Typically, we humans have nothing to fear when it comes to Legionella bacteria. This naturally occurring microorganism can often be found in freshwater lakes or streams, posing no real threat whatsoever. The danger of Legionella only arises when this bacterium begins to flourish in environments much closer to home, and in greater concentrations. Suddenly the chance of Legionella bacteria leading to a diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease is much more real, and a lot more likely.

Did you know that Legionella bacteria can grow in any system where water temperature is consistently between 25˚C and 45˚C (77°F to 113°F)? That it can thrive in systems which are continually wet, such as shower heads, pipes, air conditioning systems, hot tubs, cooling towers and many more? Direct physical contact isn't even required to contract an infection as legionella microbes are carried by simple minuscule water droplets and easily inhaled by anyone in the vicinity. While not the most common of diseases, the ease of which Legionella can spread is why it is extremely important to be aware of and regularly checking the potentially vulnerable systems in a building.

Common Legionella Locations

In truth, any system where water is kept at a high enough temperature may see Legionella bacterium develop. However, there are indeed some spots in homes, hotels or offices where the culprit bacteria is much more likely to appear. This growth may be the result of any number of internal or external factors, for a quick reference guide we have listed the most common reasons below:

  • Changes in municipal water quality
  • Water temperature fluctuations
  • Water main breaks
  • pH fluctuations
  • Construction
  • Biofilm
  • Water stagnation
  • Scale and sediment
  • Changes in water pressure
  • Inadequate levels of disinfectant

What makes Legionella microbes so dangerous, as mentioned above, is its ability to grow and spread through aerosolization or aspiration (water accidentally passing into the lungs while drinking). These tiny droplets of liquid are practically invisible, light enough to be carried by the air and spread by numerous different building water systems. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Hot tubs
  • Aerators
  • Ice machines
  • Water heaters
  • Water filters
  • Cooling towers
  • Expansion tanks
  • Decorative fountains
  • Shower-heads and hoses
  • Water hammer arrestors
  • Faucet flow restrictors
  • Pipes, valves, and fittings
  • Electronic and manual faucets
  • Hot and cold water storage tanks
  • Non-stream aerosol-generating humidifiers
  • Infrequently used equipment including eyewash stations
  • Centrally installed misters, atomisers, air washers, and humidifiers
  • Medical equipment (such as CPAP machines, hydrotherapy equipment, bronchoscopes)

The Effects of Legionnaires' Disease

Although uncommon, the lung infection one can contract from Legionella bacteria can be very serious. It can result in such symptoms as difficulty breathing, chest pain and a high temperature. If diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease you will most likely need to go to a hospital, where an oxygen mask may be applied and antibiotics given directly into a vein.

Most sufferers will make a full recovery, but it may take at least a few weeks to once again feel some semblance of normal.

How Do We Stop The Spread of Legionella Bacteria?

Thankfully there are multiple ways in which can stop this harmful bacterium from developing. Ensuring disinfectant amounts are correct in water systems, preventing stagnation, monitoring external factors or operating and maintaining equipment are all excellent methods from preventing the spread of the Legionella microbe. Nonetheless, potentially the most important preventative measure an engineer can take is to make sure water temperatures are at the right level. We cannot stress enough how important it is to keep hot water hot and cold water cold. Luckily, Martindale have created a temperature kit ideal for this very task!

Martindale Legionnaires’ Temperature Kit

The included thermometer in the Martindale Legionnaires’ Temperature Kit is the impressive DT73 Single-Channel model, compatible with a range of type K probes in order to measure temperature between -200˚C and 1372˚C. The operator can toggle between ˚C and ˚F and the resolution varies between 0.1˚ and 1˚.

This versatile kit comes complete with two different and highly useful temperature probes. The TT6K penetration probe can be used to measure temperature within liquids (including water) from -50˚C to 250˚C, whilst the TT8K surface probe features a spring-loaded tip for measuring surface temperature on surface such as pipes with a temperature range of -50˚C to 600˚C.

All tests are performed in line with the latest health and safety guidelines making this Martindale Kit ideal for complying with recent legislation - All employers who manage premises with hot/cold water systems and/or wet cooling systems have a legal responsibility to identify any risk of contamination and to prevent or control it.

Further Information

If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at sales@test-meter.co.uk or 0113 248 9966.