Medieval Blasta User Manual V4 0722
Warning!
The following information regarding the control of legionella is provided for your
guidance. However information regarding the bacteria, its health risks and
effective control changes over time. The user should ascertain that they are
using the latest information and control techniques and that the method of control
they choose is suitable for the equipment and location of its use. The following
information was published in September 2003.
Control of Legionella
1.01 What is Legionnaires Disease?
Legionnaires disease is a form of pneumonia which, for certain susceptible
groups of people is potentially fatal. The cause of the disease is the Legionella
bacteria which is found commonly in nature, in rivers, ponds and water courses.
1.02 How are people infected with the Legionella bacteria?
Infection is caused by a person breathing in small droplets of water contaminated
with the bacteria. Everyone is potentially susceptible but some groups of people
are more at risk. People over 45, smokers, heavy drinkers, those with an
impaired immune system and people suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney
disease.
1.03 Under what conditions will the bacteria become a threat?
As previously stated the bacteria is present in the environment but generally
causes no harm. However under certain conditions it will thrive and multiply,
producing water that is so contaminated that droplets of such water, if inhaled
cause a real threat to health. Three conditions affect the risk of infection. These
are water temperature, water cleanliness and droplet size.
Water Temperature
The bacteria thrives at water temperatures between 20ºC & 45ºC. At cooler water
temperatures the bacteria is not killed but does not multiply. At higher water
temperatures (above 60ºC) the bacteria is killed.
Water Cleanliness
If the water is between 20ºC and 40ºC the bacteria will thrive if a supply of
nutrients is present. Rust, sludge, scale, algae or other bacteria will provide a
suitable nutrient source for the bacteria. It should be noted that nutrients may be
present in water that appears to be clean to the naked eye.
Droplet Size
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