Legionella E-news -- 28 May 2003

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**IN THIS ISSUE**
1. EPA Guide Outlines Legionella Preventive Measures
2. HSE Releases New Legionnaires' Guidance
3. Seven New Audio And Web Seminars

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1. EPA GUIDE OUTLINES LEGIONELLA PREVENTIVE MEASURES
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US EPA regulations for Legionella pertain primarily to water suppliers rather than to building operators. However, in EPA's "Guidance Manual for the Compliance with the Filtration and Disinfection Requirements for Public Water Systems Using Surface Water Sources, March 1991," recommendations are provided for large institutions for the detection and control of legionellae. Here's an excerpt from Appendix B, "Institutional Control of Legionella":

"As discussed in this document, treatment requirements for disinfection of a municipal water supply are thought to provide at least a 3 log reduction of Legionella bacteria (see Section 3.2.2). However, some recontamination may occur in the distribution system due to cross connections and during installation and repair of water mains. It has been hypothesized that the low concentrations of Legionella entering buildings due to these sources may colonize and regrow in hot water systems (USEPA, 1985). Although all of the criteria required for colonization are not known, large institutions, such as hospitals, hotels, and public buildings with recirculating hot water systems seem to be the most susceptible. The control of Legionella in health care institutions, such as hospitals, is particularly important due to the increased susceptibility of many of the patients. The colonization and growth of Legionella in drinking water primarily occurs within the consumer's plumbing systems after the water leaves the distribution system. Therefore, the control of these organisms must be the consumer's responsibility. This appendix is intended to provide guidance to these institutions for the detection and control of the Legionella bacteria.

"It is suggested that hospitals, and other institutions with potential for the growth of Legionella, conduct routine monitoring of their hot water systems at least quarterly. The analytical procedures for the detection of these organisms can be found in Section 912.I 'legionellosis' of the 16th edition of Standard Methods. Samples should be taken at, or closely following, the hot water storage reservoir and from a number of showerheads. It is recommended that showers with the least frequent usage be included in the sampling program. Follow-up testing is suggested for all positive indications prior to the initiation of any remedial measures. If the presence of Legionella is confirmed, then remedial measures should be taken. Although the regrowth of Legionella is commonly associated with hot water systems, hot and cold water interconnections may provide a pathway for cross contamination. For this reason, systems detecting Legionella in hot water systems should also monitor their cold water systems."

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2. HSE RELEASES NEW LEGIONNAIRES' GUIDANCE
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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released new Legionnaires' guidance in a free leaflet, "Essential Information for Providers of Residential Accommodation." The leaflet emphasizes that, having removed the 300-litre limit for hot and cold water systems, the Approved Code of Practice now affects local authorities, universities, housing associations, charities, hostels, landlords, managing agents, hoteliers, and caravan and campsite owners.

HSE has also released a revised video, "An Introduction to the Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems." The video, accompanied by a series of checklists, tells how to manage and control Legionella in cooling towers and domestic water systems. It covers risk assessments, treatment, control, monitoring, cleaning, and disinfection. For more information, go to http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2003/e03080.htm.

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3. SEVEN NEW AUDIO AND WEB SEMINARS
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These are live, interactive audio or web seminars that people worldwide can participate in from their homes or offices. Each course runs 60 to 90 minutes and costs US$159. "Waterborne Pathogens: Illness, Prevalence, and Risk Reduction Strategies," will be taught by Kelly Reynolds, PhD. Janet Stout, PhD, will teach "Legionnaires' Disease: Update on Diagnosis, Treatment, Microbiology, Environmental Monitoring, and Disinfection." The titles of the other five courses, taught by Matt Freije, are "Legionnaires' Disease: Guidelines, Litigation, and Risk Management," "Minimizing Conditions for Legionella and Other Bacteria in Domestic Water Systems," "Reducing the Risk of Legionella in Cooling Towers," "How to Sample Water Systems for Legionella," and "Disinfecting Potable Water Systems." Courses are scheduled for June and September. Be sure to register at least four days in advance to ensure timely receipt of the course manuals. For dates and times and other details, go to http://hcinfo.com.

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******************************************************************* (c) Copyright 2003, HC Information Resources Inc. You have permission to send this newsletter to others, post it on your web site, or include it in listserv posts, under the strict condition that you include the following notice to properly credit the source: "Excerpted from Legionella E-news, a free e-newsletter available at http://hcinfo.com."

THANK YOU!

Matt Freije, Editor
HC Information Resources Inc.
http://hcinfo.com