H2O Now Construction Line Registered

constructionline is the UK's register of pre-qualified local and national construction and construction-related suppliers endorsed by the Department of Trade & Industry.

H2O Cost Reduction Services is now a registered member of the directory's 12,500+ pre-qualified UK construction contractors and consultants ranging from sole traders and small specialist firms to large multi-nationals.

As a member of the register, H2O Cost Reduction Services is in a prime position to assist large central government departments and agencies to Local Authorities, Housing Associations, Universities and NHS Trusts.

Visit constructionline to find out more.

H2O Reaping Rewards

Legionnaire's Disease – Protect your business and reputation now

Last year saw the worst outbreaks of Legionnaire's Disease on UK record. Many companies and other organisations were shut down for protracted periods, costing hundreds of thousands of pounds in lost revenue.

Legionnaire's Disease – What is it?

Legionnaires' Disease is contracted through inhaling Legionella bacteria, either in droplets of water suspended in the air, or in the particles left after the water has evaporated.

The symptoms of Legionnaire's Disease include fever, chills, cough, muscular pain, headache, diarrhoea and mental confusion. However, not everyone exposed to Legionella becomes ill, and some may simply present with a mild influenza-like infection. On average, there are approximately 200-250 reported cases of Legionnaire's Disease each year in the UK. About half of these cases are caught abroad. The other half are the result of infections acquired in the UK.

In approximately 12% of reported cases, infection with Legionella bacteria is fatal. The level of fatalities is significantly higher among identified risk groups. Although it can affect anyone, certain groups are more susceptible, including the very young, people over 45 and people already suffering from an illness - especially cancer or diabetes, people with a weakened immune system, smokers and alcoholics. Men also appear to be more susceptible than women.

Sources of Risk

Legionella bacteria are common and can be found naturally in water sources such as rivers, ponds and reservoirs, usually in low numbers. Outbreaks occur when the bacteria colonise manufactured water systems where temperatures are suitable to encouraging bacterial growth.

Legionella bacteria can thrive in man made water systems given the correct water temperatures and a supply of nutrients. They can survive at temperatures ranging from 6°C to 60°C. They can remain dormant at low temperatures and multiply readily at temperatures between 20°C and 45°C. They are at their most virulent at 37°C.

The bacteria also require a source of nutrients in order to multiply. These are derived from a wide variety of sources, including algae, amoebae, sediment, sludge, scale, corrosion by-products, biofilms and other bacteria.

Therefore, anywhere where water is stored or used between the temperatures of 20°C and 45°C, that also offers a supply of nutrients, is a potential breeding ground for Legionella bacteria. Where infected water is formed into a spray or mist, the risk of inhalation and infection is significant.

Areas of particular concern are:

• Water systems involving a cooling tower or evaporative condenser
• Air conditioning systems, especially those incorporating humidifiers or air washers
• Hot and cold water systems
• Spa baths, Jacuzzis and other pools in which water is agitated and re-circulated
• Other systems where water is stored between the temperatures of 20-45°C and which produce an aerosol or spray

Government Guidelines

Published in 2000, the new guidelines give advice on the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (COSHH) concerning the risk from exposure to Legionella bacteria. The guidelines replace the 1995 Approved Code of Practice and the technical guidance previously provided under HSG70.

The main recommendations outlined in the Approved Code of Practice are:

• Registration and routine monitoring of all cooling towers and similar high risk assets

• Completion of a site Legionella risk assessment at least every two years

• Completion of regular water temperature checks and biological monitoring on site

• Maintaining suitable records, including details of all checks

• Maintaining procedure documents and a suitable staff training program

• Maintaining a suitable management structure to ensure continual cover

How Can We Help?

H2O Cost Reduction Services provides a highly effective and cost efficient range of services, which ensures the ongoing safety of water and air handling systems in your premises. Through routine testing and inspection, your business can:

• Avoid the losses caused by a shutdown order made by inspectors

• Significantly reduce the risk of being found negligent should an employee or member of the public contract Legionnaire's Disease contracted on your premises

• Protect yourself from a charge of corporate manslaughter in the case of death caused by Legionella contracted on your premises

• Preserving your company’s good name, image and income through the avoidance of an outbreak of Legionnaire's Disease on your premises

Protect your business and reputation now – H2O Cost Reduction Services can provide cost efficient peace of mind for you and your company.