International. ASHRAE announced that it is seeking public comment on Guideline 12-2000, Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems, which is now open for a 45-day public review through September 11.
Those interested in reviewing and commenting on the guide can do so at www.ashrae.org/publicreviews.
Developed by ASHRAE's Permanent Standard Project Committee (SSPC) 188, Guideline 12 is designed to be used by building owners of human-occupied buildings and those involved in the design, construction, installation, commissioning, handling, operation, construction of water systems and components.
The guide will provide essential information and guidance to assist in the control of legionellosis associated with building water systems. It also gives users direction in implementing ASHRAE Standard 188: Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems, which is recognized as the best available resource to help establish an effective water management program to prevent Legionella infections.
"Public input is a vital step in the development of ASHRAE guidelines," says Michael Patton, asHRAE SSPC 188 member. "Our goal with Guideline 12 is to have a strong accompanying document that works in parallel with ASHRAE Standard 188. We invite all interested and affected to review and comment on Guideline 12 during its public review period. Doing this will help ASHRAE and SSPC 188 create better resources that help building owners minimize the risk of Legionellosis."
The CDC estimates that there are between 8,000 and 18,000 cases of Legionnaires' disease in the United States each year, and more than 10% of these cases are fatal. Most of these cases are the result of Legionella exposure associated with building water systems.
To learn more about ASHRAE Standard 188, please visit www.ashrae.org/Standard188.
