The recent outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease in Edinburgh, Scotland, shows the relevance of providing the oil and gas industry with appropriate guidance on how to manage the control of Legionella bacteria in its facilities. The Energy Institute (EI)'s Occupational Health and Hygiene Committee has updated its existing technical guidance, and is working on a second publication specific to cooling tower maintenance, both of which are now available to pre-order.

Legionellosis risk management and Legionella control – Guidance for oil and gas facilities, offshore platforms and refineries covers the requirements of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Approved Code of Practice (L8) for ‘The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems’.

Commenting on the updated guidance, Ms Lynne Morgan FEI, Chair, EI Occupational Health and Hygiene Committee, says, ‘This technical guidance from the EI supports the requirements set out by HSE, and addresses specific operating practices unique to some specific energy industry installations. The problem for industry is that water systems can become heavily contaminated with potentially lethal bacteria. The responsibility of the EI’s Occupational Health and Hygiene Committee is to advise industry on appropriate workplace, health protection issues and, where possible, provide relevant technical guidance and control measures. Further to this publication, additional guidance will follow to specifically address maintenance of cooling towers for the control of Legionella.’

Tags: Energy Institute