Legionnaires’ Disease Prevention Checklist

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Building & Facility Management
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Develop a Water Management Plan
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Follow CDC/ASHRAE guidelines for building water systems.
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Assign responsibility for monitoring and maintenance.
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Maintain Hot Water Temperatures
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Keep hot water storage tanks at ≥60 °C (140 °F).
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Deliver hot water to outlets at ≥50 °C (122 °F).
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Use thermostatic mixing valves at outlets to prevent scalding while keeping system hot enough to deter bacteria.
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Prevent Water Stagnation
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Flush unused outlets (sinks, showers) regularly.
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Remove dead-end pipe sections.
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Drain and clean storage tanks periodically.
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Maintain Adequate Disinfection
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Ensure chlorine or other disinfectant levels are within recommended ranges.
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Test water regularly for microbial contamination.
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⚙️ Cooling Towers & Large Water Systems
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Regular Cleaning & Maintenance
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Clean and disinfect cooling towers at least twice per year.
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Remove scale, biofilm, and sediment.
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Monitor Water Quality
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Test for pH, disinfectant residuals, and bacterial counts.
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Maintain drift eliminators to reduce aerosol spread.
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🛁 Hot Tubs, Pools & Spas
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Maintain Proper Disinfection
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Keep free chlorine levels at 2–4 ppm (per CDC guidance).
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Monitor and adjust chemical balance daily.
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Control Temperature
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Operate spas at recommended safe levels (typically ≤40 °C / 104 °F).
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Regular Draining & Cleaning
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Drain hot tubs weekly (or more often with heavy use).
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Scrub all surfaces to remove biofilm before refilling.
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🏠 Homeowners
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Maintain Water Heaters
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Set temperature to at least 60 °C (140 °F).
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Flush the tank annually to remove sediment.
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Flush Infrequently Used Fixtures
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Run showers, taps, or garden hoses not used for weeks.
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Let water run until hot.
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Clean Showerheads & Faucets
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Soak removable parts in vinegar or mild disinfectant to remove scale and slime.
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Be Cautious with Portable Humidifiers
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Use distilled water.
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Empty, dry, and clean daily.
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👤 Personal Risk Reduction
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High-Risk Individuals (older age, smokers, immunocompromised) should avoid:
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Sitting close to decorative fountains or misters in public places.
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Using poorly maintained hot tubs.
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Exposure to aerosolized water in questionable facilities.
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⚠️ Key Rule: Legionella prevention is about *keeping water hot, flowing, clean, and disinfected.
