The recent tragic news from Edinburgh http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-18330617would appear to suggest that the source of the legionella bacteria is from local cooling tower ponds. The BBC report states “Industrial water cooling towers in the south west of Edinburgh, where all of the cases have come from, have been identified as a potential source of the disease, which cannot be spread directly from person to person”.
Those of us who work in the building services sector are completely aware of the risk of Legionella from cooling towers, water tanks feeding shower heads, dead legs on pipework and many other sources. Regular maintenance and inspection will reduce the risk but this is a rigid regime which must be enforced.
The death of one man and the severe illness caused to others is reason enough to insist that all cooling towers, and other potential sources of bacteria, are rigorously maintained.
For advice on safe access, water tank repairs and/or replacements and pipework services contact the ecex sales office on 01635 244100.
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A Cooling Tower is a direct contact heat exchanger, generally used to dissipate the heat in circulating water.
Thank you for your input. It is good to see comments from fellow professionals.
Richard Betts – Managing Director