Standard Legionnaire's Thermometer Kit

Standard Legionnaire's Thermometer Kit

Incorrect water temperature is a key risk factor for legionella growth. The legionella bacteria multiply in water at temperatures between 20 to 45°C. A typical method of control is to store hot water above 60°C and distribute it at above 50°C (care must be taken to prevent scalding). Cold water should be kept below 20°C.

This Budget Legionnaire's Thermometer Kit can be used to monitor the temperature of both standing water and the surface of pipes and tanks that form part of the water system.

Each Budget Legionnaire's thermometer kit contains:

• 1 x 221-041  Therma 1 thermometer
• 1 x 323-046  waterproof surface probe
• 1 x 133-372  heavy duty PTFE wire probe
• 1 x 830-037  zip pouch

Current legislation (in the UK, please follow national regulations) means that if you are the employer or person in control of premises, you must organise a risk assessment. The revised Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) issued by the Government's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) significantly extends the scope of its guidance on control of legionella bacteria in water.

The code now applies to all hot and cold water systems in the workplace regardless of their capacity, i.e. the lower limit of 300 litres previously used to exclude domestic systems no longer applies. Whilst domestic systems may represent a risk, the code only applies to risk arising from a work activity.

This means that all employers who manage premises with hot/cold water systems and/or a wet cooling system have a legal responsibility to identify any risk of contamination and to prevent or control it.