Any business or premises that has wet cooling towers and/or evaporative condensers within the Borough of Milton Keynes needs to notify us. It is the duty of each person who has, to any extent, control of premises to ensure that no notifiable device is situated on those premises unless the information set out in the Regulations has been notified (in writing) to the local authority on the approved form.
Cooling tower public register
All cooling towers/evaporative condensers which are notified to Milton Keynes Council have their details recorded on the Public Register. This register is available to view Cooling Tower Public Register (PDF) or it can be viewed by appointment at the Civic Offices during office hours, please contact Environmental Health for an appointment.
Who needs to notify us?
Any business or premises that has wet cooling towers and/or evaporative condensers within the Borough of Milton Keynes.
What do the regulations say?
It is the duty of each person who has, to any extent, control of premises to ensure that no notifiable device is situated on those premises unless the information set out in the Regulations has been notified (in writing) to the local authority on the approved form.
All local authorities are required to hold a register of such devices. The primary purpose of the register is to ensure that the relevant enforcement authority can be satisfied that suitable control measures are in place to protect employees and the general public from the risk of infection by organisms such as Legionella. The register needs to be accurate as the information may be vital in the investigation of an outbreak or cluster cases of Legionella.
The notification must be sent to the local authority in which the premises are located regardless of whether it is the local authority or the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) that is the enforcing authority. Information from the notifications will be made available to the HSE where it concerns equipment on premises for which they have enforcement responsibility.
If a cooling tower and/or evaporative condenser becomes redundant and is decommissioned or dismantled, this fact must be notified in writing to the local authority concerned.
How to notify us
You can submit your form online using the GovUK website. Alternatively, you can download, complete and return (to the address given on the form) the Notification Form (PDF).
Is there a charge for notifying us?
There is no fee for the notification.
Can my notification be turned down?
Local authorities do not have the power to refuse a cooling tower notification.
Should I expect an acknowledgement?
We aim to acknowledge your notification (by email or telephone) within five working days.
How long will it take for my notification to be processed?
We aim to complete the administration surrounding a new notification form or de-registering information within 28 days however there is no statutory timeframe.
If I don’t hear from you for 28 days, can I assume it’s been granted (‘tacit consent’)?
Yes. Local authorities cannot refuse to accept a notification. If you have not heard from the Council by the end of this 28 day target completion period you will be able to act as though your notification has been received and granted.
What happens next?
On receipt of a completed notification an inspection may be carried out at the premises to ensure that the standards maintained are satisfactory and comply with the HSE Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and guidance.
Environmental Health Officers have a right of entry under the Public Health Act to carry out investigations of Legionella even in premises which, for health and safety purposes, are enforced by the HSE. In addition, the HSE may also request the information for their own inspection purposes.
Any notifications and/or updates concerning cooling towers or evaporative condensers on HSE enforced premises will be forwarded to the appropriate HSE officer and dealt with according to their own enforcement policy.
How long does the notification last and what is the renewal procedure?
You are not required to periodically renew your notification. However, where a change subsequently occurs and a cooling tower/evaporative condenser becomes redundant and is decommissioned or dismantled, then this needs to be notified to the local authority within one month of its occurrence. There is no prescribed form for deregistration, however, this information must be received in writing from the company owning the unit.
How can I contact the council about a change of circumstances?
You can notify the Council of a change to your cooling tower notification by either; re-submitting a notification form Online via GOVUK or email Milton Keynes Council
Where can I go for further information?
The Health and Safety Executive website provides information about Legionella and Legionnaires disease
Who do I contact if I wish to make a complaint?
If you wish to make a comment or complaint you should contact the Council’s Environmental Health food and safety team in the first instance email Milton Keynes Council