Businesses warned to check water systems

Wednesday 20 May 2020

Businesses who are opening their doors once again after weeks of closure are being warned to check their water is clean and free of potentially deadly bacteria.

Legionella bacteria can build up in water systems and, if droplets are inhaled, can cause a serious pneumonia like illness known as Legionnaires' Disease.

This is fatal in around 10% of cases.

Any buildings which were left unoccupied during the previous phases of lockdown must go through a recommissioning plan before employees can return. This will include thoroughly flushing and running water from any outlets, cleaning those outlets and carrying out temperature checks.

"Your course of action will depend on whether you continued to flush and clean during the lockdown under the essential maintenance general authorisation," the States of Guernsey guidance explains. "If you were able to continue your legionellla management as normal, then you will be able to re-occupy your building without further restrictions. If you have not, you will need to take action."

Businesses that are unsure whether their water system is safe should contact a water engineer.

Further information and guidance is available here.