Legionella Management Plan for Hospitals
Matthew R. Freije

September 2005 80 pages ISBN 1-930488-21-1 (print version) ISBN 1-930488-18-1 (electronic version) US$149 spiral bound US$149 PDF on CD US$119 PDF download

Improve patient care. Reduce your legal risk.

Outlines what to do -- and how to do it -- in a clear and concise format.

Based on several guidelines and scientific papers, as well as the author's experience.

Includes how-to information to save you time, money, and missteps.

Satisfies JCAHO EC 1.7 with respect to waterborne pathogens.

Reads like an in-house policy manual.

Contents  •  About the author  •  Price, ordering

Contents   Top

Getting started

• The team

• Objectives

• Overview of other waterborne pathogens

• High-risk patient areas

• Patient surveillance

• Environmental risk assessment

Preventive measures for the domestic water system

• Water temperatures

• Regular maintenance

• Policies for construction, normal operation, and special situations

• Future changes to consider

• Ice machines and storage chests

• Water quality checks

• Potable water disruptions and boil-water advisories

Preventive measures for cooling towers

• Physical cleaning

• Water treatment

• Maintenance

• Disinfection

• Conditions to avoid

• Inspection checklist

• Water quality testing

• Preventing legionellae transmission from the tower to people

Preventive measures for air handling equipment

• Humidifiers

• Ductwork

• Air handling units

• Filters

Preventive measures for other equipment (partial list)

• Decorative fountains

• Dental water lines

• Respiratory care equipment

• Hydrotherapy tanks and pools

• Birthing tubs

• Dialysis equipment

• Portable humidifiers

Environmental sampling for Legionella (Note: Planning for environmental sampling is prudent even if the hospital chooses not to sample routinely, because the hospital must be prepared to sample in case Legionnaires’ disease is identified.)

• Equipment to sample

• Number of samples per screening

• Frequency of screenings

• Qualifying a laboratory (including the in-house laboratory) for Legionella culture

• Supplies

• Scheduling each screening

• Checklist to review before sampling

• Instructions for collecting samples and recording data

• Checklist for shipping samples to the laboratory

• Interpreting results

• Communication and documentation

Investigating Legionella problems

• Definition of Legionella “problem”

• Preliminary response to Legionnaires’ cases

• Steps for epidemiologic and environmental investigations

Exhibits; figures; tables

Source directory

• Additional reading

• Suppliers

• Laboratories

About the author   Top

Matt Freije is a consultant and course instructor specializing in Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. He investigates Legionella problems, evaluates buildings for conditions that promote Legionella growth, recommends plumbing system disinfection strategies, serves as an expert in litigation, provides training, and teaches seminars. His book, Legionellae Control in Health Care Facilities: A Guide for Minimizing Risk, a 1997 award finalist, has been highlighted in professional journals worldwide and has sold in more than 30 countries. Freije is the author of several reports and articles, has served as a guest speaker for professional societies, and is the editor of Legionella E-news, an international newsletter that covers outbreaks and new technology. Freije is a Purdue University mechanical engineering graduate and a member of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the Water Quality Association (WQA), the American Society of Safety Engineers, and the International Water Association (IWA). He is a Certified Water Specialist, with additional certification in disinfection. Freije can be reached at 760-494-3063 or mf@hcinfo.com.

Price and ordering information  Top

We will refund your money if you are not completely satisfied.

Electronic version in PDF, ISBN 1-930488-18-1: