Licence summary
There has been a rising trend over recent years of outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease associated with wet cooling systems (cooling towers and evaporative condensers). These usually result in serious cases of infection and sometimes fatalities. They also cause considerable public concern and absorb substantial resources from the enforcing authorities.
There is a duty under the Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers Regulations 1992, for occupiers of business premises to notify their relevant local authority in writing of details of any cooling towers and evaporative condensers at their premises.
The exception is where the cooling tower or evaporative condenser contains no water that is exposed to air and/or their water or electricity supply is not connected. The requirement is to notify South Hams District Council regardless of whether the business is enforced by the Council or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The requirement to notify is to assist either South Hams District Council or the HSE in investigating outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease.
Regulation summary
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Application process
You should complete the notification form and send it to our Environmental Health Department, please see below for contact details.
When the application is received, we will add the notification to the public register, and confirm this to you in writing. There will normally be no further requirement for us to contact you, unless further clarification is required.
Target completion time
Once South Hams District Council have received the completed application and associated supporting documents (if required) from the applicant the target completion time will be 28 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
Apply online (available from end December 2009)
Notify us of any cooling towers or evaporative condensers on your premises
Tell us about a change to any existing cooling towers or evaporative condensers on your premises
Application forms
Notification form for cooling towers and evaporative condensers
Fee
There is no fee for the notification
Contact details
Address
The Licensing Department
South Hams District Council
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 5NE
Tel: 01803 861234
Fax: 01803 861294
Email: licensing@southhams.gov.uk
Public register
Click here for information on how to view the public register.
Consumer complaint
If you are not happy with the service the Council has provided with regard to your application, please contact the Licensing Office of the Council in the first instance, and we will try to resolve any concerns you may have.
The Council also has a formal complaints procedure. Please write to the Licensing Office at the contact address above, you may wish to send your letter by recorded delivery.
If your complaint is still not resolved, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other redress
Anyone suffering nuisance due to noise, smells or similar because of a commercial premises should contact the South Hams District Council on 01803 861234.
Further information and guidance
Please click here for more information from the HSE on Legionnaire's Disease, including details about the disease, its symptoms, and control measures. There is also useful information on the Health Protection Agency website.
