Safety Flash
Suspected case of Legionella onboard vessel
Suspected case of Legionella onboard vessel
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 28/18
- Hazardous SubstancesOccupational Health
- Occupational healthPotable-water hygieneRespiratory hazards
- Medical surveillancePreventive maintenance
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
Two severe pneumonia cases on a survey vessel prompted suspected Legionella investigations, medical evacuation and testing of all personnel. Cabin and ventilation cleaning, water-tank treatment and quarterly shower-head chlorination were arranged. Subsequent medical results identified acute respiratory infection rather than Legionella, with no confirmed Legionella disease onboard.
Classifications: Occupational health; worker health.
Classifications: Potable-water hygiene; legionella; drinking-water hygiene.
Classifications: Respiratory hazards; respirable dust; inhalation hazards.
Classifications: Medical surveillance.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Suspected Legionella cases prompted vessel-wide testing and disinfection, but subsequent medical results attributed the illness to acute respiratory infection.
IMCA SF 28/18. Themes: hazardous substances, occupational health.