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Code of practice advises on prevention of Legionnaires' disease
The Prevention of Legionnaires' Disease Committee has recently produced a code of practice on the prevention of the disease.
The publication was prepared by the committee with reference to similar codes overseas, such as those in Australia, United Kingdom and Singapore.
The code of practice explains the background of the problem and the medical aspects of the disease, and provides detailed guidelines on prevention in cases concerning cooling towers, condensate pans, centralised fresh water systems and other water systems.
It recommends the practices to be followed in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of air-conditioning and water systems, especially cooling towers and centralised hot water supply systems, for the effective control and prevention of the disease.
Bacteria of Legionnaires' disease are active in poorly maintained fresh water cooling towers and centralised hot/cold water supply systems.
People could get the disease by inhaling air-borne droplets or particles in fine mist containing the bacteria. The bacteria will then pass into the lungs.
A spokesman for the committee said today (Monday) that the code of practice should be followed by all architects, engineers, building owners and building managers, as well as the Government.
However, he stressed that the disease was not common in Hong Kong.
"Only a few cases have been recorded in the territory in recent years.
"However, these episodic few should not be taken lightly," the spokesman
cautioned.
He pointed out that the Government was concerned about the disease, and as living standards and quality of life in Hong Kong keep on rising, more people expect the Government to devote more resources and effort in safeguarding public health.