Cooling tower design and installation have improved significantly in recent years, with technology such as automated dual biocide dosing and remote monitoring equipment entering the market. Despite this, there remain common issues that arise during commissioning and when the risk management plan (RMP) is under development.

This article explores the recurrent issue of access, or lack thereof, to cooling tower drift eliminators and related access panels. Good design and installation are the keys to avoiding these problems and averting ongoing safety issues and possible community health concerns in relation to a newly operating cooling tower.

In addition to the state-based legislation (e.g., the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008), there are multiple other legislative documents that govern the installation and maintenance of a cooling tower in each jurisdiction.

The article was published in the October issue of AIRAH’s HVAC&R Nation magazine in 2021.