Many large factories, shops and office blocks have cooling towers associated with their air conditioning units. As there is a risk of spreading legionnaires disease from these units, legally, they must be registered with the local authority. The following groups or companies are on our register:

• Exchem Organics, Great Oakley Works, Bramble Island, Harwich, Essex CO12 5JW
  
• W J Hooker Ltd, Waterside, Brightlingsea, Colchester, Essex, CO7 0AU

Information on what constitutes a notifiable device is available here

The above link will open an adobe acrobat pdf document and you will need the free adobe acrobat reader software to open it.

Air handling units within buildings may be linked to air conditioning systems. Many modern systems are " Dry" and pose an insignificant risk. However some air conditioning systems are "Wet", i.e. they use a water evaporative cooling system and can pose potential health risks if not properly maintained.

Any person responsible for, or business utilising a water cooled system must carry out a thorough risk assessment in relation to it and must, by law, put in place all necessary procedures, including maintenance, to ensure that it does not pose a risk to public health.

The message is therefore "make sure your air handling units are serviced at appropriate intervals, and follow the instructions by the supplier or manufacturer".

For further advice and guidance on air handling units in offices and shops, and clarification as to enforcement responsibility please contact Environmental Services:

Email: environmental.services@tendringdc.gov.uk
Address: Environmental Services, Council Offices, Weeley, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO16 9AJ
Telephone: 01255 686767