Legionella
What is
Legionella risk?
The Legionella family includes more than 50 different species, among which the bacterium Legionella pneumophila is the most predominant in cases of legionellosis, accounting for more than 99% of cases. Contamination mainly occurs through the inhalation of contaminated aerosols, which can lead to severe respiratory infection.
Legionella is naturally present in the aquatic flora of fresh water and damp soil, but it is never detected in seawater or dry soil. Within networks, the bacterium can colonise installations offering favourable growth conditions, particularly hot water systems with temperatures ranging from 25 to 43°C, combined with aerosol diffusion.
Expertise
Affected installations and their regulations
Phytocontrol supports operators in monitoring key installations, including cooling towers, domestic hot water (DHW) networks in establishments open to the public (hospitals, care homes, hotels, campsites, sports facilities…), spas, jacuzzis, swimming pools, as well as any installation likely to promote the growth and spread of Legionella.
Production, storage and distribution of domestic hot water
Establishments open to the public (ERP), local authorities, healthcare establishments: The order of 1 February 2010 and its amendments require analysis at least once a year.
In addition, circular DGS/EA4 No. 2010-448 of 21 December 2010 specifies that establishments left unoccupied for at least 6 consecutive weeks must ensure there is no Legionella risk two weeks before welcoming the public.
Air conditioning systems and cooling towers
Installations classified for environmental protection (ICPE): The order of 14 December 2013 requires sampling and analysis at least once a month.
Swimming pools and spas
Establishments open to the public (hotels, campsites, leisure centres…), healthcare establishments: The order of 26 May 2021 on health monitoring and surveillance of swimming pool and spa water requires sampling and analysis at least once a year.
Misters
Supermarket retail, catering, hotels, local authorities: The order of 7 August 2017 requires analysis at least twice a year.
The solution for managing Legionella risk
Phytocontrol is accredited by COFRAC to carry out sampling in accordance with standard FD T 90-522 and its related circulars, and to analyse Legionella spp and Legionella pneumophila bacteria in cooling towers, swimming pools and spas, as well as in hot and cold sanitary network water.
Our qualified sampling technicians, based throughout the country, are available to carry out your planned sampling campaigns, whether for routine checks or post-treatment checks. In addition, we have vehicles equipped with three-temperature insulated compartments to ensure optimal transport of your samples.
Controlled logistics
for sampling
Phytocontrol manages the entire logistics chain, from sampling to receipt of your samples at the laboratory.
- Nationwide coverage
- Sampling at your establishment by our dedicated, trained and qualified sampling technicians.
- Sampling technicians qualified and trained to standards
- Transport carried out in a non-refrigerated, temperature-controlled compartment
- Real-time traceability of your samples: sampling, transport, testing
- Route optimisation: reducing our environmental impact
QUALITY
Our accreditations
Phytocontrol is accredited by COFRAC for Legionella spp analyses, including Legionella pneumophila, according to LAB GTA 23, and for sampling according to LAB GTA 29.
SECTORS
Waters affected by contaminants
Phytocontrol supports and advises all water management stakeholders, including industrial operators, local authorities and engineering firms.
