From February 1st 2013 the use of elemental copper as a biocidal treatment to prevent and control the growth of legionella is no longer legal despite opposition by the Health and Safety Executive.
Legionella bacteria
A decision was taken at EU level which means that as of February 1, the use of copper as a biocide is no longer allowed under the European Biocidal Products Directive and the Biocidal Products Regulations 2001. The HSE doesn’t agree with the EU here. In fact, it’s taken steps to have the decision overturned. Further both HSe and local authorities will not be taking action against anyone who still has this system of treatment in place.
HSE has been quick to state that if your system makes use of copper as a treatment you shouldn’t just turn it off but you should be aware that your supplier is no longer allowed to replenish the system.
The HSE’s current position is as follows:
“The focus of any enforcement activity will be on the failure to control the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria and the likelihood of Legionnaire’s disease developing in a given situation, rather than on the means of control.”
When we have more news we’ll post an update.
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