ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 514: What it Means for Water Management
ANSI/AAMI ASHRAE Standard 514
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has developed and published the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 514: Risk Management for Building Water Systems: Physical, Chemical and Microbial Hazards. This standard provides the minimum requirements for managing risk associated with building water systems and water management programs.
The guidelines in ASHRAE 514 extend beyond the narrow focus on Legionella compared to its predecessor, ANSI/AAMI Standard 188. Additionally, it outlines the physical and chemical hazards associated with mitigating the risk of microbial infection.
Physical Hazards Guidance
As stated in Informative Appendix A of ASHRAE 514, hot water is essential for controlling microbial growth in potable water systems. However, in building water systems that are improperly designed, operated, and maintained, there is an increased risk of scalding, especially among at-risk populations such as children and the elderly. For instance, water heated above 140°F (60°C) can cause severe burns within seconds, therefore a balancing act between safety and sanitation is required. ASHRAE recommends “Point-of-use temperature control[s] that limit the temperature of hot-water discharge from water end use point.” This approach enables the distribution of hot water at temperatures effective in eliminating or hindering the growth of microbial hazards, all while minimizing the risk of scalding.
Chemical Hazards Guidance
The use of antimicrobial chemicals in hot and cold potable water systems can be a helpful aid in microbial control. Antimicrobial chemicals used in supplemental disinfection include chlorine, chlorine dioxide, monochloramine, and a combination of copper ions and silver.
These disinfection byproducts may promote the growth of selected pathogens or can contribute to the corrosion of metals and the degradation of plastics and elastomers in the facility’s plumbing system. When using antimicrobial chemicals, consider using an FDA 510(k) cleared Class II medical device filter in conjunction with antimicrobial chemicals to supplement your water management plan to aid in microbial retention while reducing the risks stated above.
Microbial Hazards Guidance
ASHRAE 514 addresses other microbial hazards beyond Legionella, such as biofilm, Pseudomonas, and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM). Biofilm, a collection of microorganisms that create a slimy film, can be attributed to chronic inflammatory diseases, infection from improperly sterilized medical devices, and disease development. Pseudomonas and NTM account for a higher proportion of disease and costs compared to Legionella.
To prevent the transmission of microbial hazards from contaminated water, ASHRAE 514 suggests the use of FDA Class II medical devices in potable water areas. The use of FDA Class II filter is recommended for:
- Medical wards with high-risk patients (like a burn unit)
- Medical devices utilizing water for operation or washing: Pllies to units such as heater-cooler units, endoscope preprocessor, or dental water lines.
- Non-medical equipment that uses or is washed with water: Applies to equipment such as ice machines and bottle fillers / fountains.
For a more in-depth look at the applications directly impacted by the standard, refer to Table G-1 and Table G-2 in ASHRAE 514.
Complimentary ANSI/ASHRAE 514 Standard training
Nephros is ready to train you in all things ASHRAE 514. In this training, you will learn the key provisions, the use cases where the standard would apply, and the Nephros products designed to keep healthcare facilities compliant. Contact us at sales@nephros.com to learn more about this opportunity.