An overview of the facility types impacted by ASHRAE Standard 188-2015
In our last blog, we talked about ASHRAE Standard 188-2015 and why it was developed to reduce and control Legionella bacteria in building water systems, including fountains, whirlpools and cooling towers.
Now, we’ll describe the types of buildings and facilities identified in the standard as being at-risk for Legionella bacteria. If your facility falls into one of these categories, you should familiarize yourself with the standard and begin implementing a compliant water treatment program.
Who needs to read the standard?
The ASHRAE Standard 188-2015 is intended for use by owners and managers of “human occupied commercial, institutional, multiunit residential and industrial buildings.”
The standard requires a written water treatment program for facilities with the following risk factors:
In addition, the standard requires written water treatment programs for*:
Owners/managers of new and existing buildings should complete an assessment of the premises identifying any risk factors listed prior to occupancy of a new building or before construction begins on renovations, additions, or modifications to existing buildings.
The ASHRAE standard also applies to those involved in the design, construction, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance and service of a centralized building water system and components to ensure compliance.
Single-family residences are not included in the standard.
In our next blog, we’ll talk more about how to comply with the standard to reduce the risk of a Legionnaire’s Disease outbreak at your facility. You’re also invited to visit our Legionella Risk Management Solutions page for information on water treatment products that may enable compliance in your facility.
*please read the full standard for more specific details about at-risk facilities
In our last blog, we talked about ASHRAE Standard 188-2015 and why it was developed to reduce and control Legionella bacteria in building water systems, including fountains, whirlpools and cooling towers.
Now, we’ll describe the types of buildings and facilities identified in the standard as being at-risk for Legionella bacteria. If your facility falls into one of these categories, you should familiarize yourself with the standard and begin implementing a compliant water treatment program.
Who needs to read the standard?
The ASHRAE Standard 188-2015 is intended for use by owners and managers of “human occupied commercial, institutional, multiunit residential and industrial buildings.”
The standard requires a written water treatment program for facilities with the following risk factors:
- Open and closed circuit cooling towers or evaporative condensers
- Whirlpools or spas (hot tubs), on the site or in the building
- Ornamental fountains, misters, atomizers, air washes, or humidifiers
- Non-potable water systems or devices that release water droplets in the building or on the site
In addition, the standard requires written water treatment programs for*:
- Multiple housing units with one or more centralized potable water-heater systems
- Buildings more than 10 stories high (including any levels that are below grade)
- Health care facilities where patient stays exceed 24 hours
- Buildings containing one or more areas for the purpose of housing or treating occupants receiving treatment for burns, chemotherapy for cancer, or solid organ transplantation or bone marrow transplantation
- Buildings identified as being for the purpose of housing occupants over the age of 65 years
- Buildings that house or treat occupants who are at higher risk from becoming ill through exposure
Owners/managers of new and existing buildings should complete an assessment of the premises identifying any risk factors listed prior to occupancy of a new building or before construction begins on renovations, additions, or modifications to existing buildings.
The ASHRAE standard also applies to those involved in the design, construction, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance and service of a centralized building water system and components to ensure compliance.
Single-family residences are not included in the standard.
In our next blog, we’ll talk more about how to comply with the standard to reduce the risk of a Legionnaire’s Disease outbreak at your facility. You’re also invited to visit our Legionella Risk Management Solutions page for information on water treatment products that may enable compliance in your facility.
*please read the full standard for more specific details about at-risk facilities
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