After an outbreak of legionellosis that caused 12 deaths, the New York City Council voted to require adherence to part of ASHRAE’s newly published legionella standard.
More than 120 cases of infection due to legionellosis were reported in New York. The legislation pertains to registration and inspection of cooling towers. Owners must create and file a plan to maintain equipment to comply with Section 7.2 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188-2015, Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems.
The standard provides minimum legionellosis risk management requirements for the design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement and expansion of new and existing buildings and their associated water systems and components.
“Standard 188 was published just two short months ago,” ASHRAE President David Underwood said. “Although the circumstances surrounding its use are tragic, ASHRAE is grateful that the standard is available to set requirements to manage risk of this bacteria. We are hopeful other governments will follow the lead of the New York City Council to help safeguard public health.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 9, 2020
Investors want building resiliency plans and risk mitigation practices
Owners should assess risk, insurance coverage, and ability to withstand disasters.
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2020
OSHA cites more than 200 employers for COVID-19 violations
Agency releases guidance on lessons learned from pandemic inspections.
Codes and Standards | Dec 1, 2020
Pandemic spurs nearly 16 million people to move from major cities
Most of the movement seems permanent.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2020
USGBC ready to catalyze LEED Positive future
New programs, updates will spur shift to regenerative strategies.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2020
Updated spec for self-adhering flashing surrounding exterior fenestration products released
FGIA document was last updated in 2013.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2020
Finalized 2021 Energy Code leaves out future-proofing provision
Appeals process nixed requirement for residential electrification readiness.
Codes and Standards | Nov 23, 2020
GBCI turns over GRESB ownership to global investment firm
Organization assesses sustainability performance of real estate and infrastructure portfolios and assets.
Codes and Standards | Nov 23, 2020
New industrywide clay brick EPD launched
Contributes toward LEED v.4.0 and v.4.1 materials and resources requirements.
Codes and Standards | Nov 19, 2020
The ‘15-minute city’ could transform municipal planning
Concept aims for car-free living.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2020
Commissioning study finds median energy savings of 3% to 16%
Berkeley Lab examines results of commissioning across building types.