In guidance entitled ‘Guidance on Legionella longbeachae’ , the Organics Recycling Group (ORG) states: “ORG recommends that composted materials are made according to the requirements of PAS 100. The phase of high temperature composting should be sustained for sufficient time to kill Legionella bacteria, throughout each batch of compost production.”
However, the Group said it is difficult to assess the likelihood of the bacteria’s presence in materials supplied for composting.
In line with product safety regulations, PAS 100 requires that labelling of composted materials include a warning about the risks associated with handling the material. For example; “Every effort has been made to ensure this compost contains no germs, sharp fragments, toxins or regenerative plant parts. However, the compost producer cannot guarantee they will never be present. As with all products of this type, wear gloves when handling and wash hands after use. During handling avoid inhaling any dust or water vapour or droplets from it, or ingesting any of it.”
ORG adds: “Exposure of all material in each composting batch should be achieved by a means suited to the composting process. For example, in turned windrow systems surface zone material should be placed into the core zone of each batch within an enclosed space, designed to ensure that all of the batch achieves the target temperature for the minimum necessary time before it is removed from that space.”
- Ensure that all air misting systems are regularly serviced and that includes sanitisation at least annually.
- Beware that lagoon water or any stagnant water holding tanks etc. can be a breeding ground for Legionella.
- Ensure that you are composting to PAS100 and that you try and reduce the amount of turning when the wind is in the direction of neighbours.
- Ensure that staff are face fit tested to make certain that their respirators are working correctly.
Source: Organics Recycling Group (ORG). Renewable Energy Association.