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Lack of Screenwash Poses Legionnaires' Disease Risk
Fleet managers should warn all drivers to make sure their windscreen wiper fluid is topped up with screenwash after a survey showed evidence that vehicles without it are at a higher risk of emitting legionnaires’ disease.
Health experts found that vocational and business drivers were five times more likely to be infected with the potentially deadly bug – found in warm, stagnant water.
The research, carried out by the Health Protection Agency found traces of the legionella bacterium in one in five cars that did not add screenwash, but in no cars that did.
The report stated that, 'Not adding screenwash to windscreen wiper fluid is a previously unidentified risk factor and appears to be strongly associated with community-acquired sporadic cases of legionnaires' disease'.
"In our driver information pack we explain that drivers must ensure their windscreen wiper fluid is correctly topped up as it is a motoring offence not to, and very dangerous due to poor visibility," said Phil Elms, Sandicliffe Motor Contracts' National Sales Manager.
"This additional discovery, which adds a health angle, simply re-inforces how very important it is and re-emphasises the benefits of fleets insisting on regular vehicle checks."
<< show all articles
Lack of Screenwash Poses Legionnaires' Disease Risk
Fleet managers should warn all drivers to make sure their windscreen wiper fluid is topped up with screenwash after a survey showed evidence that vehicles without it are at a higher risk of emitting legionnaires’ disease.
Health experts found that vocational and business drivers were five times more likely to be infected with the potentially deadly bug – found in warm, stagnant water.
The research, carried out by the Health Protection Agency found traces of the legionella bacterium in one in five cars that did not add screenwash, but in no cars that did.
The report stated that, 'Not adding screenwash to windscreen wiper fluid is a previously unidentified risk factor and appears to be strongly associated with community-acquired sporadic cases of legionnaires' disease'.
"In our driver information pack we explain that drivers must ensure their windscreen wiper fluid is correctly topped up as it is a motoring offence not to, and very dangerous due to poor visibility," said Phil Elms, Sandicliffe Motor Contracts' National Sales Manager.
"This additional discovery, which adds a health angle, simply re-inforces how very important it is and re-emphasises the benefits of fleets insisting on regular vehicle checks."