Legionella bacteria: PWGSC buildings are safe
December 2012
The health and safety of the occupants and users of its buildings is the top priority of Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC); it is our paramount concern.
Since 1986, PWGSC has proactively and regularly tested its federal buildings to ensure that they comply with codes, standards and other requirements related to health and safety. Additionally, property maintenance projects related to health and safety are delivered and funded on a priority basis.
The media reported an outbreak in July 2012 of Legionnaires' disease—a form of respiratory illness—in Quebec City. The department has been working closely with Santé Québec and is following its advice and recommendations to ensure PWGSC buildings remain safe.
PWGSC reacted quickly after reports of Legionnaires' disease surfaced in Quebec City by re-testing its buildings within the affected zone for the presence of Legionella bacteria.
PWGSC has also completed testing of all cooling towers in its portfolio. Testing is ongoing for cooling tower systems that operate year-round. Timely notification will be provided to the appropriate stakeholders if any system ever tests above the allowable threshold for Legionella bacteria.
In buildings leased by PWGSC, the lease agreements stipulate that the building must be operated and maintained in a manner that is compliant with all applicable federal, provincial, territorial, municipal or regional laws, acts, regulations and codes. This includes compliance with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards related to maintenance of heating and cooling systems.
There have been no reports of Legionnaires' disease affecting tenants or occupants in any building managed by PWGSC or its service providers.
Legionnaires' disease is caused by the presence of Legionella bacteria in water systems. Inhalation of contaminated water vapour or mist is the primary cause of transmission. Legionnaires' disease is not contagious.
The key to preventing outbreaks of the disease is controlling bacterial growth in water systems through preventive maintenance.
The following policies and practices related to the prevention and control of bacterial growth in PWGSC-owned buildings are in place. They are based on federal requirements and those of the ASHRAE:
- The Real Property Services Facility Maintenance Policy requires preventive maintenance that includes inspections, tests, and cleaning of mechanical systems. This policy is based on the ASHRAE requirements.
- The PWGSC Mechanical Design guideline Control of Legionella in Mechanical Systems provides guidance to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria, and on cleaning and disinfecting affected systems.
On December 6, 2012, l'Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale (PDF 125 Kb - Help on File Formats) released their final report on the outbreak of Legionella in the summer of 2012 (available in French only). The report confirmed that the source of the Legionella bacteria responsible for the outbreak came from cooling towers located at 320 Saint-Joseph Street East. This building is not owned or operated by PWGSC.
More information on Legionnaires' disease can be found on the Health Canada website.
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