ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 12000-2018, Professional Qualifications Standard for Infection Control Risk Assessment for All Building Systems, has been approved by the American National Standards Institute and is now available for purchase.

ASSE International first developed the voluntary consensus ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 12000 in 2014 to address the hazardous nature of pathogens and infectious diseases that play dangerous roles for pipe trade workers, maintenance personnel, and other construction craftspeople. The one-of-a-kind ASSE Series 12000 sets minimum criteria for the training and certification of pipe trades craftspeople and employers on safer methods to assess, control, and work in environments with potentially deadly diseases and how to develop water risk management programs for buildings.

The Series 12000 addresses the need for construction and maintenance personnel to become proficient in identifying and managing potential situations where they may be exposed to pathogens, diseases and hazards. This standard series also enhances the ability of personnel to protect occupants and operations from infections; especially within healthcare facilities.

“As more and more facilities begin requiring training and certification in infection control, ASSE 12000 can be a valuable tool for building managers, employers, and construction and maintenance personnel,” said Marianne Waickman, ASSE International professional qualifications director. “Training and certification to this standard can show clients and employers that the individual can be trusted to work in potentially dangerous environments and responsibly perform construction and maintenance in all building types.”

Making this standard even more encompassing and valuable than the previous edition, ASSE Series 12000 now defines general knowledge requirements for developing and implementing water systems risk management programs and sets minimum criteria for training and certifying employers, plumbers, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, and sprinkler fitters. The objective of ASSE Standards 12060-12063 is to provide training, education, and certification to personnel and employers, which will result in the knowledge and skills necessary to participate on water management teams involving plumbing, mechanical, and water-based fire protection systems in all buildings across the country.

The ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 12000 contains nine standards, including qualifications and requirements for working with biological and waterborne pathogens; contamination/infection prevention procedures for protecting facility occupants and operations; and water quality program qualifications and requirements. The standard series also features five useful appendices, including guidelines for personal protective equipment and infection prevention/control risk assessments.

To purchase the ANSI-approved ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 12000-2018, please visit the ASSE International webstore at www.assewebstore.com. For questions regarding the Series 12000, contact Waickman at marianne.waickman@asse-plumbing.org or (708) 995-3015.