We have three people who got sick in a building and we think it might the legi9nnaire disease. The building is located in a third world country. We are trying to privé advice toe the manager that aligns with the Canadian practices, can you help
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Published by SALUSTo advise the building manager on Legionnaires' disease prevention and control, it's crucial to implement a comprehensive water management plan aligned with safety regulations and industry best practices. This plan should aim to minimize health risks associated with Legionella bacteria in building water systems.
Key steps for Legionnaires' disease prevention and control:
- Conduct a Risk Assessment:
Identify potential hazards and risk factors associated with Legionella growth and transmission in the building's water systems. This includes cooling towers, hot water tanks, faucets, showerheads, whirlpool spas, hot tubs, public spas, and humidifiers.
- Maintain Water Systems:
Implement good engineering practices, proper maintenance, and operation of air and water handling systems and mist-producing devices. Follow manufacturer's instructions for operation, cleaning, and maintenance.
- Regular Cleaning and Disinfection:
Inspect and thoroughly clean cooling towers and evaporative condensers at least once a year. Remove algae and accumulated scale, and replace corroded parts. Regularly clean and flush hot water tanks and water systems to prevent water stagnation.
- Water Treatment:
Treat cooling water constantly, ideally using an automatic water treatment system to continuously control the quality of the circulating water.
- Air Intake Placement:
Ensure fresh air intakes are not built close to cooling towers to reduce the risk of contaminated aerosols entering the ventilation system. Examine, clean, and/or replace air filters periodically and test for leaks.
- Monitor and Review:
Regularly monitor both the hazard and the control method to ensure that the control is working effectively and that exposure to the hazard is reduced or eliminated. Use tools including physical inspection, testing, exposure assessment, observations, injury and illness tracking, incident investigations reports, employee feedback or input, and occupational health assessment.
- Training and Awareness:
Provide proper instruction and training to workers who maintain water cooling towers or may be exposed to Legionella. Ensure all safety procedures are followed when entering confined spaces for cleaning or de-scaling.
[1] [1] [1] [3] In the event of reported illnesses, it is important to report any serious injury, illness, or incident that results in the death of a worker, an injury, illness or incident in which there is reason to believe the worker has been or will be admitted to a hospital beyond treatment in an emergency room or urgent care facility. [2]
Sources used for this answer
[1] Hazard and Risk - Hazard Control
Page 3
Open source documentSource excerpt
# Hazard and Risk - Hazard Control (cont.) ## What are the main ways to control a hazard? (cont.) - Administrative Controls: controls that alter how the work is done, including timing of work, policies and other rules, and work practices such as standards and operating procedures (including training, housekeeping, equipment maintenance, and personal hygiene practices). - Personal Protective Equipment: equipment worn by individuals to reduce exposure, such as contact with chemicals or exposure to noise. These methods are also known as the "hierarchy of controls". For more information, please see the OSH Answers document Hierarchy of Controls. ## Where are controls used? Controls are usually placed: 1. At the source (where the hazard "comes from"). 2. Along the path (where the hazard "travels"). 3. At the worker. Air Path Dip Tank Source Worker Figure 2 The best strategy is to control the hazard at its source. Control at the source and control along the path are sometimes also known as engineering controls. ## Why is it important to monitor and review your hazard control program and methods? It is important to monitor both the hazard and the control method to make sure that the control is working effectively and that exposure to the hazard is reduced or eliminated. Some tools include physical inspection, testing, exposure assessment, observations, injury and illness tracking, incident investigations reports, employee feedback or input, occupational health assessment and other methods. Be sure to answer the following questions: Hazard and Risk - Hazard Control CCOHS
[2] Health and Safety Legislation in Canada - Injury Reporting
Page 4
Open source documentSource excerpt
# Health and Safety Legislation in Canada - Injury Reporting (cont.) ## What are the reporting requirements when an injury or serious incident occurs? (cont.) <table><tr><th>Jurisdiction</th><th>Serious Injury, Illness, or Incident Definition</th><th>Injury Reporting to Workers' Compensation Board Requirements</th></tr><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td>an injury, illness or incident that</td><td>An employer must submit a report</td></tr><tr><td>results in the death of a worker, an injury, illness or incident in which there is reason to believe the worker has been or will be admitted to a hospital beyond treatment in an emergency room or urgent care facility, an unplanned or uncontrolled explosion, fire or flood that causes a serious injury or illness or that has the potential of causing a serious injury or illness, the collapse or upset of a crane, derrick or hoist, and the collapse or failure of any component of a building or structure necessary for the structural integrity of the building or structure.</td><td>to the workers' compensation board if the incident results in, or is likely to result in: lost time or the need to temporarily or permanently modify work beyond the date of accident, death or permanent disability (amputation, hearing loss, etc.), a disabling or potentially disabling condition caused by occupational exposure or activity (poisoning, infection, respiratory disease, dermatitis, etc.), the need for medical treatment beyond first aid (assessment by physician, physiotherapy, chiropractic, etc.), or incurring medical aid expenses (dental treatment, eyeglass repair or replacement, prescription medications, etc.). Click on the link for more information.</td></tr><tr><td>British Columbia</td><td>Workers Compensation Act, Part 2 Division 10, Section 68 The employer must notify the Board immediately of any occurrence that: resulted in serious injury to or the death of a worker,</td><td>WorkSafeBC As soon as possible after an injury or illness, …
[3] Legionnaires' Disease
Page 5
Open source documentSource excerpt
# What are the signs and symptoms of Legionnaires' disease? (cont.) ## Who is more likely to get Legionnaires' disease? (cont.) - Kidney or liver failure - Chronic lung diseases (like emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)) Smoking may also increase the risk of illness. ## What occupations are at risk for Legionnaires' disease? Workers most at risk are those with occupations that require them to work in sealed buildings including those workers who maintain water cooling towers in air conditioning systems. Since Legionella is found naturally outdoors near water sources, some outdoor occupations may be considered at risk as well; however, the number of bacteria found in these locations is generally not high enough to cause disease in people. Soil disturbed in areas where surface or aerosolized water discharge occurs has the potential to cause exposure to the microorganism In a few cases, the Legionella bacteria from cooling towers has survived and spread into the air of ventilation systems and air ducts for distances of several kilometers. ## How can we prevent Legionnaires' disease? The likelihood of Legionella exposure may be reduced by good engineering practices which includes proper maintenance and operation of air and water handling systems and mist- producing devices. These devices include shower heads, hot tubs, humidifiers, and whirlpool bathtubs. In all cases, follow the manufacturer's instructions for operation, cleaning, and maintenance. Cooling towers and evaporative condensers should be inspected and thoroughly cleaned at least once a year. Corroded parts, such as drift eliminators, should be replaced. Algae and accumulated scale should be removed. These measures will not only control the growth of bacteria, but will also maintain operating efficiency. Never enter a confined space without proper instruction or training. All safety procedures must be followed if required to enter a confined space for cleaning or de-scaling. …
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