Holiday and caravan parks are extremely popular amongst individuals, couples and families of all ages. They offer a great way to relax, have fun, spend time together and make special memories in a way that is much simpler, cheaper and more convenient than travelling abroad.
However, caravan parks can provide the right environment for legionella bacteria to thrive which can put guests, visitors and employees at risk. The good news though is that this is avoidable.
If you use the services of a professional water hygiene company, they can help you to become compliant with ACoP L8 – Legionnaires’ Disease – the control of Legionella bacteria in water systems which is published by the HSE
What is Legionella?
Legionella is a type of bacteria that can develop in natural water sources such as lakes and rivers. It can also be found in manmade water systems like pools, spas, showers, hot tubs, water tanks and hot and cold-water systems, where the water is stored at temperatures that it can thrive in (between 20 ˚C and 45˚C).
If a person inhales airborne water droplets that contain legionella, then they are at risk of developing Legionnaires disease which is a very serious and potentially fatal type of pneumonia. This can be especially dangerous for those who smoke, are aged 45 and over, or those who have a weak immune system.
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Who is Responsible for Legionella Control on Caravan Sites?
When it comes to legionella control on holiday parks and caravan sites, the legislation states that it falls on the premises owners or statutory duty holders. It is their responsibility to make sure that the site is properly risk-assessed and that regular checks are carried out to help prevent conditions from occurring that could potentially allow bacteria to grow.
Because of the seriousness of Legionnaires disease and the fact that it can result in severe health implications or even death, the consequences of failing to comply with the necessary legal requirements can lead to severe fines or even prosecution.
How to Make a Caravan Park Safe from Legionella
There are several things that need to be done to help reduce and manage the risk of Legionella bacteria including:
- Conduct a legionella risk assessment which will identify any risks and set out instructions on how they can be reduced.
- If any remedial works are identified during the risk assessment, ensure that they are completed as soon as possible.
- Regularly monitor legionella levels and check to see if control measures are working effectively.
- Ensure that the cold-water tanks are inspected annually to check that:
- The lid is secure, of a suitable material and in good condition
- They are clean
- The vents, overflows and any pipework are in good condition
- There are opposing inlets and outlets as well as vermin and insect screens in place and intact
- Descale and disinfect showerheads, water cylinders and water calorifiers where legionella can thrive and limescale can build up
- Reduce water storage during the off season by installing electronic tank level switches that help to match the reduction in demand and maintain healthy functionality.
Legionella Remedial Works
When it comes to water remedial works on caravan sites, ensuring that everything is done thoroughly and correctly is of the upmost importance to help keep employees, guests and visitors safe.
At Swiftclean, our team of dedicated experts provides professional, reliable and cost-effective legionella water remedial works for caravan parks, taking care of everything for you so that you have complete peace of mind knowing your site is compliant.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please get in touch and one of our advisors will be happy to help.
Swiftclean commitment:
- FREE quotation/technical advice – Nationwide – call 0800 243 471
- Works carried out in accordance with the Legionella Control Association (LCA) code of conduct
- Risk Assessments and control schemes carried out to L8, BSRIA and CIBSE guidelines
- All works fully certified and legionella control log books provided
- Fully trained and directly employed staff
- Method Statements and Risk Assessments provided site specific as required
- Training for your own staff following risk assessment
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Please call us or email info@swiftclean.co.uk for further advice and a free quote.