An air handling system refers to a system where air is recirculated through ducts to remove heat. These systems may incorporate an air-cooling or water cooling system. The water cooling system uses water or another liquid to reduce the temperature of air in the system. The water can provide a favourable environment for growth of microbes such as Legionella if not regularly monitored.
The Public Health Act 2010 requires the occupier/ owner of a premise with cooling tower unit/s to notify City of Newcastle (CN) in regards to the installation or decommissioning of a cooling tower. CN is also required to keep an up to date register of all water-cooling systems in the Local Government Area under the Public Health Regulation 2012. Therefore any alterations made to the cooling tower unit/s or changes in register details must be provided to CN by the owner / occupier within one month of the alteration.
Frequently asked questions
The Public Health Regulation 2012 requires the occupier of a premises with a cooling tower to:
- Undertake monthly testing of the cooling tower water for the presence of Legionella bacteria and Heterotrophic Colony Count (HCC)
- Report test results that exceed the following 'reportable test results' to the relevant local council within 24 hours:
- Legionella counts ≥ 1,000 cfu/ml; or
- HCC levels ≥ 5,000,000 cfu/ml
To submit a reportable test result to CN please complete the NSW Health Form 4 Notification of reportable test result and submit to CN via regulation@ncc.nsw.gov.au or for further information please contact Customer Service on 02 4974 2000.
NSW Health provide factsheets, guidelines and Codes of Practice for the control of Legionnaires Disease.
Contact us
For further information please contact Customer Service on 02 4974 2000.