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ASPE Book Review
ASPE Report (June 97), American Society of Plumbing Engineers. Reviewer: Timothy Allinson, PE, ASPE New York City Chapter Legionnaires' disease has critical implications for Health Care Facilities, as the risk of infection correlates inversely with the resistance of the individual, placing organ-transplant, cancer and AIDS patients into a high risk category. Legionellae Control in Health Care Facilities - A Guide for Minimizing Risk, is a must-read not only for Health Care Facility Directors and Operators, but for Engineers, Architects and Contractors involved in Hospital projects. Freije's book is a practical as it is simple to read. In it, he explains: Known facts about Legionella; How to establish an action plan; Preventative measures; Environmental sampling; Disinfection; and Responding to an outbreak. The theme of the book is that of efficiency -- how to minimize exposure and financial expenditure in a timely fashion. With an emphasis on self-sufficiency, evaluative questions are posed of the reader to determine the correct action to take for a particular facility followed by: equipment and piping schematics to allow operators to understand plumbing systems; maintenance schedules; sampling logs; screening procedures for labs; consultants and manufacturers; a thorough description of disinfection options; plus a long list of references and contacts for additional information on Legionella. All Plumbing Engineers involved in Hospital projects should have access to a copy of this book. It may not provide any new information on plumbing systems for those already familiar with the subject, but it will arm the consultant with a litany of information to share with their Health Care clients to guide them toward effective and decisive action on this controversial issue. |