Massive uptake in Legionella training recorded 08 August 2012

Develop Training says it has seen bookings for its legionella training courses more than double in the last few months.

Delegate numbers had been rising steadily since March but the increase in June was most significant, according to Tony Green, business manager for water systems at Develop Training, which he attributes to the outbreak of Legionnaires disease in Edinburgh.

"In one month alone we trained more than half the number we saw in the previous three months combined. We're also up on last year by more than 10%," states Green.

"Water systems training is always in demand, as the regulations regarding the maintenance and control of water supply systems are particularly strict," he adds. "But we haven't seen this level of bookings for a long time."

The Edinburgh outbreak hit the headlines at the beginning of June and resulted in the death of three men while also affecting more than 100 people.

Investigations led to the HSE serving an improvement notice on a pharmaceutical company and a distillery in the city, but it is widely believed that the source of infection will never conclusively be identified.

"Every year there are around 300 reported cases of Legionnaires' disease in England and Wales, and many more go unreported," comments Green.

"A large reported outbreak, such as the one in Edinburgh, raises awareness of the issue but then people forget – until the next time. We want to stop this happening. The need for proper maintenance and training is ongoing and should be a priority 100% of the time."

Brian Wall

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