TG08 2015 At a Glance, Legionella
Legionnaires’ disease is the most serious of a number of diseases that can be caused by legionella bacteria. It is generally contracted by inhaling water droplets suspended in the air.
In November 2015, as part of a range of Topic Guides, BSRIA published a free to download guide to legionella TG08/2015 ‘At a Glance’ – Legionella.
According to the guide, ‘Legionnaires disease is one of the infections caused by Legionella pneumophila (Lp) and other bacteria from the family Legionellaceae. The bacteria are present in the environment in soil and water and can survive and thrive in potable hot water systems. More than 50 species of legionella have been identified and half of these can cause various infections described as legionellosis.’
The guide offers at-a-glance reference information to the issues of legionella bacteria, regulatory and guidance frameworks, risk management to ensure compliance and sources of further information. It is aimed at those looking for basic information about legionella including definition, history and prevalence.
Expert commentary is provided by BSRIA’s Head of Energy & Environment, Reginald Brown, as he looks at cooling towers and whether they are beneficial to legionella management or prevent a higher risk.
Reginald said: “Despite the serious nature of legionella, the risk of legionnaires’ disease is relatively small. The risks in water systems can be almost eliminated through sensible design decisions and good standards of maintenance. This guide introduces you to the risks and can be used as an initial starting point in understanding how to manage said risks.”
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles in Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.