While Legionella bacteria is a well-known health concern in water systems, it’s important to understand its relevance in fire sprinkler systems.
Legionella is a naturally occurring bacterium found in freshwater environments. Under certain conditions such as stagnant water, warm temperatures (20–45°C), and the presence of nutrients. It can multiply and pose a risk of Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia transmitted through inhalation of contaminated water droplets.
In short: not usually. Fire sprinkler systems are classified as low-risk when it comes to Legionella.
Closed Systems: Most sprinkler systems are sealed and contain stagnant water that is not regularly aerosolised, reducing the chance of airborne transmission.
Cold Water Storage: Sprinkler systems typically store water below the temperature range that promotes Legionella growth.
Infrequent Activation: These systems are only activated during fire emergencies or routine testing, limiting exposure opportunities.
Although rare, certain conditions can elevate the risk:
Wet Pipe Systems in Warm Environments: If water sits in pipes exposed to heat, it may reach temperatures conducive to bacterial growth.
Poor Maintenance: Lack of regular inspections or stagnant water in infrequently tested systems can increase risk.
System Modifications or Downtime: Changes to pipework or prolonged inactivity may introduce contamination.
We follow industry best practices to ensure your fire protection system remains safe and compliant:
Routine Flushing & Testing: Regular maintenance prevents stagnation and ensures water quality.
Cleaning Protocols: If systems are modified or temporarily decommissioned, proper cleaning and disinfection procedures should be completed before reactivation.
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and water hygiene experts agree: fire sprinkler systems are not typically considered a significant source of Legionella risk. With proper design, installation, and maintenance your system remains a reliable safeguard against fire, not a health hazard.
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