Cooling tower register

Over recent years there have been a number of outbreaks of legionnaires' disease associated with wet cooling systems (cooling towers and evaporative condensers), which have resulted in serious cases of infection and fatalities in a number of cases.

Poor maintenance of wet cooling systems may give rise to the conditions in which outbreaks can occur. Detailed information on the control of Legionnaires‘ disease can be found in the Health and Safety Executives (HSE) Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L8 'Legionnaires' Disease - the control of legionella bacteria in water systems'. For more information about legionnaires' disease and its control please visit the HSE website.

Requirement to register wet cooling systems

The Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers Regulations require those in control of premises with wet cooling systems to register them with their local authority and to notify them of any subsequent changes, including when plant ceases to be in operation. Whilst the task of maintaining records of wet cooling systems rests with local authorities, responsibility for enforcement of standards of assessment and control is split between the HSE and the local authorities.

The main purpose for this notification process is to identify where potential sources of risk are located and allow for easier identification, monitoring and inspection by the enforcing authorities.

Anybody who has control of a premises has a duty under the Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers Regulations 1992 to notify the local authority in writing with details of cooling towers and evaporative condensers (except when they contain water that is not exposed to the air and the water and electricity supply are not connected).

Target completion time

Once we have received the completed application and associated supporting documents (if required) the target completion time is 21 days.

Will tacit consent apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period.

Register

You must ensure you notify us of new systems or any changes to existing systems. Please complete and return the cooling tower registration form which can be downloaded below.

Cooling tower register [13KB]

Notification

The notification register is open to the public and available from Plymouth City Council offices. A summary of the registered premises is available to download below. This register is updated as and when additions and changes are made.

Notification form [29KB]

If you have any queries about the premises within Plymouth City Council's area please contact us.

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