Why to continue the flushing of infrequently used outlets during this period of upheaval?

Why to continue the flushing of infrequently used outlets during this period of upheaval?

*COVID-19 is prevalent in comorbidity (The Lancet)

Now, more than ever, it's important to be mindful about Legionella control. Any illness that affects the respiratory system, if combined with COVID-19*, will likely have a high mortality rate and Legionnaires disease in one such illness.

“Where a building, part of a building or a water system is taken out of use, it should be managed so that microbial growth, including legionella in the water, is appropriately controlled.”

HSE - HSG274 Legionnaires’ disease Part 2: The control of legionella bacteria and cold water systems
Pg24. 2.5 - Buildings temporarily taken out of use (mothballing)

We have provide the following information with reference to the relevant parts of ACoP L8 and British Standards guidance regarding flushing:

• You have to ensure a control method for managing the risk of legionella in your water system and in most instances flushing is an important and simple control method.
• If you move away from flushing then a suitable alternative needs to be considered
• Draining and decommissioning the system may be an option in some cases
• In many cases you are unable to drain the system because other parts of the system still need to be operational
• Leaving water to stagnate without flushing will encourage the bacteria to proliferate.
• When bacteria is left to proliferate it can form a biofilm on all surfaces
•  Once a biofilm is established it is very difficult to remove
• This will inevitably result in additional disinfection works, sampling, remedial and possibly dosing equipment installed. These ongoing costs are likely to be significantly more than the cost of flushing.
• During the period these areas are stagnant, increased levels of bacteria entering the other parts of the water system will not be prevented.
• This will present a risk to any remaining residents or users on return to the building.
• Although concerned with reducing the risk of COVID-19 this will potentially combine the possibility of legionnaires disease to the residents
• This is true due to the fact that COVID-19 is prevalent in comorbidity

Flushing Information Pack

Reference

■ Legionella is a respiratory illness (pneumonia) and if co-concurring with influenza will lead to an outcome as detailed in this quote from a report in the lancet following investigations from the original outbreak in Wuhan - the presence and number of comorbidities is associated with poorer clinical outcome in patients with COVID-19

■ For further information on this please follow this link to a google search for Comorbidity and COVID-19 - comorbidity coronavirus COVID-19

■ HSE - HSG274 Legionnaires’ disease Part 2: The control of legionella bacteria and cold water systems

■ BS8558: Page 68, Guide to the design, installation, testing and maintenance of services supplying water for domestic use within buildings and their curtilages. Complementary guidance to BS EN 806

■ Legionella Control Association : Advice for LCA Members for Legionella Control During the COVID-19 Outbreak