Legionnaires’ disease captured national headlines when researchers determined it caused 34 deaths after an American Legion convention in1976 in Philadelphia. Since then, outbreaks of the disease barely make the 10 p.m. local news. While the Legionnaires’ disease is widespread, it frequently does not get the attention it deserves.
Recently published ASHRAE 188 is increasing focus on Legionnaires’ disease. The standard provides minimum Legionellosis risk-management requirements for the design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, and expansion of new and existing buildings as well as their associated potable and nonpotable water systems and components. The standard applies to human-occupied commercial, institutional, multifamily and industrial buildings. It does not include single-family homes.