBP12000 after workers overcome by toxic fumes - June 26, 2009Merseyside companies urged not to ignore health and safety warnings - June 23, 2009
Fine issued for chemical release - April 6, 2009
Silicosis awareness 'to be raised at event' - March 26, 2009
Scotland govt reveals health and safety problem - January 29, 2009
