ASSE Standard 12080 is a comprehensive standard for Legionella water safety and water management program professionals. It sets a minimum criteria for individuals performing building water system risk assessments and developing water management programs.
Who does ASSE Standard 12080 apply to?
ASSE Standard 12080 applies to anyone involved in water management, including facility managers, healthcare engineers, infection preventionists, plumbers, risk managers, and water treatment personnel. It sets minimum criteria for their training and certification, ensuring that they are properly equipped to handle waterborne pathogens and manage water systems effectively.
Risk assessment and management
Routine Legionella testing, annual risk assessments for other waterborne pathogens, and the establishment of a cross-functional water management team are among the key requirements of ASSE Standard 12080. The standard emphasizes the need to continually identify and minimize risks, with routine meetings to review control limits and monitoring measures, ensure compliance with monitoring methods and frequencies, and implement timely corrective actions.
Communication and training
Open communication and comprehensive training are cornerstones of ASSE Standard 12080. The standard outlines the importance of training on water management programs and procedures, and the need to communicate potential issues with the team, such as low flow and discoloration. Additionally, it encourages training on risks associated with waterborne pathogens and the establishment of communication pathways for reporting out-of-range water test results.
Clinical surveillance
ASSE Standard 12080 provides guidance on clinical surveillance, involving immediate notification to infection prevention and clinicians of positive Legionella test results. The standard also covers aspects of urinary antigen testing and culture testing for Legionella.
Construction, renovation, and risk management
ASSE Standard 12080 emphasizes the importance of proper water management during construction and renovation projects. It advises on steps to be followed when opening or re-opening facilities, managing changes in populations, and understanding the risk level of occupants. The standard lays out a comprehensive strategy for managing construction risks, from understanding the water infrastructure design plans to reviewing post-construction commissioning.
Design considerations
Finally, ASSE Standard 12080 offers guidance on design considerations for water safety. These include plans for supplemental disinfection, fixture selection, and strategies to minimize stagnation, dead legs, and cross-connections. The standard also encourages involvement in the design phase to foresee and mitigate potential issues.
ASSE Standard 12080 is a comprehensive standard that goes beyond just defining guidelines. It fosters a culture of safety, communication, and continuous education. Understanding and implementing ASSE Standard 12080 is important in ensuring optimal water quality and protecting building occupants and building water systems.
