Cooling Towers Inspections

Under the Public Health Act 1991, Public Health Act 2010 and Regulations, Council is required to maintain a register of water cooling systems installed on regulated premises in its area. This register must contain the following information:-

• The type of system (Model, Serial no. )
• The address of the premises on which the system is installed.
• The name, residential and business addresses of the owner of the premises and if the premises are occupied by someone other than the owner, then the occupier's details.
• The telephone numbers during and after business hours by which the persons above can be contacted.
• Details of inspections carried out by Council.

Council Officers are also required to conduct annual inspections of water cooling towers to:-  

• inspect and test any system on the premises,
• investigate compliance with operating and/or maintenance requirements in accordance with AS/NZS 3666.2 2002 or AS/NZS 3666.3.2000 and
• inspect records of operation and maintenance of the system in accordance with AS/NZS 3666.2:2002 or AS/NZS 3666.3.2000..

Owners and occupiers of premises containing these systems are responsible for ensuring the proper installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the regulated system. Most will engage a contractor to carry out all of the above. Records of the operation and maintenance of the systems are required to be kept on site and made accessible to Council Officers at all times.

Cessnock City Council has also adopted a legionella management plan to assist Council in the coordination, preparation, planning and operation of its resources to control Legionnaires disease.

For further information please contact Council’s Regulatory Section or alternatively please visit the NSW Public Health website.