At ASSE International headquarters, we receive calls and correspondence from people not certain of the differences within ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 12000-2021, Professional Qualifications Standard for Water Management and Infection Control Risk Assessment for Building Systems. Our goal at ASSE International has always been to safeguard public health and safety through the use of proper plumbing, piping, and mechanical practices. As more and more facilities, particularly healthcare facilities, begin requiring training and certification in infection control, ASSE 12010, 12020, 12060, and 12080 certifications prove to be valuable credentials.
These unique training programs educate and train pipe trades craftspeople, employers, building water management teams, and other construction and maintenance personnel on how to work more safely in environments with potential exposure to disease-causing pathogens.
ASSE 12010 and 12020 certifications address the need for construction and maintenance personnel to become proficient in identifying and managing potential situations where they may be exposed to bloodborne, waterborne, and airborne pathogens. These certifications also cover the responsibility of personnel to protect building occupants and operations from pathogens and hazards — especially within healthcare facilities — all while respecting the Environment of Care that is so crucial to positive experiences in a health care facility.
ASSE 12060-12063 certifications qualify contractors and tradespersons to participate on building water management teams. These certifications offer a verification and validation path to compliance with standards and guidelines related to cooling towers, water features, potable water systems, fire protection, ice machines, humidifiers, and all piped systems that currently reside in all occupied buildings.
ASSE 12080 certification enables individuals to become a member of a water safety team involved in the development of risk assessment analysis, and water management and sampling plans for protection from Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. The purpose of the certification is to ensure knowledge and understanding of standards and codes, the resources and skills needed to conduct a facility risk assessment, and to implement a water safety and management program to reduce the risk of infections due to Legionella.
Show your employer and clients that you have the knowledge and skills to safely work and protect the occupants in health care facilities and other buildings where there could be exposure to potentially harmful pathogens.
If you are interested in any of these programs or have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to ASSE International staff either by phone at (708) 995-3019 or email at assecertifications@asse-plumbing.org for more information.
