Practical Experience with Legionella Bacteria Control in Commercial HVAC Systems

摘要

Commercial HVAC systems have been identified as potential sources of Legionellarnbacteria infections. Proactive work to minimize growth of Legionella bacteria in HVACrncooling systems is therefore becoming a part of routine cooling water system waterrntreatment, service and maintenance programs.rnThis paper discusses routine testing for Legionella bacteria in cooling towers, andrnchanges in operating procedures designed to help maintain both total bacteria countsrnand Legionella counts at recommended safe levels. Sources of possible towerrninfestation must be specifically identified and either removed or carefully controlled.rnCase histories are presented to show the beneficial effects of systematic cleaningrnand removal of contamination on Legionella bacteria levels in the circulating water.