Right, have found one of the bits of paper I was looking for, info as follows....
Leptospirosis and Weil's Disease is caused by bacterium in the urine of rats. In humans, the kidneys and liver are attacked causing high temperatures and headaches followed by jaundice and, in up to 20% of cases, it can be fatal. (Sorry, i know you don't want to read that, but i'm typing what is written in the H&S book). It enters the body either through the skin or by ingestion. The most common source is contaminated water in a river, sewer or ditch and workers such as canal or sewer workers are most at risk.Leptospirosis is always a risk where rats are present, particularly if the associated environment is damp.
Good, impervious protective clothing, particularly wellington boots, is essential in these situations and the covering of any skin wounds. For workers who are frequently in high risk environments, immunization with a vaccine may be the best protection. (Since found out that the company should pay for these). Weil's Disease is, strictly, a severe form of Leptospirosis. The symptoms of Lepto are similar to influenza, but the symptoms of Weil's Disease are anaemia, nose bleeds and jaundice. While the most common form of infection is from the urine of rats, Weil's Disease has been found in other animals, such as cattle; therefore farm and veterinary workers may also be at risk.
This is reportable under RIDDOR. The Reporting of Injury, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurances Regulations 1995.
Blimey! Haven't typed that much since I left school!!
Hope you find some of this helpful.
If I can find the rest, i'll scan and post.