We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

logo
  • Engineers & Specifiers
  • Contractors & Installers
  • Wholesalers & Distributors
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Subscription
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • PRODUCTS
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Fire Protection
    • HVAC
    • Hydronics/Radiant
    • Plumbing
    • PVF
    • Tools
  • PROJECTS
    • Commercial
    • Green Building
    • MRO/Retrofit
    • Remodeling
    • Residential
  • HOW TO
    • Design
    • Fire Protection
    • Legal Matters
    • Management
  • BUSINESS
    • Buying Groups
    • Technology
    • Associations
  • CODES & STANDARDS
    • ANSI
    • ASHRAE
    • ASSE
    • Regulations
    • Green Building
    • IAPMO
    • ICC
    • NFPA
  • RESOURCES
    • Media Kit
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Classifieds
    • Digital Editions
    • Behind the Wall
    • Webcasts
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • COVID-19
    • Events & Webinars
    • Business Resources
    • Industry Announcements
    • Health & Safety
    • Op-Ed
Home » NYC adopts ASHRAE Legionella Standard following outbreak

NYC adopts ASHRAE Legionella Standard following outbreak

August 17, 2015
No Comments

With 12 confirmed dead and more than 120 cases of infection due to legionellosis, New York City Council on Thursday adopted legislation that requires adherence to part of ASHRAE’s newly published Legionella standard.

The legislation addresses registration and inspection of cooling towers. It requires owners to create and file a plan to maintain equipment to comply with Section 7.2 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188-2015, Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems.

The standard provides minimum Legionellosis risk management requirements for the design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement and expansion of new and existing buildings and their associated water systems and components. 

“Standard 188 was published just two short months ago,” ASHRAE President David Underwood said. “Although the circumstances surrounding its use are tragic, ASHRAE is grateful that the standard is available to set requirements to manage risk of this bacteria. We are hopeful other governments will follow the lead of the New York City Council to help safeguard public health.”

Michael Patton, a member of the committee who wrote the standard, testified before the Council earlier this week on behalf of ASHRAE.  He spoke to the Council’s proposal to adopt Section 7.2, noting that other sections also would play a role in reducing risks. Section 7.2 lists common tasks and steps for items such as new system start-up and seasonal shutdowns, general system maintenance, water treatment, disinfection plans, etc. 

While Patton encouraged full adoption of the standard, he said it was helpful that at least Section 7.2 was included. Patton was thanked by chairman Jumaane Williams for making himself and ASHRAE available so quickly.

“Section 7 is very good by itself,” Patton testified, “but it doesn't really address the whole idea of informing building owners, managers, property managers how to put a plan for a whole building into place and what it should contain.”

Underwood said ASHRAE will continue its work in getting the full standard adopted in New York City and in other locations.

Specific requirements in the standard include:

  • Minimum Legionellosis risk management requirements for buildings and their associated potable and non-potable water systems.
  • Establishment by building owners of a Program Team and (in turn) a Water Management Program for which they are responsible in order to comply with the standard.
  • Provision of specific and detailed requirements for what Legionellosis control strategies must accomplish and how they are to be documented – but, does not provide (or place restrictions on) what specific strategies are to be used or applied.

 

 

Contractors & Installers Industry Community News Mechanical
  • Related Articles

    NYC adopts partial ASHRAE Legionella standard following outbreak

    NYC mayor to push for legislation on cooling towers following Legionnaires' outbreak

    New course on ASHRAE Legionella Standard featured at society’s 2016 Winter Conference​

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular

  • Plumbers Without Borders Seeks Contractor Volunteers to Help Texas

  • Edgen Murray Opens New Facility

  • Digital Exclusive: Energy Crisis Update from Houston

  • CISPI Issues Statement in Response to US CBP Findings to Antidumping and Countervailing Orders

Featured Video

Franklin video

HT-VCL Series High-Temperature Condensate Pumps - Features Video

Industry Events

  • 28Apr

    2021 BLUE HAWK Annual Conference

    Austin, TX
  • 12Oct

    BOILER 2021 – ABMA Boiler Technology Conference & Expo

    Dallas, TX
More Events

Subscribe to our newsletters & stay updated

Subscribe & Learn More

  • Tw02 2021 cover
    Learn More
  • Pe02 2021 cover
    Learn More
  • Phc02 2021 cover
    Learn More
  • Es07 2020
    Learn More
Subscribe

More from PHCP Pros

  • Editorial Team
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise

Follow Us

© 2021 All Rights Reserved

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development | ePublishing