Legionella Regulations and Guidelines 2008

Legionella Regulations and Guidelines

The Public and Environmental Health (Legionella) Regulations 2008 (the Regulations) and Guidelines for the Control of Legionella in Manufactured Water Systems in South Australia (the Guidelines) commenced on 1 October 2008. The Regulations and Guidelines are an important step in reducing the incidence of community acquired legionellosis (Legionnaires’ Disease).

The Regulations and Guidelines formalise the management of high risk manufactured water systems, namely, warm water systems and cooling water systems (such as cooling towers and evaporative condensers), in certain buildings throughout South Australia.

The Regulations and Guidelines have a number of specific requirements for cooling water systems and warm water systems. Whilst the general provisions of the Regulations commenced on 1 October 2008, certain requirements will be phased in over a 12 month period.

What is a cooling water system?

Under the Regulations, a cooling water system is defined as a heat exchange system that consists of a heat generating plant, a heat rejection plant, interconnecting water recirculating pipe work and associated pumps, valves and controls, and includes a cooling tower or evaporative condenser.

What is a warm water system?

Under the Regulations, a warm water system is defined as a reticulated water system that distributes or recirculates warm water through the majority of its branches at a nominal temperature of 45°C by means of a temperature controlling device.

Do these Regulations apply to me?

The Regulations apply to the owner(s) of premises which have warm water system(s) and/or cooling water system(s) installed, except in:

(a) a Class 1A, 4 or 10 building under the Building Code; or

(b) a sole occupancy unit in a Class 2 building under the Building Code, provided that it is not
a warm water system that serves more than one dwelling.

Where can I get a copy of the Regulations and Guidelines?

Australian Standards

Click this link to download a copy of the relevant Australian Standards referenced by the Regulations (note that fees apply).

Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 3666: Air-handling and water systems of buildings – Microbial Control, Parts 1, 2 and 3
Handbook SAA/SNZ HB32, Control of microbial growth in air-handling and water systems of buildings

Fact sheets

Compliance inspection/report proformas

The Department of Health has produced inspection and report proformas to assist local authorities and third party inspectors in undertaking mandatory compliance inspections and producing the required reports.

Legionella detection reporting forms

Application forms

General information on Legionella

Legionellosis and Legionnaires’ Disease

Fees

1) On application to the authority for registration of a high risk manufactured water system—
(a) for registration of 1 system	$32.00
(b) for registration of each additional system installed on the same premises	$21.30
2) On application to the authority for renewal of registration of a high risk manufactured water system (for each system)	$16.00
3) For inspection by the authority of a high risk manufactured water system—
(a) for inspection of 1 system	$128.00
(b) for inspection of each additional system installed on the same premises	$85.00
4) On application to the Minister for a determination or approval under these regulations	$532.00

*All fees listed above are GST exempt. GST will apply to fees related to the collection, submission and analysis of microbiological samples

*All prices are current as at 1 July 2011

* Fees are in accordance with the prices published in the SA Government Gazette dated 9 June 2011.

Contact Details

Health Protection Programs, Department of Health

Telephone: (08) 8226 7100

Facsimile: (08) 8226 7102

Email address: legionella@health.sa.gov.au