In June 2017 the Centers for Disease Control issued new guidelines for prevention of Legionella growth in commercial buildings and health care facilities. According to the CDC, the number of U.S. deaths from Legionnaires disease has quadrupled (4x) since 2000. Because of this, the CDC requires owners of high rise buildings (>10 stories), health care, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and any facilities housing persons over 65 years of age to:
- Identify building water systems where Legionella control measures are needed
- Assess how much risk the hazardous conditions in those water systems pose
- Apply control measures to reduce the hazardous conditions, whenever possible, to prevent Legionella growth and spread
- Ensure the program is running as designed and is effective.
These new requirements go far beyond testing cooling towers and other sources of aerosolized water. They involve a comprehensive survey of all water systems (e.g. heaters, piping, outlets), and active assessment and risk management wherever Legionella bacteria can reside, grow and proliferate.
Dr. Richard M. Lynch, Ph.D., CIH works with senior residences, hotels, assisted living facilities and hospitals to conduct the required assessments and develop the required Legionella Water Management Programs. We also conduct Legionella water sampling and investigations when outbreaks are suspected and Legionella remediation design and oversight.
Please contact me with any questions or if you require any of the following:
- Legionella and Water Quality Sampling
- Legionella Water Remediation
- Air Quality Testing
- Mold Testing and Clean-up Oversight
- OSHA/PEOSHA Compliance Support
- Fire, Water or Flood Damage Assessments
- Healthcare Infection Control or Sampling
- Life Safety Mock Surveys and Environment of Care Surveys in Hospitals
Call 856-764-3557 or email Dr. Lynch Today!
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