Fast Testing
When lives are at stake through colonisation of water systems with Legionella bacteria, and in particular Legionella pnuemophila serogroup 1 it is obvious that the quicker you can identify contamination the better. Given that Legionella can double in numbers every 90 minutes in a poorly maintained water system it is possible for a minor problem to develop into a major issue whilst waiting for traditional laboratory results.
The health risk of Legionella mean that in many countries control and monitoring programmes are mandatory, and failing to take adequate steps to prevent infection can result in prosecution for health and safety offences, and even manslaughter charges. A regular testing programme using the fastest available test can be a key element in showing you have taken due diligence in managing your systems.
Early warning of an unfolding problem can:
- Protect your workforce / the public
- Avoid the time and distraction of being involved in a Legionella outbreak
- Protect your brand / reputation
- Enable you to get systems cleaned and back into operation more quickly
- Allow you to make informed decisions
In routine use, fast testing will also allow you to:
- Show you are exceeding the minimum Legal requirements
- Show you are using additional measures where required (e.g. when cooling tower pack cannot be removed periodically)
- Demonstrate to your staff/unions that you take Legionella risk seriously