Legionella and Water Risk Management Plans
In the aged care industry, the health and happiness of residents and patients is critically important.
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- Queensland Health hospitals
- Queensland Health residential aged care facilities
- Licenced private health facilities.
The requirement for a water risk management plan (WRMP) is soon expected to extend to the private residential aged care sector. Private aged care facilities will be required to develop a WRMP that identifies hazards, risks, and control measures implemented for their water distribution system. The WRMP must also include a monitoring program, where water samples are to be tested for Legionella bacteria.
Legionella is a bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease (legionellosis) or the milder form called Pontiac fever. With treatment in hospital, patients can begin to recover in three to five days. However, the progress of the infection can be quite quick, making it imperative that treatment be received as soon as possible.
- Soil
- Compost and potting mix
- Bodies of water
- Hot or warm water systems
- Showerheads
- Spa baths
- Fountains
- Cooling towers associated with air conditioning
- Evaporative cooling units