A Stourbridge dry cleaning company has been fined after its failure to properly manage and monitor their Cooling Tower for Legionella bacteria, which put both workers and members of the public at risk.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted the dry cleaning firm following a management audit and visit to the company’s site in 2013.
Birmingham Magistrates’ Court heard that HSE inspectors found the company was unable to provide information or evidence as to how they were managing and monitoring a cooling tower, which was in operation and was an integral part of the company’s dry cleaning process. The company had previously employed a water consultant to manage and control the tower on its behalf. However, when this arrangement was removed, the company did not put alternative management measures in place to continue the same level of control.
The drycleaners, which has since ceased trading, pleaded guilty to breaching sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £100 and ordered to pay £50 costs.
HSE inspector Karl Raw said: “Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia, which can affect anyone coming into contact with it.
“It is vital that companies who use water cooling towers as part of their processes have plans in place to make sure the level of Legionella bacteria in their systems does not become unsafe.”
Source: hse.gov.uk
