Ensuring Guest Safety - Comprehensive Guide to Controlling Legionella in Hotels

Legionella, a bacterium that can cause Legionnaires' disease, poses a significant health risk in hotels if not properly controlled. Adhering to World Health Organization (WHO) standards is crucial for maintaining a safe environment for guests and staff. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to control Legionella in hotel settings, highlighting key points and their importance.

Understanding Legionnaires' Disease

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. It primarily affects the lungs and can be life-threatening, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems, older adults, and those with chronic respiratory conditions.

Symptoms of Legionnaires' Disease:

• High fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea)
• Confusion or other mental changes

Key Guidelines for Controlling Legionella

• Assign a Legionella Control Person

Designate one trained individual responsible for Legionella control.Ensure that other staff members are aware of their roles in preventing Legionella proliferation.

• Training and Awareness

Provide specialized training for the designated Legionella control person.Conduct awareness sessions for all staff to understand the importance of Legionella control.

• Temperature Control

Maintain hot water temperatures between 50°C and 60°C and ensure continuous circulation.Keep cold water temperatures below 25°C to inhibit bacterial growth.

• Regular Tap and Shower Flushing

Run all taps and showers in unoccupied guest rooms for several minutes at least once a week and always before new guests occupy the rooms.

• Cleanliness and Maintenance

Keep shower heads and taps clean and free from scale to prevent bacterial buildup.Clean and disinfect cooling towers and associated pipes in air conditioning systems at least twice a year.

• Water Heater Maintenance

Clean and disinfect water heaters (clarifiers) weekly.Disinfect the hot water system with high levels (50 mg/l) of chlorine for 2-4 hours after maintenance work and at the beginning of each season.

• Water Filter Maintenance

Clean and disinfect all water filters regularly, ideally every one to three months.

• Inspection and Integrity of Water Systems

Conduct monthly inspections of water storage tanks, cooling towers, and visible pipeworks.Ensure all coverings are intact and securely in place to prevent contamination.

• System Modifications

Avoid creating pipeworks with intermittent or no water flow during system modifications or new installations.

• Spa Pool Management

Maintain continuous treatment with 2-3 mg/l chlorine or bromine, monitoring levels at least three times a day.Replace at least half of the water daily.Backwash and filter the system daily.Clean and disinfect the entire system weekly.

• Legionella Testing

Conduct Legionella testing at least quarterly (four times a year) to monitor and ensure the safety of water systems.Implement additional testing if there are any changes to the water system or if contamination is suspected.

Importance of Legionella Control

• Health and Safety: Preventing Legionella is critical to protect guests and staff from Legionnaires' disease, which can be severe or even fatal.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to WHO standards ensures compliance with health regulations and avoids legal liabilities.
• Guest Satisfaction: Effective Legionella control contributes to a safe and comfortable environment, enhancing guest satisfaction and trust.
• Operational Efficiency: Regular maintenance and preventive measures help avoid costly breakdowns and repairs, ensuring smooth hotel operations.

By following these guidelines, hotels can significantly reduce the risk of Legionella contamination, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for everyone.