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Are you at risk of Legionella?

Legionella refers to the bacteria which causes legionnaires' disease. Such bacteria is commonly found in central heating and if your plumbing isn't up to scratch, you could be at risk! Today we will speak more about what Legionella is and give you guys some interesting facts as well as how they tie into what Plumbers need to know!

Tell me more!

'Health and Safety Executive' states Legionella bacteria can also be found in natural water systems such as rivers and ponds. However, if you catch legionnaires' disease, you are more likely to have caught it from man made systems which havent been looked after properly!

As told by our Plumbing Instructor Mike, it's very easy for the bacteria to grow as they thrive in temperatures between 25° and 60°. Other places legionella can be found include anywhere the temperature is high enough to encourage growth such as cooling towers, evaporative condensors, hot and cold water system and even spa pools.

Ever heard of it being bad to drink warm water? Now you know why!

Who's at risk?

Everyone! However, the following are more susceptible to catching the horrible disease:

people over 45 years of age
smokers and heavy drinkers
people suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease
diabetes, lung and heart disease
anyone with an impaired immune system

What else do I need to know?

Now when speaking in more depth to Mike, Legionella is a topic mentioned on our various Plumbing Courses as it remains a vital topic worth knowing about.

Students are told about not allowing cold water to reach no more than 25° and also the importance of why hot water needs to be stored above 60° in a water cylinder.

If your plumber needs to make sure your home or commercial property avoids the 25-60° mark, then may be you should educate yourself on the topic too. With symptoms mimicking those of the flu, it can initially be undetected when caught.

Perhaps you're looking to switch careers over into Plumbing... Well legionnella is most definitely something you need to know about. Able Skills will tell you everything you need to know relevant to the level you're at and will make sure you're industry ready with Plumbing Courses like:

If you want to find out more about what each course includes, then head over to: Plumbing Courses - giving you guys everything you need to know as well as where they can take you!