REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the BUILDING AND FIRE BOARD OF APPEALS WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 2023 @ 1:30 PM- IN PERSON PERMITTING DEVELOPMENT CENTER; CONFERENCE ROOM 1401-1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, contact rick.arzola@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ron Buys(R. Alter); Alan Schumann-Chair(Watson); Ben Abzug(Velasquez); Aubrey Brasfield-V Chair(Fuentes) A.J Juraska(Pool); Gary Wilks(Kelly); Jim Rumbo(Alter) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approve the Minutes from Regular Called Meeting from May 24, 2023 2. Presentation by Austin Health Dept. on Legionellosis Prevention in Commercial APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS Healthcare Facilities. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Rick Arzola at Development Services Department, Building Inspections, at (512) 974-2417, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
24 UPC Code Ammendment Mechanical and Plumbing Board meeting, June 27, 0930 Permitting Development Center APH Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance presentation Goal: Improving timing of flushing prior to occupancy Legionella prevention Legionella Overview • Legionella bacteria are found naturally in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams. The bacteria can become a health concern when they grow and spread in human-made building water systems like • Showerheads and sink faucets • Cooling towers (structures that contain water and a fan as part of centralized air cooling systems for buildings or industrial processes) • Hot tubs • Decorative fountains and water features • Hot water tanks and heaters • Large, complex plumbing systems • About 1 in 3 cases (35%) are due to changes in water quality from reasons 3 external to the building itself Legionella in biofilm… ▪ Biofilm is often associated with Legionella in plumbing systems. Biofilm is a slimy coating that is formed as microbes attach to underwater surfaces (e.g., the inside of a pipe). Biofilm can form in valves, fittings, and on pipe walls, feeding Legionella. ▪ Legionella overgrowth can also be caused by plumbing system replacement and repairs, water temperatures between 68°-122°F, water pressure drops, boil water notices, water main breaks, water stagnation, and increased sediment 4 Legionella Symptoms (you have to breathe it in) • Symptoms can include: • Cough • Shortness of breath • Fever • Muscle aches • Headaches • Legionnaires’ disease can also be associated with other symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and confusion. Symptoms usually begin 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the bacteria, but it can take longer • Legionnaires’ disease is deadly for about 10% of people who get it. 5 Issue: Water stagnation leads to Legionella overgrowth • Recently a healthcare facility had brown water when connected early April. • “Prior to use” flush done >4 months ago • Water service lines installed last June 2022 • Common issue in new hospital construction especially when water does not get turned on in timely manner and no timed flushing protocols in place • Corrosion of pipes leads to biofilm growth • Many Legionella outbreaks in hospitals are related to new construction • What is current Austin standard? • Can we improve? Click to edit footer style 6 Travis County Case Counts 7 Uniform Plumbing Code- no timing for flushing https://www.iapmo.org/publications/read-uniform-codes-online/ 609.10 Disinfection of Potable Water System New or …
