A report into the outbreak of legionnaires’ disease, which killed seven people in Barrow-in-Furness in 2002, concludes it could have been avoided if the local council had followed simple safety guidleines.

The report prepared by the Health and Safety Executive into the outbreak at the Forum 28 arts and leisure centre lists six key failings and recommends moves that councils and others should take to prevent future outbreaks of the disease.

Among the failures that contributed to the outbreak were poor lines of communication and unclear responsibility within the council as to who was responsible for the air conditioning system and its water treatment and other preventative controls.

There was also a failure to carry out risk assessments, poor management of contractors and contract documentation as well as inadequate training and resources.

Barrow borough council and its design services manager, Gillian Beckingham were prosecuted following the outbreak. The council and Beckingham were cleared of manslaughter charges but the council was fined £125 000 and Beckingham £15000 on health and safety charges.

Source

Building Sustainable Design