Legionella threats go beyond cooling towers

Facility managers of hospitals and longterm care facilities should be especially aware of Legionella


After a 2015 summer outbreak of Legionnaires’ in the Bronx, the New York City Council passed legislation that requires all cooling towers to be registered, tested and disinfected if Legionella is found.

The focus on cooling towers may be too narrow. In a number of Legionnaires’ outbreaks, the pathology of the disease shows there are other areas that carry a higher risk for being a source of infection, according to an article on the FacilityCare website.

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188-2015 guidelines incorporate the whole building water system, not just the cooling towers. 

The guidance includes information on the design, maintenance and operation of building water systems, including potable and emergency water systems, heated spas, architectural fountains and waterfall systems, cooling towers, direct and indirect evaporative air coolers, atomizers, air washers and humidifiers.

Read the article.

 

 



January 6, 2016


Topic Area: Maintenance and Operations


Recent Posts

Fire Protection in Healthcare: Why Active and Passive Systems Must Work as One

Sprinklers, smoke compartments and firestopping can form an interdependent safety strategy.


Cleveland Clinic Hits Key Milestones for Palm Beach County Expansion

These include plans to begin demolition of current structure and hospital site preparation in 2026 and open the outpatient center and ambulatory surgery center in 2027.


Emanuel Medical Center Caught Up in Data Breach

The breach occurred in May 2025.


Assisted Living Facility Violated Safety Standards: OSHA

Fire at Gabriel House killed 10 residents died and injured and displaced dozens of others.


McCarthy Completes Construction of Citizens Health Hospital in Kansas

The facility is among the nation’s largest hospitals funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Critical Access Hospital program.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.