Fatal outbreaks of Legionnaires' Disease show strict control and monitoring measures are more important than ever. The Palintest L8 Kit helps monitor the conditions that may allow legionella to grow.
Since the first reported cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in 1976, outbreaks of this potentially fatal disease remains a threat. This has highlighted the need for frequent monitoring and testing of potential sources of infection. It has been assembled in-line with the new Health and Safety Commission guidelines on legionella which require that specific, weekly tests be carried out on potential sources of infection. All the components needed for these tests are provided in the kit.
What is Legionnaires’ Disease and where is it found?
Legionnaires’ Disease is a type of pneumonia caused by a bacterium Legionella pneumophila which is commonly found in natural and artificial water systems and can proliferate in poorly maintained wet cooling systems in a wide variety of workplaces (e.g. hospitals, office buildings, industrial premises and in the hotel and leisure industry).
Certain materials have been known to harbour the organism such as shower heads and rubber gaskets used in hot water systems. Infection may occur when fine water droplets containing bacterium are breathed in.
It can also be found in cooling towers and evaporative condensers such as air conditioning plants and industrial cooling systems where typical temperatures may rise above 20°C.
Measures to control Legionnaires’ Disease include proper disinfection and chlorination, thorough draining and regular inspection of all cooling towers and evaporative condensers. Cisterns and pipework should be designed so that water is not allowed to stagnate or stand undisturbed for long periods. An important part of reducing risks is a comprehensive monitoring programme.
Weekly checks required by the HSC guidelines for cooling towers are:
- Oxidising biocide
- Conductivity
- pH
- Micro bacteriological activity
The Palintest L8 Kit provides all the components needed for these weekly test requirements in a convenient carry case.
Ordering Information
| Description | Product Code | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| L8 Weekly Monitoring Kit | Includes conductivity probe, comparator discs and tablets for bromine and universal pH, test tube, comparator tube, brush, battery and 10 dipslides | SP934L8 | Buy online |
| Incubator MV | CT109 | Buy online | |
Press Releases
Monitoring the Threat of Legionnaires' Infection
August 2002
The recent, tragic outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Cumbria, UK, has once again highlighted the importance of regular maintenance and testing of air conditioning systems. The Health and Safety Commission guidelines on legionella require that specific, weekly tests be carried out on all potential sources of infection. Palintest produces a kit to help monitor the threat of Legionnaires's disease which contains all the components needed for these HSC tests.
