Are your premises ready for reopening? Under the current government advice businesses including shops, hairdressers, beauty salons, gyms and spas will be able to re-open from 12 April. 
 
Prolonged inactivity can lead to poor water quality and the growth of bacteria, such as legionella, which can be harmful to health when taps get turned on again. 
 
Legionella bacteria causes Legionnaires’ disease. This is potentially a fatal form of pneumonia and is not contagious but can be fatal. 
 
Infection is usually transmitted through inhalation of aerosol containing the Legionella bacteria. The particles from infected water sources can become airborne when mechanical action breaks surface water causing water droplets to evaporate. Frequent sources of contaminated water can include air conditioners, showers, spas and water features and fountains. Legionella is often found in hospitals, hotels, prisons, care homes and cruise ships due to their complex water and cooling systems. 
Numbers of cases have risen, with the most recent figures showing 200-250 reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease each year in the UK. These could increase significantly if start up procedures for reopening are not followed. 
 
Any business operator, employer or person in control of a business premises has a legal duty to maintain its water systems and must take the right precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to Legionella. 
 
We’re here to help you every step of the way, so if you’d like assistance with any or all of the above then please reach out to us on 0800 121 8808 or [email protected]
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