Air conditioning systems using water sprays and cooling towers constitute the main hazard for Legionnaires' disease. Legionella are widespread in the environment in water and may grow in hot and cold water systems. The bacteria can be a risk if they are dispersed in water droplets such as showers and spa baths. Domestic systems are not normally a problem.
Under health and safety law businesses have a duty to consider the risks from legionella and take suitable precautions to control the risks. For specific information please download the attached documents below. More general information on legionella can be found on the Cumbria and Lancashire Health Protection Unit website.