Al Joud Centre, Office 115, 15 A St, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz Ind. 1, Dubai, UAE
Green Building Regulations Dubai Dubai, known for its extraordinary architecture, is now taking a groundbreaking step towards sustainability. In a bid to create a greener future, the city has implemented stringent green building regulations that aim to minimize environmental impact
Indoor air quality testing is a crucial procedure that measures the levels of pollutants inside buildings and enclosed spaces. It is an essential part of maintaining a healthy living and working environment, contributing significantly to our overall well-being. This article
Air quality testing is an essential procedure that measures the levels of pollutants in an environment, providing a comprehensive understanding of the air we breathe. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring our surroundings are healthy and safe. This article
Are you aware that your seemingly harmless home could be harboring a silent threat to your health and well-being? Mold, the hidden danger lurking in corners and crevices, can cause allergies, respiratory problems, and even serious illnesses if left untreated.
Testing in Indoor Environments Indoor environments, whether residential or commercial, play a significant role in our overall well-being. We spend a majority of our time indoors, be it at home, work, school, or recreational spaces. Consequently, the quality of these
Concerned about the presence of Legionella bacteria in your water system? This bacteria can lead to Legionnaires’ Disease, a potentially lethal condition that can be triggered by inadequate building maintenance. We can help you avoid this risk by creating a comprehensive Legionella risk assessment and water management plan. We also offer Legionella testing as part of our service. To get started, give us a call at 04 3215505
Legionella, a type of bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ Disease, poses a serious threat to public health. This potentially fatal form of pneumonia is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of aerosolized water containing the bacteria. To mitigate the risk of Legionella contamination, it is crucial to implement robust water management plans and conduct regular Legionella testing.
Legionella bacteria thrives in warmer water environments, making domestic hot water systems an ideal breeding ground. While larger buildings such as hospitals and hotels are considered higher risk due to their complex water systems, it’s important to note that Legionella can also be present in homes. Stagnant water in infrequently used areas, such as guest bathrooms or unused rooms, can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
The greatest danger arises when individuals inhale aerosolized water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. Those with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly, individuals with chronic lung disease, or those undergoing chemotherapy, are particularly susceptible to contracting Legionnaires’ Disease. The severity of the disease can range from mild respiratory symptoms to severe pneumonia, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
To effectively manage the risk of Legionella contamination, it is crucial to develop a comprehensive Legionella water management plan. One widely recognized industry standard for creating these plans is ASHRAE 188. Following this standard ensures that all necessary aspects, including risk assessments, monitoring protocols, corrective actions, and communication strategies, are addressed.
At Saniservice, we recommend creating a Legionella water management plan before proceeding with Legionella testing. Our Chief Science Officer, Ian Cull, who is an ASHRAE member and has extensive experience in Legionella management, can guide you through the development of a customized plan that meets the specific needs of your facility.
While developing a water management plan is essential, many clients also opt for Legionella testing as a quick risk assessment measure. There are two common methods for Legionella testing: culture and qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction).
Culture testing, considered the gold standard, involves cultivating the bacteria from water samples and counting live bacteria that can cause disease. This method provides accurate results but takes longer to obtain, typically requiring several days.
On the other hand, qPCR testing allows for next-day results by amplifying specific DNA sequences of the bacteria. However, it cannot differentiate between live and dead bacteria. Consequently, even if your water treatment system effectively kills the bacteria, the test will still count the dead bacteria in the total, potentially skewing the results.
To ensure the most accurate and timely results, a combination of both culture and qPCR testing is often recommended. This approach provides a comprehensive assessment of the bacterial load in the water system and helps identify potential risks.
Contact us at 04 3215505 to discuss your specific needs and requirements regarding Legionella testing. Our team will work with you to develop a customized plan and provide pricing options that suit your facility.
By prioritizing Legionella testing and implementing effective water management plans, you can safeguard the health and well-being of occupants in your building or facility. Taking proactive measures to prevent Legionella contamination not only ensures compliance with health and safety regulations but also provides peace of mind knowing that you are actively protecting people from the risks of Legionnaires’ Disease.
