Legionella in Stone Fabrication: Risks and Prevention
What is Legionella?
Legionella is a harmful bacterium found in natural water systems. It can cause serious illnesses such as Legionnaires’ disease – a severe form of pneumonia – and Pontiac Fever.
In stone fabrication processes like cutting and polishing, water is essential for reducing friction, cooling tools, and dust suppression, which helps mitigate against the risk of silicosis caused by silica dust in the air. However, because water is required to be used so frequently, stone fabricators are at risk daily of exposure to Legionella – unless proper safety measures are put in place. As part of our Safe in Stone campaign, we wanted to highlight this potential health and safety risk in a stone fabricator workshop, and give you some information on how your business can help mitigate against it.
What are the risks of Legionella in stone fabrication?
Water Systems
Water systems, if not properly monitored and maintained, provide the perfect conditions for bacterial growth. This includes all on-site water systems, not just those that are directly involved in stone cutting. These include:
Stagnant Water
If pits, trenches, pipes and water treatment systems are not monitored, cleaned and maintained, water can build up and become stagnant in areas. These areas then become a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful organisms.
Forming of Aerosols
Stone fabrication processes involving the use of water, can generate aerosols (tiny water droplets). These can be inhaled by fabricators and can lead to diseases if the droplets contain Legionella.
Water Temperatures
Legionella thrives in water temperatures between 20°C – 45°C, where it can multiply rapidly.
Source of Nutrients
If there are sources of nutrients such as rust, sludge, and scale in the water, it allows bacteria to multiply.
How can the growth of Legionella be prevented in stone fabrication?
Regular Risk Assessments
To identify potential sources of Legionella contamination in water systems and fabrication processes, conduct regular, thorough, risk assessments.
Water System Maintenance
Regular monitoring and maintenance of all on-site water systems is essential. This should include:
A consistent maintenance schedule helps prevent stagnant water, control temperature, and reduce the chance of bacterial growth.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Ensure you are wearing the correct PPE when undergoing wet fabrication processes. PPE such as respirators and gloves can minimise the risk of inhalation and direct contact.
Training
Ensure that you and your employees are aware of Legionella risks, prevention measures and procedures for minimising the risks. It’d also be beneficial for your employees to undergo training courses that cover Legionella, risks and prevention methods.
Water Temperatures
Hot water should be stored at 60°C or higher, and cold water should be stored below 20°C. Regularly monitor these temperatures to ensure they are where they should be.
Legionella Testing
To ensure your prevention methods are effective enough, consider testing for Legionella. To do this, collect water samples from various water systems and send them to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. Alternatively, rapid on-site testing kits are also available and can provide results in as little as 25 minutes.
Legionella Legal Requirements
Stone fabrication businesses must comply with legal requirements for managing the risks of Legionella.
Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8
ACOP L8 offers practical advice and specific guidance on controlling legionella in water systems.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002
Legionella is classed as a hazardous substance that requires employers and responsible employees on the premises to manage the risk of exposure.
Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Employers and responsible employees on the premises must manage the risks associated with Legionella bacteria in the workplace.
HSG274
HSG274 provides technical advice and guidance on controlling the risks of Legionella exposure.
How We Can Help
At Stonegate, we take water safety seriously. That’s why we partner with a trusted third-party specialist who conducts regular on-site visits to our fabrication workshop to maintain our water systems and carry out laboratory testing for Legionella.
If you’d like advice or more details on reducing the risk of Legionella in your own systems, or on any of the health risks you may be facing in the stone industry, just visit our Safe in Stone campaign.
