THE latest tragic outbreak of Legionnaires Disease has brought a timely reminder from health and safety staff in Bury about the importance of managing cooling and water systems properly.

While there is no suggestion whatsoever that there is a current problem with Legionnaires Disease in Bury, environmental health officers are keen to ensure nothing similar occurs locally.

They are urging businesses, who have not already done so, to register cooling towers and evaporative condensers so that regular checks can be made to ensure they are being managed to prevent the legionella bacteria establishing itself.

Local authority public protection spokesman, Councillor Pam Walker, said: "The majority of Legionnaires Disease cases are contracted during the summer months when the weather is relatively warm and humid. The disease is a type of pneumonia caused by inhaling airborne droplets or particles containing the legionellae bacteria.

"The overall fatality rate for the disease is approximately 12 per cent. We want to ensure that appropriate water systems and plant have been registered. There are specific regulations requiring notification of cooling towers and evaporative condensers to the Local Authority and businesses do need to check whether the type of water systems they use fall within this legislation. If they do, then they must be registered."

The types of water systems which require careful management to prevent problems of legionella growth are those incorporating a cooling tower or an evaporator condenser; hot water systems of more than 300 litres volume; hot and cold water systems in health care premises; humidifiers and air washers which create a warm water droplet spray, or spa baths and pools where warm water is deliberately agitated and re-circulated.

The law only requires registration of cooling towers and evaporative condensers, but all systems require managing properly.

Councillor Walker added: "Registration of any plant of this type is free of charge. If businesses are uncertain as to whether or not the regulations apply to them they should contact our Environmental Services Division on 0161-253-5566. Further information and an appropriate registration form, if needed, can then be obtained."