APPA Four Core Areas
Intro Text 1
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Internet Resources
Understanding Water Hygiene in a Campus Environment
Purpose
The purpose of this Web page is to provide members and the general education sector with the most current information pertaining to the health of water systems and any additional information that may be helpful in minimizing microbiological contamination.
Legionella & Legionnaires Disease (LD)
Overview
Despite publicity and a number of studies by hospitals, universities, and public health agencies, LD remains a controversial issue. News and media groups worldwide are creating and heightening awareness. The debate over the best course of action continues as well. Countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia have regulated treatment of cooling towers and other water systems for Legionella. Multinational corporations may accelerate the passing of guidelines in the United States to conform with the practices in these countries. For colleges and universities, current Legionella control practices may be influenced by these strict guidelines.
Legionella
Since the organism Legionella lives in nature and can thrive in numerous manmade systems [e.g., potable water distribution systems, cooling towers, and decorative fountains], it is unlikely that the causative agent could be completely eradicated. Hospital and university facilities, due to their high exposure potential, have the greatest need to minimize risks for LD in their facilities.
Scanning electron
micrographs of a virulent
Legionella pneumophila cell.
The following information is a guideline to help minimize LD risk and develop a course of action. Specific recommendations rely on a complete audit and risk assessment for a particular site. This risk assessment allows the institution or organization to understand ALL the potential risks with each water systems.
Recommendations
- Conduct a risk assessment of all water systems in your facility to determine the risk factors present.
- Prepare a risk assessment document and review with Environmental Health & Safety staff, Plant Engineering, and Facilities Management based on risk assessment findings.
- Implement risk minimization recommendations based on risk assessment findings.
- Begin environmental testing for Legionella based on the risk assessment. NOTE: Testing has greatest value in verifying the effectiveness of treatment and remediation activities.
- Document operation and maintenance procedures for water systems in the facility.
For additional materials regarding Legionnaires Disease please visit:
- Cooling Tower Institute (CTI) Legionellosis Guideline
To request a copy call 281-583-4087 - OSHA Technical Manual For Legionnaires Disease
- Water Treatment
Nalco: Water related microbiological issues
Contact: Steve Spiwak, 630-305-1419
The recent anthrax threats created a general need for more information on the disease and potential threat. Microbial contamination is not a core competency of APPA, but creating the avenue to find the answer is our core competency.
For additional materials regarding Anthrax please visit:
- Centers for Disease and Control (CDC)
- Indoor Environment Department
- Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA)
- Frequently Asked Questions
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/anthrax_g.htm - Water Treatment
Nalco: Water related microbiological issues
Contact: Steve Spiwak, 630-305-1419
