DIY giant admits hot-tub legionella breach

Prosecutions and Claims |
14.03.2008

Half a million visitors to a B&Q store near Bristol could have been exposed to the risk of Legionnaires' disease after a spa pool was found to contain legionella-contaminated water.

On 11 March, North Avon magistrates fined B&Q £20,000 - the maximum available penalty - after the firm admitted breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act by failing to ensure the safety of staff and customers.

The pool was on display at the store for two months in 2005.

Environmental health officers from South Gloucestershire Council investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in the area tested water in the pool and discovered the bacteria.

A spokesperson for B&Q said, "The breach occurred when the Longwell Green store failed to follow company process by filling a display hot tub with water. This contravenes company policy. When B&Q was made aware of the situation all stores were re-issued with a mandatory notice banning the display of working hot tubs.
 
"B&Q would like to assure its customers that the health and safety of its customers and employees is of the utmost importance. We are not aware of any sickness reported by customers or employees as a result of this breach."