The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), in conjunction with Special Pathogens Laboratory (SPL), is offering an ASSE 12080 Legionella Water Safety and Management Specialist Certification Training program, Aug. 17-19.

 

SPL President Janet Stout, Ph.D., a clinical and environmental biologist with more than 30 years of pioneering research in Legionella, will teach the three-day course. The speakers will include David Pierre, vice president of SPL Consulting Services, and Michael Castro, MPH, SPL's director of Healthcare Services.

 

"This training provides the critical knowledge that industry professionals need to prevent this life-threatening disease," Stout said. "At completion, attendees meet the knowledge requirements for the very first Legionella professional qualifications standard [ASSE 12080]. IAPMO's expertise in education and training, together with Special Pathogens Laboratory, provides participants with the knowledge they need to become an ASSE certified professional for Legionella water safety and management, getting us closer to ending Legionnaires' disease!"

 

Attendees will gain the requisite knowledge, understanding, and competency to serve as a member of a facilities water safety team to help protect against Legionella outbreaks and react to one appropriately should it occur. The program will focus on the development of a risk assessment analysis, and water management and sampling plan, for protection from Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. The training will also cover the codes, and the resources, understanding, and skills needed to conduct a facility risk assessment and implement a water safety and management program to reduce the risk of infections due to Legionella.

 

"By partnering with Special Pathogens Laboratory, both organizations have been able to complement each other's strengths in order to create a much-needed training and certification program," said Tony Marcello, IAPMO's vice president of Training and Credential Services. "We are very excited about the difference this program can make in protecting the health and safety of building occupants as well as helping those who own and manage facilities lower their liability risks."

 

The ASSE 12080 certification exam will be administered at the end. Attendees who pass the exam will become certified as Legionella Water Safety and Management Specialists.

 

The training program is scheduled for 8 a.m.–5 p.m,. Aug. 17–19 at the UA Local 130 Training Center, 1400 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago. The registration fee includes the ASSE exam, the SPL workbook, "Puzzled by Legionella? A Guide to Understanding Detection, Prevention, and Water Management," and lunch. To register, visit bit.ly/2ZoKtPd.

 

For information about the ASSE 12080 standard, visit bit.ly/31dzNoQ.