Page 26 - Paragon Housing Association - H&S Handbook

Legionella and Water Safety
Legionella is a bacterium found in water sources like rivers. It may also be found in household water systems where the correct environment/conditions exist. Legionella can grow to the point where it could increase the risk of householders contracting Legionnaires’ Disease.
To reduce the risk of contracting this deadly disease, there are several things you can do:
n n
You MUST tell Paragon if the hot water temperature in your house doesn’t reach 50°C.
And you MUST let us know if your property is going to be empty for four weeks or more.
Over and above this there are things you can do on your own to stay safe.
n Run the taps at least once a week if they’re not in regular use and do the same with your shower head.
n Also, clean the shower head; give it a thorough descale every three months especially if it’s showing signs of clogging.
We have a legionella management system in place whereby communal checks are carried out by independent specialists and actions taken as required.
26 Paragon Housing Association Health and Safety Handbook