ASHRAE 188 and Legionella Testing
ASHRAE Standard 188, titled “Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems,” provides comprehensive guidelines for managing the risk of Legionnaires’ disease in building water systems. While Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, it does not explicitly require or mandate routine Legionella testing as part of the standard. Here are some of the key points on testing:
- Water Management Program (WMP):
- The standard emphasizes the creation of a Water Management Program (WMP) that includes monitoring and control measures designed to prevent the growth and spread of Legionella.
- While ASHRAE 188 outlines steps for monitoring the effectiveness of Legionella control measures (e.g., temperature control, disinfectant levels), it leaves the decision to conduct Legionella testing up to the discretion of the facility’s management and the water management team.
- Testing Considerations:
- The standard encourages considering Legionella testing in certain situations, such as when there are known vulnerabilities or when the control measures are not sufficient. Testing might also be considered as part of an investigation following an outbreak or when there are changes in the water system.
- However, the decision to test is based on a risk assessment conducted by the water management team and is not a mandatory requirement of the standard.
- Industry Practice:
- Although ASHRAE 188 does not mandate testing, it is common practice in many industries and regions to conduct regular Legionella testing as a means of verifying the effectiveness of the WMP. Some jurisdictions or regulatory bodies may require testing as part of their local laws or guidelines.
While ASHRAE 188 outlines the framework for managing Legionella risk, it does not specifically mandate routine Legionella testing but instead suggests it as a possible control measure depending on the specific circumstances and risk assessment of the facility. Learn more about whether Legionella testing is needed by contacting the independent Legionella testing experts at Legionella Control Systems.
