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Legionnaires’ disease Outbreak June 2012
Posted on June 12, 2012One man has died and a further 51 people are fighting for their lives in an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Edinburgh, further cases are expected . 16 Cooling Towers in the area are suspected as a possible source of the outbreak.
What is Legionnaires Disease?
A potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria and contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets. Cooling Towers are frequently the cause of an outbreak of Legionnaires Disease and a contaminated Cooling Tower is reportedly capable of spreading the disease over a 44 mile radius.
Are all Cooling Towers Contaminated?
No, but if not correctly maintained Cooling towers over time can develop corrosion on the internal surfaces which provide food and an ideal breeding ground for bacteria such as Legionella. The corroded surfaces are also far more difficult to clean and treat during regular maintenance.
Cooling Tower before Refurbishment
Cooling Tower before Lining
Should a contaminated Cooling Tower be replaced?
No, even a badly corroded tower can be repaired, prepared and relined in accordance with ACoP L8 guidelines using an industry approved coating such as those supplied and applied by a reputable Company such as COVAC.
Cooling Tower after Reline by COVAC
Cooling Tower After Lining by COVAC
For further information about this latest outbreak please follow this link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-18348909
For further information about preventing legionella bacteria contamination please follow this link:
http://www.covac.co.uk/legionella-control.php