Legionella Control
Legionnaires' Disease is an infection of the lungs and can be fatal. The disease is caused by breathing in aerosols which contain Legionella bacteria. This bacteria is present in low levels in the environment, but can grow rapidly to dangerous levels in cooling towers and in warm water systems. Legionella growth can be controlled by proper water treatment procedures and regular cleaning.
Within the greater Sydney metropolitan area it is estimated that there are approximately 4000- 5000 cooling towers. Therefore several million residents and other transient populations are potentially exposed to the risk of Legionnaires' Disease on a daily basis if systems are not properly operated and maintained.
Correct installation, maintenance and cleaning of systems is a legal requirement under the Public Health Act 1991 and Public Health (Microbial Control) Regulation 2000. Building owners and occupiers have the prime responsibility to properly install and maintain all 'regulated systems' (as defined by legislation), including water-cooling systems, air-handling systems, evaporative cooling systems, humidifying systems, and hot and warm-water systems. Building occupiers who fail to meet these requirements are liable to heavy fines or even imprisonment.
All regulated systems are required to be equipped with an operating and maintenance manual. The manuals must include all details of inspections and servicing performed. Manuals and records must be kept on site.
Council is required to keep a register of all water-cooling and warm-water systems installed on premises in the City. It is your responsibility to ensure that council is provided with the necessary information.
Council has a Legionella Management Plan which provides direction for Council in ensuring that cooling towers and warm water systems:
- Are registered as required by the Public Health (Microbial Control) Regulation 2000;
- Comply with legislation in respect to operation and maintenance;
- Comply with the 'NSW Code of Practice for the Control of Legionnaires' Disease, 2nd Edition, 2004';
- Are annually audited and inspected.
For further information, please contact Council’s Environmental Health Officers during business hours on
9911 6555 or visit the NSW Health Website at www.health.nsw.gov.au.