Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees". The General Duty Clause covers failures to follow recognized good industry practices for instances in which Legionnaires' disease has been linked to poorly maintained water systems. Section 5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act".

Note: Twenty-four states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.

• Indoor Air Quality. Proposed Rules 59:15968-16039, (1994, April 5). Includes a provision that requires employers to implement controls for specific contaminants including Legionella and their sources.
• Search all available Federal Registers.

• OSHA Technical Manual (OTM). TED 01-00-015 [TED 1-0.15A], (1999, January 20).
  • Legionnaires' Disease. Provides information to assist industrial hygienists in the assessment of work sites for potential Legionnaires' disease, disease recogntion, investigation procedures to identify probable water sources, and control strategies.
  • Legionnaires' Disease. eTool. Offers a graphical menu to assist in the assessment of worksites for potential Legionnaires' disease and provides information on disease recognition, investigation procedures, and control strategies.
• Search all available directives.

Note: These are NOT OSHA regulations. However, they do provide guidance from their originating organizations related to worker protection.

• 62-2004, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, (2006). Sets minimum ventilation rates and other requirements for commercial and institutional buildings.