Protecting business reputation through smart legionella management
Powered by MultiTech Conduit AP 300 Series LoRaWAN gateways
The Challenge
A prestigious London-based investment bank found itself in an
increasingly concerning situation: repeated positive Legionella samples were threatening both workplace safety and the institution’s sterling reputation. Located in the heart of Mayfair, where excellence is not just expected but demanded, the bank faced mounting pressure to resolve this critical issue.
Despite implementing traditional manual testing methods and temperature monitoring, the situation persisted. The mounting costs of repeated testing and remediation were not just a financial burden – they represented a growing risk to the bank’s reputation in London’s competitive financial district.
The bank’s historic building, while prestigious, harboured hidden challenges within its water system:
- Potentially obsolete pipework creating dead legs.
- Lack of return pumps leading to water stagnation.
- Seasonal temperature variations affecting water safety.
- Complex system modifications over the years creating hidden risks.
These factors combined to create perfect conditions for Legionella growth, making traditional monitoring methods insufficient for maintaining safety standards.
The Smart Solution
Legionella Consultancy Services Ltd using systems from Smart Building Technology implemented their flagship IoT-based monitoring system, Legionella Watch, which transformed the bank’s approach to water safety management:
Continuous Real-Time Monitoring
- Installation of MultiTech Indoor Gateways and smart sensors throughout the water system.
- 24/7 temperature and flush event monitoring.
- Automated alerts for any non-compliance or missed flushing events.
Proactive Risk Management
- Early detection of potential issues before they become larger problems.
- Data-driven insights for system optimisation.
- Reduced need for manual testing and intervention.
- Intelligent use of available water management budget
Immediate Results
The implementation of Legionella Watch delivered significant benefits:
• Peace of Mind: Real-time monitoring provided constant assurance of water safety
• Reputation Protection: Proactive management eliminated the risk of Legionella-related incidents
• Cost Efficiency: Reduced need for emergency remediation and repeated testing
• Regulatory Compliance: Automated documentation and reporting for HSE requirements
Long-Term Impact
The bank has experienced zero positive Legionella samples since implementing Legionella Watch using the MultiTech LoRa gateways. More importantly, the institution maintained its reputation for excellence
while protecting its staff and visitors.
Key Takeaways
1. Reputation Protection: In prestigious locations like Mayfair, water safety issues can have far-reaching implications beyond immediate health concerns.
2. Proactive Management: Smart monitoring prevents issues before they impact business operations or reputation.
3. Cost-Effective Solution: While the initial investment in IoT technology may seem significant, mid to long term, it proves far more economical than dealing with ongoing issues, a reactive approach, and reputational damage.
4. Future-Proof Approach: The Legionella Watch system can be added to as required with more sensors and can also monitor a host of other compliance based issues in buildings, it is highly adaptable and compatible with future technologies.
