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Stay Ahead of the Curve; The Power of Proactive Legionella Testing

Stay Ahead of the Curve; The Power of Proactive Legionella Testing

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria are commonly found in natural water sources, such as lakes and rivers, but they can also grow in man-made water systems, including cooling towers, boilers, ice machines, hot tubs, and plumbing systems. When aerosolized, Legionella bacteria can cause serious respiratory illness, especially in people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions.

Given the potential health risks associated with Legionella bacteria, you should take proactive steps to test for and prevent Legionnaires' disease outbreaks. Here are four reasons IWC Innovations recommends why companies should be proactive in testing for Legionella:

  1. Protect employees and customers
    Companies have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their employees and customers. By regularly testing for Legionella bacteria in their water systems, companies can identify and address potential sources of infection before an outbreak occurs. This proactive approach can help prevent the spread of Legionnaires' disease and protect the health of employees and customers in your facility.

  2. Avoid legal and financial consequences
    Legionnaires' disease outbreaks have serious legal and financial consequences for companies. In addition to potential lawsuits and damage to the company's reputation, outbreaks often result in fines or penalties for non-compliance with local regulations. By proactively testing for Legionella, companies can demonstrate their commitment to public health and potentially avoid costly legal or financial repercussions. When customers know that you are implementing these simple measures, they will have that added confidence in your facility.

  3. Compliance with regulations
    Various local and state regulations require companies to test for and manage Legionella in their water systems. For example, in the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued guidelines for preventing Legionnaires' disease in the workplace. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties or fines. By proactively testing for Legionella, companies ensure compliance with these regulations and avoid penalties.

  4. Cost-effective prevention
    Proactively testing for Legionella can be a cost-effective way to prevent Legionnaires' disease outbreaks. The cost of testing and implementing preventative measures is lower than the cost of dealing with an outbreak, which can include medical expenses, operational downtime, legal or financial consequences, and potential building closure.

Proactive testing is a responsible approach to water management that prioritizes the health and safety of those who utilize facility water systems. Finding Legionella in your water is not a bad thing, but having a public relations nightmare compounded with financial losses is your ideal worst case scenario. IWC Innovations’ ASSE 12080 Certified Legionella Water Safety and Management Specialists are trained in their attention to detail, and are happy to customize solutions that fit any water problem your facility might face.

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