Legionella was discovered in 1976 following the deaths of 40 legionaries in Philadelphia, USA (182 hospitalizations and 40 fatal cases), and Legionella pneumophila was identified in 1997 by C.D.C (Center for Disease Control).
Preventing incidents of Legionella Disease is a priority for anyone who is responsible for managing premises that use hot/cold water services and/or wet cooling systems. Health and Safety legislation in many countries requires employers to consider the risks from Legionella and to take the appropriate precautions.
Within this scenario, we are pleased to announce that RINA LAB21, our testing laboratory in Tunisia, has achieved ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for Legionella analysis from March 2018 in addition to its existing analysis accreditation. We employ highly qualified and experienced Legionella staff, offering microbiological sampling, testing and results interpretation. RINA LAB21 provides these services across a wide range of customers, from hotels to hospitals, food industries and other public buildings industries. Beyond giving customers confidence in the quality and integrity of the laboratory services, being accredited can provide to customers other more tangible benefits.
The main motivation for assessing Legionella risk is the health of employees and others. In addition, there are the financial costs of being prosecuted after a legionella disease such as legal fees and fines to consider. Also, the negative impact on a company’s reputation can be very damaging financially.
As one of the first laboratories in Tunisia to achieve accreditation to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard, RINA LAB 21 is able to differentiate itself from competitors, which will hopefully lead to an increase in business.
The Tunisian Accreditation Council (TUNAC) has been the sole accreditation body in Tunisia recognised by government since 2008. The accreditation by the TUNAC means, consequently, the recognition of the testing reports across the world.
Achieving accredited status is a rigorous and continuing process. The laboratory RINA LAB 21 will undergo a five year assessment cycle with a surveillance visit from the TUNAC every year. During each visit the organization will have to demonstrate that it is technically competent, the staff is suitably qualified, its working practices are fit for purpose, and the appropriate equipment is being used.