Managing safely courses news: Managing director fined for legionella risk

Category: IOSH Managing Safely
Monday 8th of February 2010

The managing director of a Black Country firm has been fined after he did not take precautions to prevent the possible spread of legionella.

An inspection by a water treatment contractor found the bacteria in two cooling towers at First Metal Finishers in Coseley.

The towers were in use at the time of the assessment, but it was apparent that there was not a management system in place to prevent the spread of the potentially life-threatening illness.

In addition, required monitoring and checks of the towers were not taking place, a point which may surprise those on managing safely courses.

These findings resulted in a prohibition notice being put in place to stop the use of the towers and the investigation found failings on the part of managing director Ernest Jones. He received a £2,000 fine plus costs from Dudley Magistrates' Court.

Health and Safety Executive inspector Sarah Palfreyman said: "Managing directors have a responsibility to act upon findings like this as soon as possible."

Legionnaire's disease is contracted by inhaling droplets of water which contain the legionella bacteria. It can cause flu-like symptoms but can also result in pneumonia in more serious cases.

Posted by Helen Winstanley

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