Menu
As the temperature and humidex numbers soar, and cooling systems are pushed to their maximum capacity, the tragedy in New York is a very sad reminder of just how important cooling tower operation and maintenance are. Without proper testing, chemical treatment, seasonal maintenance and cleaning, the warm, wet environment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. ASHRAE recently published a new Legionella standard, ANSI/ASHRAE 188-2015, “Legionellosis: Rick Management for Building Water Systems”. In New York, the Cooling Towers have been identified as the point of infection, but the Legionella bacteria can be present in a variety of water systems, in hot and cold water storage tanks, ice machines, water filters, pools, spas and infrequently used equipment, such as eyewash stations and showers.
Standard 188-2015 is applicable to both new construction and existing buildings. It provides information to identify equipment of concern and how to put together a team to build a process to address the concern and then to develop a maintenance plan.
While the ASHRAE Standard 188-2015 provides guidelines to identify equipment which could potentially be of concern, it cannot be overstated that every building is unique and that its systems must be carefully considered so that nothing is over looked. At a time when building operating budgets are lean, water system operating and maintenance must not be deferred nor the budget monies re-allocated. Building operators must be fully trained and building owners must ensure that building operators understand the potential dangers.
ANSI/ASHRAE 188-2015, provides the tools to start/maintain the discussion of maintaining your building’s water systems. Take this opportunity to develop a team, be it one person or several, and document the process for your building.