Legionella Testing in Philadelphia
Legionella Investigation & Testing in Montgomery County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, Bucks County, Mercer County, Burlington County, Chester County, & Norristown
Eagle Industrial Hygiene can assist with evaluating your facility for the presence of Legionella bacteria, the microbe responsible for Legionellosis (Legionnaires' Disease and Pontiac Fever).
What Is Legionellosis?
Legionellosis, commonly referred to as Legionnaires' disease, is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. This potentially fatal illness was first recognized in 1976 during an outbreak at a convention of the American Legion in Philadelphia, hence the name.
Where is Legionellosis Commonly Found?
Legionella bacteria are naturally present in freshwater environments, such as lakes and streams.
They can also be found in man-made water systems like:
- Cooling towers
- Hot tubs
- Decorative fountains
- Plumbing systems
- Large-scale industrial facilities
These bacteria thrive in warm water and are often transmitted to humans through the inhalation of aerosolized droplets containing the bacteria.
Call (215) 268-7347 or contact us online to learn more about Legionellosis testing in Philadelphia!
Legionellosis Investigations
Eagle Industrial Hygiene provides the services necessary to comply with ASHRA Standard 188 and can assist in investigations of Legionellosis outbreaks.
Legionella investigations and testing are conducted by a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), experienced in the characterization and remediation of Legionella in building water systems.
Samples are analyzed by an AIHA LAP/ISO 17025-accredited laboratory that participates in the ELITE proficiency testing program for Legionella bacteria.
Legionella Risk Factors
ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Standard 188, Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems identifies the following building-related risk factors associated with Legionellosis:
- Multiple rooms supplied by a centralized hot water heater
- Healthcare facility
- Immunocompromised occupants
- More than 10 stories
- Whirlpools and/or spas
- Aerosol-generating water features or devices such as fountains, evaporative condensers, misters, and/or air washers
The first step in complying with the provisions of ASHRAE Standard 188 is to survey your facility and determine if it meets any of the above-listed risk factors. If so, you should develop and implement a program to manage the risk of building-related Legionellosis.
Our Legionella Testing Process
The program incorporates the following seven elements:
- Conduct a hazard analysis
- Determine the control locations
- Establish control limits for each control location
- Set up a system to monitor the control locations
- Determine the corrective action to be taken when monitoring indicates that a particular control location is not being controlled
- Establish verification procedures to confirm the effectiveness of the risk-management program
- Document and maintain records of all procedures and actions
Contact us online or at (215) 268-7347 to learn more about the importance of Legionellosis testing!
Why Choose Eagle Industrial Hygiene Associates?
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Wide Range of Experience From Inspections to Large Environmental Disasters
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Serving the Community Since 1986 With Thousands of Customers Helped
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Staff with Certified Industrial Hygienist Credentials
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Qualified Member of ISNetworld Global Contractor and Supplier Management