Minimising the Risk of Legionnaires' Disease

In 2000, the Victorian Government introduced a range of  initiatives intended to minimise the risks to health posed by cooling towers.  This included amending the Building Act and the Health (Legionella) Regulations.

The main changes introduced included the requirement to:
- Register cooling tower systems;
- Prepare Risk Management Plans (RMPs);
- Review the RMPs annually; and
- Audit the RMPs annually.

Risk Management Plans must address the following:
- Stagnant water;
- Nutrient growth;
- Poor water quality;
- System deficiencies; and
- Location and access issues.

For more information on the new regime for minimising the risks to public health from cooling towers, visit the Department of Human Services website.

For information on auditing cooling tower RMPs, select the link on the left.