ASHRAE Guideline 12 is intended for use by owners of human-occupied buildings and those involved in the design, construction, installation, commissioning, management, operation, maintenance, and service of centralized building water systems and components.

The recent major Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City that sickened at least 127 people and killed 12 could have been prevented through regular cooling tower service and maintenance. But, it’s not just cooling towers that need to be maintained.

A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City in the South Bronx has now sickened at least 127 people, and 12 people have died from the illness. Health officials said it’s the largest known outbreak in New York City.

A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City in the South Bronx has now sickened at least 108 people and 10 people have died from the illness. Health officials said it is the largest known outbreak in New York City.

A fourth version of ASHRAE’s proposed legionellosis standard is open for public comment until Nov. 10, 2014. Standard 188P, Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems, currently under development, will establish minimum legionellosis risk management requirements for building water systems.