Drivers Urged To Manage Risk Of Legionnaires'

Leading environmental health consultants, Perry Scott Nash, is urging commercial drivers and transport managers to make sure that their vehicles’ windscreen washer systems contain screenwash to avoid the possible risk of Legionnaires’ disease.

A recent study published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has reported that windscreen washer water could be behind 20% of Legionnaires’ disease cases in England and Wales. The findings came after researchers spotted that professional drivers are five times more likely to be infected.

Published in the European Journal of Epidemiology, the research found that wiper fluid without screenwash provided ideal breading conditions for the Legionella bacteria, which can cause potentially fatal pneumonia.

Janet Cox, Client Services Director at Perry Scott Nash, comments, “When the water is sprayed onto the windscreen, tiny droplets can enter the vehicle’s interior through the ventilation system and be inhaled.

“Adding screenwash is a simple step to take, which kills the bacteria and could prevent drivers from contracting Legionnaires’ disease. Employers have a duty to manage risks where employees are required to drive at work and this simple step should form part of a company’s driving at work policy and routine checks.”

Legionnaires’ disease is fairly rare and not contagious. The number of cases vary from year to year, but in 2009 there were 345 in England and Wales – although some infections were caught overseas. The disease mainly affects the over 50s and is generally more common in men. Early symptoms feel similar to flu with muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, dry cough and fever. It is fatal in around 10-15% of patients.

For further information or guidance visit www.perryscottnash.co.uk.

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