Legionella: Mug the bug

24 June 2013

Unlike 2012, 2013 sees much more positive news on managing the risk of Legionella. Following an extensive review, CIBSE has published its latest version of TM13 - Minimising the risk of Legionnaires' disease: 2013.

While the format has been retained, the overall document has seen significant development with:
* enhanced background information
* updated legislation and guidance
* expanded technical content covering evaporative cooling towers, domestic systems and spa pools
* the requirements for risk assessment, and
* expansion to include reference to international as well as UK guidance

The document will appeal not only to building services engineers but also to designers, facilities managers, water treatment companies and consultants. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Legionella Control Association, Water Management Society as well as industry experts including Assurity Consulting formed the working group for the revision.

It is also expected the HSE will complete its review of L8 (Legionnaires' disease. The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems - Approved Code of Practice and guidance) by the end of this year. It appears - as with the original ACoP and guidance - that the two will again be separate documents and a possible "informal consultation" on the content will happen over the summer.