Cooling towers and evaporative condensers

All premises that have in operation any cooling towers, evaporative condensers that have a wet evaporative cooling mode or have certain types of hybrid / adiabatic coolers must by law notify their local council in writing. This requirement also extends to notification when such devices are no longer in use.

If these types of cooling system are not properly maintained, small droplets of water (aerosols), suspended in the air can be a source of legionella bacteria which if inhaled can cause a potentially fatal form of pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease.

Employers or persons in control of such premises have duties under health and safety legislation to prevent or control the risk of exposure to legionella. The Approved Code of Practice: Legionnaires’ disease: The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems (L8) contains practical guidance on how to manage and control the risks in those systems.

Related content

Notified Cooling Towers Register (PDF)

Contact details

Regulation and Enforcement Services, Port Health Office, Estuary House, Wharncliffe Road North, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN3 13QL

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 01472 326299 option 3

Opening times: by appointment only