School water bug rap (From Oxford Mail)
Get involved: send your photos, videos, news & views by texting OXFORD NEWS to 80360 or email us
School water bug rap
1:00pm Friday 10th February 2012 in News
AN OXFORDSHIRE independent school has been told it is not adequately controlling the risk of bacteria that causes a potentially fatal form of pneumonia.
Chandlings School in Bagley Wood, Kennington, has been issued an improvement notice from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) over its risk assessment and control of the legionella bacteria, which causes deadly Legionnaire’s Disease.
The level of legionella in one hand basin was more than 70 per cent above the level at which the HSE says action is required. The school insisted no legal limits had been broken, and said pupils had never been put at risk.
Measures are now being taken to address the issues at the school, which is run by the Abingdon-based Cothill Education Trust.
The potentially deadly bacteria occurs naturally in water, but can multiply rapidly in water systems at between 20C and 45C.
The improvement notice was issued by the HSE following a routine visit on January 5.
The letter from inspector Sharron Cripps criticised a risk assessment, and said: “The control measures currently in place were not adequately controlling legionella.”
Cothill Educational Trust bursar Tim Verdon said: “I do not have any concerns about safety.
“This HSE notice relates solely to paperwork, and at no time has there been any danger to pupils, staff or visitors.”
He said a firm had been hired to carry out the necessary work.
Reynaldo Throckmorton, Duke of Botley says...
3:20pm Fri 10 Feb 12
It's sad to see Chandlings School trudging down the uptight, box-ticking, elf'n'safety road. In the (long-lost) sane past, contracting Legionnaire's Disease was just an ordinary part of education, like compulsory Latin, revolting food, broken bones on the rugby field and livid post-flagellation weals on the buttocks. It was all about widening children's horizons.