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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
The genus Legionella spp. includes a group of pathogenic bacteria, which are frequently associated with natural or artificial freshwater environments, but usually in insufficient levels to cause infection. However, in the case of the presence of Legionella pneumophila constitute always a public health concern. The risk of occurrence of Legionella spp., especially in places on the presence of human risk groups and workers, such as residential structures for the elderly, represent a relevant activity for prevention. This work aimed to develop a risk instrument to assess the presence of Legionella spp. in building structures and equipment’s. The methodology was based on previous knowledge acquired within the context of health and safety, the simplified W.T. Fine method and the methodology developed by the DGS of Portugal for the management of biological risks. From the risk assessment carried out, it was possible to identify potential non-compliance instances associated with the different equipment and characteristics of the facilities, such as “Inadequate hygiene/cleaning”, “Poor condition (e.g. filters, pipes, taps)” and “Water Stagnation”, being that “Taps/Showers” are those with the highest level of risk. The risk analysis and categorization proves to be an important tool used to prevention by the early risk identification and measures to avoid the occurrence of Legionella spp. in residence care homes buildings.
Description
Keywords
Legionella spp. Legionnaires’ disease Retirement homes Risk assessment Risk matrix
Citation
Silva, C., Rebelo, A., & Silva, M. V. da. (2021). Legionella spp. Risk assesment in residential care homes for elderly people: Development of a risk matrix. Em P. Arezes, J. S. Baptista, M. P. Barroso, P. Carneiro, J. Castelo Branco, A. Colim, P. Cordeiro, N. Costa, S. Costa, J. Duarte, J. Guedes, R. Melo, A. S. Miguel, & G. Perestrelo (Eds.), International Symposium on Occupational Safety and Hygiene: Proceedings Book of the SHO2021 (p. 443-450). Portuguese Society of Occupational Safety and Hygiene (SPOSHO).
Publisher
Portuguese Society of Occupational Safety and Hygiene (SPOSHO)