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Guidance On Reducing The Risk Of Legionella

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While Legionnaire’s Disease has been known for many years, recent outbreaks have increased awareness of the disease, its causes and prevention strategies. According to the World Health Organization, since many countries lack appropriate methods of diagnosing the infection or sufficient surveillance systems, the rate of occurrence is unknown.

In Europe, Australia and the United States, there are about 10-15 cases detected per million population. In Canada, the average number of reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease is generally less than 100 per year. However the actual number of cases is thought to be much higher, as many people with pneumonia may not be tested for infection with Legionella.

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Useful Resources from ASHRAE and Allied Associations on Reducing the Risk of Legionellosis

ASHRAE Resources

ASHRAE Standard 188-2018, Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems

ASHRAE Guideline 12-2020, Managing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems

pdf_icon.png ASHRAE Journal article - Risk Management for Legionellosis

Articles and papers addressing legionella available in ASHRAE Bookstore

Resources Provided by CDC and other Allied Associations

Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

PreventLD Training - FREE

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Are you involved in water safety for buildings? This completely free, online training developed by Centers for Disease Control and partners can help individuals create a water management program to reduce risk for Legionnaires’ disease. PreventLD Training aligns with industry standards like ASHRAE Standard 188-2018 to effectively managing risk for Legionella bacteria.

Preventing Legionnaires’ Disease: A Training on Legionella Water Management Programs 


Legionellosis: Making Building Water Systems Safer through Regulation

The risks of legionellosis can be minimized if requirements are followed during the design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement and expansion of new and existing buildings and their water systems and components. 

If you'd like more information about Standard 188, request a distinguished lecturer visit to educate your fellow chapter members at ashrae.org/distinguishedlecturers.

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