At RMC we are dedicated to making your business and the world a safer place. We collaborate with your team to develop customized solutions to manage the risks associated with Legionella. Our team has in-depth knowledge of all regulations related to HVAC and domestic water systems, ensuring that we stay up to date with federal, state, and local guidelines.
We are well-versed in key regulations such as JCAHO EC 1.7 Compliance, ASHRAE 188-2018, Local Law 76, Law 77, CMS 17-30, Chapter 8 Title 24 of NYC laws, and NYS Title 10 Part 4. Additionally, as of September 12, 2024, the newly enacted NJ Senate Bill 2188 adds further regulatory requirements that we are fully equipped to help navigate.
Rest assured, RMC is here to guide you in meeting these standards and keeping your operations safe and compliant.
Get in touch with one of our team members.
Brief History
In the summer of 1976, at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 200 individuals fell ill and 34 tragically lost their lives. This event marked the first discovery of Legionella pneumophila, the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires' disease.
Are you familiar with the bacterium Legionella pneumophila?
Legionella pneumophila can lead to Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac fever. While most individuals who come into contact with the bacterium do not become ill, certain groups are more susceptible. These include, but are not limited to, smokers, individuals over the age of 50, and those with lung or autoimmune diseases. The disease is typically contracted when contaminated water droplets are inhaled or aspirated into the lungs.
Legionella pneumophila can thrive in environments such as cooling towers and evaporative condensers—both of which are wet-type heat rejection devices capable of producing large volumes of mist.
Understanding ASHRAE 188-2018
The ASHRAE 188-2018 standard sets minimum requirements for both potable and non-potable water systems that may be susceptible to Legionellosis. For detailed information, please visit the ASHRAE website to obtain a copy of the standard.
The RMC Water Management Team is highly knowledgeable in the ASHRAE 188-2018 standard and will collaborate with your company to ensure full compliance with all required components.
- Survey Completion
- Control Locations
- System Maintenance
- Monitoring
- Startup & Shutdown
- Control Measures
- Testing
- Disinfection
- Corrective Actions
- Water Management Plan
- Team establishment which includes educational opportunities
- Adherence to national, regional and local regulations
Legionella's Impact on your Business
Legionella in your water system can directly or indirectly affect your business via your equipment, people, and your bottom line.
Here are some of the scenario’s you could face:
- Biofilm has built up in (the) cooling system increasing operating costs, reducing heat transfer and potentially harboring deadly bacteria. It may now be necessary to pay for costly repairs with the hope that the system does not need to be fully replaced.
- Iron deposits are building up in the domestic water system and is interfering with sensitive equipment for your Healthcare facility. The domestic water plumbing is old but could have potentially been left in place for another six years. It now appears that it will need to be replaced in three years due to neglect and lack of flow.
- The nursing home that you manage has had an outbreak of legionnaires disease, a waterborne illness that could have been minimized. The health department is now involved in an investigation that may cost tens of thousands of dollars in testing and fees, and the media is involved which results in a public relations issue for the facility.
Water Management Program
Rochester Midland’s Risk Minimization Program offers customized ways to provide contingency management against potential litigation and associated health risks. The plan provides for the management of pathogenic biological agents with opportunities to use ozone or biocides.
The Programs have five major components:
- Proper Water Management Programs as defined by all relevant federal, state, and local laws
- The use of certified independent labs
- Short & Long Term customized strategies
- System Risk Assessments
- Intensive Treatment Programs
For a more in depth look at our program options; check out our Legionella Best Practices.
