Best Practices for Recommissioning Buildings

An article published by Facility Executive discusses important considerations for repopulating buildings that have been either entirely or partially vacated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To start with, the article asks if the building was properly decommissioned, referring to the orderly shutdown of its systems and preparing it for long term dormancy. Whether or not this was done will affect the recommissioning process (ideally making the process easier if it was performed). One of the aspects of recommissioning discussed in the article pertains to building water systems. As WaterISAC’s members are undoubtedly aware, water in buildings that are fully or partially shutdown can become stagnant, a condition that can increase the risk for growth and spread of Legionella and other pathogens. The article’s simple recommendation is to purge stagnant water from a building’s pipes. WaterISAC’s April 9 Security and Resilience Update discussed guidance recently disseminated by the CDC that went into more detail about the steps that should be taken to ensure the system is safe for use. The article also discusses environmental considerations, to include those for addressing potential mold growth, as well as what to do with electrical systems. Read the article at Facility Executive.