Cooling towers are used in refrigeration or air-conditioning systems. They make use of air in the surroundings to the cool water, which cools the target area. A method of cooling tower includes any valves, pipes, tanks, or machinery connected to the system. It will comprise of one or more cooling towers based on the extensiveness of the system.
Legionella Threat When air is forced through or drawn through a cooling tower, it accumulates air-borne particles. As it leaves the tower, such particles are carried into the environment. At times, such particles may be contaminated with Legionella bacteria and if in case these bacteria are inhaled by people, they may suffer from Legionnaires disease. This disease manifests typically as pneumonia. Symptoms of this disease are chills, high fever, muscle aches, cough, diarrhoea, and headaches. Susceptible persons include those over 50 years (mostly males), heavy drinkers, heavy smokers, those with chronic lung disease, diabetics, and those with damaged immune systems. The governments of NSW and Queensland offer guidance about suitable management of cooling towers for reducing the risk of Legionella growth. Also, Australian standards provide guidelines for installing, maintaining, and testing of cooling towers. FlowMatrix is an Australian company that specializes in maintenance, repair, installation, and inspection of cooling towers. It offers its service to over 200 industrial and commercial cooling tower systems across Australia. Risk Management Plan (RMP) For reducing the risk of Legionella contamination, it is recommended that every cooling tower system puts in place a cooling tower RMP. The RMP identifies the dangers to its operation. RMP’s are compulsory in New South Wales and Victoria. The RMP services rendered by professional companies like FlowMatrix include the following details:
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