In preparation for the summer months ahead, Hydrochem is hosting a series of technical briefings on how to manage Legionella issues.
Briefings will be held in Melbourne and Sydney during November with water hygiene expert, Clive Broadbent, delivering the keynote address.
Broadbent is the chair of AS/NZS 3666: Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control and is one of the world's foremost authorities on the control of Legionella bacteria.
He is a life member of both ASHRAE and AIRAH, and in recognition of his research work in helping to understand Legionella and controlling it as an environmental risk Broadbent was honoured with the award of Member of the Order of Australia.
Last summer was long and hot, and this meant air conditioning systems battled away at a higher load for longer periods than they normally would. Legionnaires' outbreaks were frequent, particularly in the city of Sydney.
As a result Hydrochem is taking a proactive approach to the problem by hosting the briefings in preparation for another hot summer.
HydroChem's manager for NSW, Les Szabo, said outside temperatures are particularly changeable in Australia as spring approaches and hot spells are not uncommon.
"This sudden demand for cooling from dormant systems can result in an increased risk for the proliferation of Legionella bacteria,” he said.
Szabo said building owners and facility managers need to work proactively with their mechanical contractors to coordinate circulation programs.
The first luncheon briefing will be held at the Kirribilli Club, North Sydney on November 15, 2016 commencing at 12.30pm.
A second luncheon will be held in Sydney the next day on November 16 at the Justice and Police Museum.
The third and final briefing will be held at Zinc in Federation Square, Melbourne on November 21, 2016.
In December CCN will publish its annual cooling tower feature, for details contact Michael Northcott on 0420 403 044.
The feature will include an update on new cooling tower regulations to be introduced in NSW. The NSW Government has tightened regulations after dozens of people contracted the disease earlier this year, with more cases notified between January and April than any year since 2012.