Legionella and Water-borne Pathogens
What You Need to Know
Legionella-gram negative bacteria found in man-made bodies of water and some soils with approximately 50 different species-Legionella pneumophila accounts for most disease
Greatest exposure risk- smokers, cancer patients, elderly, transplant patients
Transmission Requirements
LEVEL OF CONTAMINATION in the water source
TYPE OF LEGIONELLA in the water system
SUSCEPTIBILITY of the person exposed, and
INTENSITY of the exposure to the contaminated water
Transmission- Inhalation and/or aspiration of contaminated water
Risk Factors for Growth-
Water stagnation
Water temperatures
Scale, sediment, other nutrient accumulation in water systems
What You Need to Do
Designate water management team knowledgeable about building water conditions/issues
Develop routine inspection, maintenance, disinfection processes for all areas of exposure such as cooling towers, decorative fountains, whirlpools, evaporative cooling systems, etc.)
Institute secondary disinfection systems and develop emergency disinfection programs
Develop Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program for all buildings with respect to managing water quality at critical building control points
Myths and Misconceptions
Studies indicate that Legionella colonization of water supply systems in building is common- TRUE
Legionella can be present in a water system without being associated with disease-TRUE
Chlorination process used to purify domestic water systems will kill all Legionella bacteria-FALSE
Legionella can be transmitted easily from person to person and therefore precautions must be taken-FALSE
Expert Services:
Insurance
Claims: Prevention and Response
- Site Investigations/Inspections
- Loss Mitigation Protocol Development
- Creative Scope of Work Development
- Project Oversight
- Environmental Sampling
- Cause and Origin Investigation
- Emergency Response
- Client Interface
- Communication/Alert Development
- Liability Exposure Minimization
- Expert Consultation
Underwriting: New Product Development and Risk Assessment
- New and Emerging Risk Education-Focus on New Areas of Coverage Opportunity
- New and Emerging Product/Technology Applicability to Underwriting Coverage
- Recommendations for Coverage Expansion Based on Risk Minimization Strategies
- Policy Language Review/Development Based on Industry Specific Issues
Due Diligence: Investigation, Auditing, Verification and Risk Assessment
- Project Oversight Ensuring Compliance with Policy Coverage
- Immediate Communication re Project Issues Impacting Policies
- Detailed Reports of Project Findings/Oversight with Recommendations
- Cost Estimate Development Based on Construction/Remediation Options
- Phone Surveys/Desktop Reviews Focusing on Issues of Potential Concern
Remediation Cost Auditing and Risk Quantification
- Review/Audit of Contractor Invoices
- Scope of Work Performed Analysis (Best Practices, Regulatory Compliance)
Expert Testimony
- Environmental Risk
- Healthcare Risk
Education and Training: Claims and Underwriting
- Seminars/Webinars on Environmental/Healthcare Issues Focusing on Claims/Underwriting Risk
- Seminars/Webinars on Emerging Issues and Policy Impact as well as Coverage Expansion Opportunities
- White Paper Development
Insurance Toolkits: Claims and Underwriting
- Development of Underwriting Applications for Healthcare/Environmental Risk
- Development of Value Added Risk Management Checklists/Protocols for Insureds
- Operations and Maintenance Programs for Water Intrusion Risk Management, Asbestos, Lead Based Paint
- Hazard Assessment Critical Control Point Programs (HACCP)
Insurance Risk Alert Service
- Development of Insured Alert Communications re Emergency Healthcare/Environmental Risk
- Development of Employee Alert Communications re Emergency Healthcare/Environmental Risk