Training for Prevention of Injury and Disease Associated With Building Water Systems

Microorganisms can enter building water plumbing systems and, over time, amplify to large numbers. Upon release into the environment and inhalation by potentially susceptible individuals, they can cause serious illness, injury or death. These pathogenic microorganisms include Acanthamoeba, Acinetobacter, Klebsiella, non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), Pseudomonas and the better known, Legionella. Legionella pneumophila is responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, which results in approximately 4,000 deaths every year.

The adaptation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) methodologies in the development of water safety plans has proven effective for ensuring public health and safety in building water systems by preventing illness, injury, and death. Such programs have proven effective and practical for controlling the growth and dispersal of clinically significant pathogens, as well as physical and chemical hazards in building water systems. Hazard analysis and management plans are increasingly being used by major healthcare providers, prominent educational institutions and commercial/industrial property owners to protect public health.

NSF International holds training on the application of these principles in the development and implementation of building water safety management programs. By following the seven principles, you learn to identify specific, potentially hazardous agents and specify measures for their control to ensure the safety of the water in buildings. These principles prove effective and practical for controlling the growth and dispersal of pathogens, as well as chemical and physical hazards in building water systems.

To learn more, contact us at buildingwaterhealth@nsf.org.

Benefits of Training

It is nearly impossible to eliminate the intrusion of pathogens into building water systems. However, through NSF‘s training, facility managers and industry professionals can learn tactics and strategies to help control the conditions that can lead to their amplification. NSF training provides a practical, resource-efficient method to prevent diseases associated with building plumbing systems at a reasonable cost. You will learn how these methods apply to a wide variety of building water systems with varying size, purpose and design.

Why Work With NSF?

Founded in 1944, NSF provides an extensive array of services to help ensure the quality and safety of products and their impact on public health. NSF is well respected by manufacturers, public health officials and drinking water utilities. Our experience working with manufacturers and national, state and provincial regulatory agencies provides us with the knowledge and expertise to provide valuable, in-depth training courses on a variety of topics.

Instructors

NSF’s courses are presented by knowledgeable water safety experts who possess scientific and academic backgrounds along with the hands-on industry experience necessary to communicate the relevant course information and the latest issues related to building water systems safety. Each NSF instructor has experience working with public drinking water supplies and in microbial risk management in building water systems.