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

Regulations Take the Lead in Healthcare Restroom Design

Infection-control guidance and water management standards drive earlier planning, smarter fixtures and more resilient restroom environments.


AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital Opens Expanded Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

Construction began in July 2025 and included 12 new inpatient rehabilitation beds, bringing the unit’s total to 29.


HSHS and Lifepoint Rehabilitation Partner on New Inpatient Rehab Hospital in Green Bay

The 40-bed hospital will be named the Hospital Sisters Health System | Rehabilitation Hospital.


Turning Facility Data Into ROI: Where Healthcare Leaders Should Start

Better data, smarter tools and small facility upgrades can drive measurable returns, guide ambulatory strategy and improve patient experience.


Sutter Health Breaks Ground on Advanced Cancer Center and Care Complex

The new center, located on Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center campus, will feature four stories and 165,000 square feet of modernized, patient-centered space.


 
 


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.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.