Ringwood Town Council’s Carvers Sports Pavilion, which was built in 1958, is to undergo a major refurbishment scheme.
This will include replacement of the whole of the existing plumbing system and showers.
Although these facilities met previous regulations, the new system is being installed to meet current Health and Safety legislation and water company byelaws to prevent Legionnaires’ Disease.
On completion of the works to the Pavilion, a programme of periodic testing, recording and maintenance of the facilities will be carried out.
Cllr Neville Chard, Chairman of the Recreation, Leisure & Open Spaces Committee, said:
“Ringwood Town Council has always taken the risk of Legionnaires’ Disease very seriously. It is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which, whilst predominantly affecting the elderly or those with immune deficiency, can affect anyone exposed to the bacterium.
All organizations with facilities such as showers or air conditioning must ensure the equipment meets the most stringent safety standards. This is an area where expenditure to safeguard both staff and members of the public is an absolute necessity.”
The Legionella bacterium, which causes Legionnaires’ Disease, can be found naturally in the water supply.
Problems can arise because it can be spread by airborne water droplets from faulty air conditioning cooling tower units or poorly designed and maintained hot and cold systems, especially showers.
It is vital that such equipment not only meets current safety standards but also is regularly maintained, to prevent the bacterium breeding and increasing the chances of spreading the disease.
The Government have made changes in the law which will make it easier to make successful prosecutions of organisations failing to adhere to current Health and Safety guidance.
They have passed the new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill which will apply to corporations, including public bodies, and will introduce unlimited fines if it is found that a death followed a serious failing by senior managers.
Local sports clubs or businesses which may be concerned about this issue, may view the Town Council’s report on the website: (Recreation, Leisure & Open Spaces Committee minutes 04.02.2009 Annex ‘A’) - PDF. |
