Hydro-therapy Whirlpool Tub

• Exposure to the legionella bacteria could occur in the shower or whirlpool area, or areas that use spray nozzles. Cooling towers, evaporative condensers, fluid coolers, and domestic hot-water systems are water sources that frequently provide optimal conditions for growth of the legionella organism. 
  
  
  • Exposure to the legionella bacteria can cause a mild respiratory illness (that may not require treatment), or severe pneumonia-like symptoms 2 to 10 days after exposure.
    
    • If not detected and treated promptly with appropriate antibiotics, can lead to death.
      

Possible Solutions

• Domestic hot-water systems:
  
  • Store water at 140 degrees F and deliver it at a minimum of 50°C (122°F) to all outlets. To avoid scalding problems install fail-safe scald protection equipment, such as preset thermostatic mixing valves.
    
  • Where building cannot be retrofitted, consider periodically increasing the temperature to at least 158 degrees F or chlorination followed by flushing.
    
  • Inspect systems annually to ensure equipment functions properly.
• Domestic cold-water systems:
  
  • Maintain cold-water lines below 68 degrees F.
    
  • Eliminate water tanks that allow water to remain uncirculated for long periods or design them to reduce storage time to a day or less. They should also be covered and protected from temperature extremes.
    
  • Prevent cross-contamination of the domestic cold water system with other systems.
    
  • Use hyperchlorination to eradicate legionella if the cold-water lines have significant contamination.
• Clean and disinfect Cooling towers at least twice a year.
  
  • Use biocides periodically to control bacteria growth.
    
  • Provide visual inspection and periodic maintenance of the system, to prevent buildup of scale and sediment and bio-fouling, which support legionella growth.

• Appendix III: 7-5. OSHA Technical Manual, Water Treatment Protocols for Facilities that have experienced a Legionnaires' Outbreak.
  
• Appendix III: 7-1. Employee Awareness Program, to inform employees of any potential outbreaks, and to educate about the disease, and provide early recognition of the disease. Sample forms and questions and answers about Legionnaires' disease are provided.

• Legionnaires' Disease most frequently attacks individuals who have an underlying illness or weakened immune system. The most susceptible include persons who are elderly, smokers, and immunosuppressed.
  
• Symptoms include: dry cough, high fever, chills, muscle aches, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, and abdominal pain.
  
• Usually treated with erythromycin or a combination of erythromycin and Rifampin.

• Legionnaires' Disease. OSHA eTool. This eTool was designed to assist industrial hygienists in the assessment of worksites for potential Legionnaires' disease. It provides information on disease recognition, investigation procedures to identify probable water sources, and control strategies.
  
• Environmental Care: Utility System and Acquired Illness. Joint Commission, Environment of Care Standards, (2008, November 24). Address issues of improperly designed and maintained aerosolizing water systems (controlling pathogenic biological agents such as legionella in cooling towers, domestic hot water systems, etc).
• Patient Facts: Learn More about Legionnaires' disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), (2008, June 27).