Warning issued about potentially lethal bacteria at Sheffield businesses

Sheffield City Council is asking all firms that have been closed to take action to mitigate the risks of Legionella bacteria that may have built up in their water systems.

Legionella bacteria causes Legionnaires’ Disease which if caught can result in a serious lung infection. It is treatable, however some people may require hospitalisation and in some cases it can be fatal. The disease is more common in people aged 50+, particularly men, and smokers are at increased risk.

Legionella bacteria can develop in underused water systems, and as many businesses have been closed for an extended period of time during the pandemic, it is essential that the necessary steps are taken to assess the risk to make sure they are safe to reopen.

The businesses deemed to be most at risk are those where there is the potential for direct exposure from bacteria to staff and customers via water sources – for example in gym and hotel showers, hairdressers and beauty salons.

Greg Fell, director of p ublic h ealth in Sheffield said: “As we move into the next phase of lockdown, we know that businesses are very keen to open their doors again as soon as possible.

“However, it is vitally important that steps are taken to ensure the health and safety of staff and customers. There is a real risk that Legionella could have built up in water systems that haven’t been used and maintained during the lockdown period, so business owners must follow the guidance and make sure that their premises are safe before they reopen.

“The council is here to support business owners in their preparations and help high-risk businesses to make sure the health and safety requirements are met before they start trading again.”

L ike Covid-19, symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease include a persistent bad cough, difficulties breathing, severe chest pain, a high temperature and feeling hot and/or shivery.

Businesses who need further advice should contact Public Health England via email [email protected] or calling 01904 468 948.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to The Star website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Visit https://www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.