If you're a business owner, ensuring that your premises' air conditioning system is well-maintained is not just an option, but a legal requirement. Because there are definite health risks associated with air conditioning systems it is important to ensure they are regularly maintained and checked in order to prevent the spread of disease.

Air conditioning systems have been proven to harbour the Legionella bacteria; the organism that can bring on potentially fatal bouts of Legionnaires disease. They are not, however the only source of the disease, which is contracted by inhaling water droplets that contain the bacteria. Other potential threats include anything that creates moist air such as industrial cooling towers, hot water systems, spa baths and humidifiers.

According to experts there are over 40 variations of Legionella bacteria that can also be found naturally in soil and water. But, although the thought of becoming infected is very frightening, Legionnaires Disease is fatal in only around 15 per cent of total reported cases.

However, that is still a significant enough threat for the government to have passed legislation ensuring that businesses have a duty of care to occupants of their buildings. Under UK Health & Safety regulations building owners must ensure their premises are safe for employees and customers, and that includes taking the necessary precautions to ensure there is no risk from water-borne infection.

The Approved Code of Practice and Guidance for the control of Legionella bacteria in water systems, otherwise known as ‘L8', places the emphasis firmly on business and premises owners to identify and assess any risk, and to subsequently prevent or minimise that risk. The best way to remove any possible threat is to regularly check the premises' equipment, and the water that runs through it.

A regularly maintained air conditioning system will provide a lesser threat of spreading disease than those left unattended. Thankfully, regular, simple tests can detect the presence of bacteria, and they should be performed in addition to regular maintenance.

However, it's not just Legionella bacteria that can cause a health hazard in air conditioning systems. Refrigerants can also be dangerous and they are covered under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 1988. One particular type of widely used refrigerant, R1, has already been banned and another common variety R22 is to be outlawed from the beginning of 2010.

In the light of these impending regulations it is advisable for any building owner to ensure that they are within the bounds of the law. A one-off inspection would reveal whether any of the building's air conditioning plant would need to be replaced, and would allow the owner to make the necessary arrangements, well in advance.

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