A new Circular issued by the Ministry of Health dated 24/04/2024 with the aim of updating the measures for the protection of public health from Legionnaires’ disease, in accordance with the current Legislation D1(d)/GP οικ. 27829/15-5-2023 of the Decree on “Quality of water intended for human consumption in compliance with the provisions of Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 (L435/1, 23.12.2020) (Government Gazette B’ 3525).
Taking into account that Greece, as a Mediterranean country, has ideal climatic characteristics for the development of legionella, there are also other conditions that favour its flourishing and spreading. The long periods of time during which hotels, in particular, remain closed or under-operated are considered critical, so that the water in the distribution network can be considered ‘stagnant’ during these periods.
In accordance with the above legislation in force, the obligation to monitor Legionella in the water circulating in the internal water supply network of hospitals, clinics, health centres, nursing homes, tourist facilities, hotels, prisons, camps has been established.
The minimum frequency of sampling and analysis for Legionella is once every six months (twice a year) and the responsibility for sampling, analysis and corrective action rests with those responsible for the operation of the premises.
TAKING MEASURES TO PREVENT THE DISEASE
Legionnaires’ disease, and the prevention of its occurrence, requires the systematic adoption of appropriate measures for the proper operation of plumbing and air-conditioning installations (hotels, hospitals, spas, sports facilities, public areas, transport, cruise ships, etc.) and to avoid the creation of sources of contamination at points in the networks where there are frequent temperature fluctuations and deposits of salts and foreign substances in general.
It is stressed that at regular intervals (at least once every 6 months in accordance with the above-mentioned EIA), water samples should be taken from the internal distribution network of the building in order to take appropriate measures in the event of contamination. The water samples should be sent to the National Reference Centres, or to CRLs, or to laboratories accredited to test for legionella.
The BIOCHEMIKI Analytical Laboratories, as accredited for Legionella analysis, can undertake both the sampling and the analyses required by the legislation in force.
Contact us to find out about the actions required for your type of facility.
Read the circular below for details of the guidance on reporting outbreaks, prevention measures and sampling for Legionnaires’ disease:
ΨΛΣΔΔ465ΦYO-Ζ70 CLASSIC OF LEAGUEONELLAS 2024
Source: Ministry of Health: Measures to protect public health from Legionnaires’ disease
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
