The development of a Risk Management Plan (RMP) is considered a worthwhile exercise to reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease. RMP’s are mandatory in several Australian states, and many organisations are quickly recognising the extra level of protection they provide. ARMA can assist business owners in reducing their Legionella risk by developing a RMP for;
- Cooling towers
- Water warm systems
- Water delivery systems
For example, when developing a RMP for a cooling water system, ARMA will address the five critical risks that a well written plan details, which includes:
- stagnant water, including the lack of water recirculation in a cooling tower system and the presence of dead-end pipework and other fittings in a cooling tower system.
- nutrient growth, including:
- the presence of biofilm, algae and protozoa in a cooling tower system;
- water temperature within a range that will support rapid growth of micro-organisms in a cooling tower system; and
- the exposure of the water of a cooling tower system to direct sunlight.
- poor water quality, including the presence of solids, Legionella and high levels of micro-organisms in a cooling tower system.
- deficiencies in a cooling tower system, including deficiencies in the physical design, condition and maintenance of the systen.
- the location of and access to a cooling tower system, including the potential for environmental contamination of the system and the potential for exposure of people to the aerosols of the system.
(Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 [Vic])
CONTACT ARMA
If you are concerned that your system may be at risk, would like a risk management plan developed, or you require an audit of your current risk management plan, please contact ARMA to reduce your Legionella risk.
