Pollution Control - Air Handling Units

Air conditioning systems which use evaporative condensers in their cooling process.

Some air conditioning systems use evaporative condensers in their cooling process, these types of system must be registered with the local authority under The Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers Regulations 1992.

This sort of air conditioning system uses water in an evaporative cooling process and has the potential to cause outbreaks of disease if not properly maintained,
e.g. by producing Legionella bacteria which can cause Legionnaires Disease.

Given the right set of circumstances legionella can multiply and cause infection in people who inhale airborne water droplets containing the bacteria.

For this reason all air conditioning systems which use evaporative condensers within the Basildon District must be registered with Basildon Council's Env. Health services.

The primary purpose of cooling tower and condenser registration is ensure that the relevant enforcing authority can be satisfied that suitable control measures are in place to protect employees and the general public from the risk of infection by organisms such as legionella.

Applying for a Cooling Tower Registration

You can apply for cooling tower registration online, through the Business Link website, by selecting one of the links below:

Air Conditioning systems and Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

Various types of air conditioning systems have been one of the factors linked to a phenomenon known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).

The main symptoms of SBS are commonly;

Dry/itchy skin
Headaches
Lethargy
Stuffed up/ Runny nose
Dry throat

To combat SBS it is important to stick to a strict air conditioning maintenance routine which should include;

regular cleaning of heating / cooling terminals
removal of debris and dust which collects on pipework and ducting
servicing and replacement of filters

In addition to the above, regular checks at representative sample locations should be included in maintenance routines to check air distribution and velocity's at workstations.

Contacting Us.

Telephone: 01268 533333

Email: ehs@basildon.gov.uk

Write:

Manager of Environmental Health Services
The Basildon Centre,
St. Martins Square,
Basildon, Essex.
SS14 1DL.