Code of Practice for Fresh Water Cooling Towers

Part 2: Operation and Maintenance

Code of Practice

For
Fresh Water Cooling Towers

Part 2: Operation and Maintenance

2023 Edition

(October 2023)

Electrical and Mechanical Services Department

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

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Part 2: Operation and Maintenance

Foreword

This Code of Practice was prepared to promote the proper use of fresh water cooling towers
with guidelines for cooling tower design, installation, testing, commissioning, operation and
maintenance in order to meet the energy efficiency objective with due consideration of the
environment and health issues. It was developed by the Task Force which comprises members
from eight government departments, three professional institutions and three trade unions on
Code of Practice for Fresh Water Cooling Towers.

Part 2 of this series of Code of Practice for Fresh Water Cooling Towers (previously known as
Code of Practice for Water-cooled Air Conditioning Systems) provides details on the operation
and maintenance of cooling towers. It should be read in conjunction and made cross-reference
with the followings:

Part 1 – Design, Installation and Commissioning; and

Part 3 – Water Treatment Methods

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Contents

Page
Foreword ii

Definitions v

1. Introduction 1
1.1 Scope 1
1.2 Objectives 1
1.3 Applications 1

2. Operation of Cooling Tower Systems 3

2.1 General 3
2.2 Periodic Running of Stand-by Unit 3
2.3 Temporary Shut-down of Cooling Tower 4
2.4. Bleed-off Control 5
2.5. Cooling Water Quality Management 5
2.6. Control of Bacterial Growth 8
2.7. Water Sampling 11

3. Maintenance of Cooling Tower Systems 13

3.1 Routine Inspection 13
3.2 Routine and Preventive Maintenance 13
3.3 On-line Disinfection 13
3.4 Cleaning and Disinfection 14
3.5 Treatment of Cleaning Water 15
3.6 Emergency Decontamination 15
3.7 Occupational Safety and Health 16

4. Management of Cooling Tower Systems 18

4.1. Operation and Maintenance Manuals 18
4.2. Water Quality and Operation and Maintenance Records 18
4.3. Independent Operation and Maintenance Audits 19

5. Decommissioning of Cooling Tower System 22

6. Reference Information 23

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Appendices
Appendix 2A – Recommended Minimum Monitoring Frequency for Different Water 24
Quality Parameters for Cooling Tower System
Appendix 2B – Recommended Routine Inspection Checklist for Cooling Tower System 25
Appendix 2C – Recommended Routine and Preventive Maintenance Checklist for 26
Cooling Tower System
Appendix 2D – Recommended List of Personal Protective Equipment 27
Appendix 2E – Sample Operation and Maintenance Records for Cooling Tower System 28
Appendix 2F – Sample Independent Audit Report for Cooling Tower System 31

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Definitions

Biocide : A physical or chemical agent that kills bacteria and other

microorganisms.

Biodispersant : A chemical compound added to the water inside cooling tower

system, to penetrate and break down any biofilm that may be
present on the wetted surfaces of the cooling tower system.

Biofilm : A surface layer of microorganisms. It is usually combined with

particulate matter, scale and products of corrosion.

Bleed off (blowdown) : The removal of water from a cooling tower system to maintain the
concentration of total dissolved solids and suspended solids in an
acceptable level.

Commissioning : A systematic and progressive process of putting the components

of a system into operation, calibrating instruments and controls,
and then making adjustments and checks to ensure that the total
system is providing satisfactory operation and performance.

Cooling tower : A device for lowering the temperature of water by evaporative

cooling in which ambient air is in contact with falling water,
thereby exchanging heat. The term also includes those devices
that incorporate a water-refrigerant or water-water heat
exchanger (evaporative condenser or closed-circuit cooling tower).

Cooling tower system : A heat exchange system comprising a heat-generating plant

(chiller condenser or heat exchanger), a heat-rejection plant
(cooling tower or evaporative condenser) and interconnecting
water recirculating pipework and associated pumps, valves and
controls. Cooling tower systems is considered as a part of WACS.

Corrosion coupon : Small strip of metal, usually placed into water circuits so that they
can easily be removed, to enable the corrosion characteristics of
the water to be assessed.

Corrosion inhibitor : Chemical which protects metals by: (a) passivating the metal by
the promotion of a thin metal oxide film (anodic inhibitors); or (b)
physically forming a thin barrier film by controlled deposition
(cathodic inhibitors).

Cycle of concentration : The ratio between the concentration of dissolved solids in the
cooling water and the concentration of dissolved solids in the
make-up water as a result of the evaporation that takes place in
the cooling tower.

Dead leg : Water pipe with length equal to or larger than one diameter of the
pipe, ending at a fitting through which water flows only when the

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fitting is opened. These extra areas of the cooling tower system

contain stagnant water, which can cause building up of bacteria
and sludge in recirculating system, and can then contaminate the
system.

Decontamination : A process used when a cooling tower system is found with a level
of bacterial count which involves a series of actions to disinfect,
clean and re-disinfect the cooling tower system.

Disinfection : Preventive maintenance action of applying a treatment to a

system, in conjunction with system cleaning, in order to reduce
the general concentration of infectious agents.

Dispersant : Reagent usually added with other treatment chemicals to prevent

accumulation of sludge.

Drift eliminator : A grid or grille-like arrangement of physical barriers located before

the cooling tower exhaust designed to minimise the drift
emanating from a tower.

Drift : Water lost from the cooling tower as liquid droplets or aerosols
entrained in the exhaust air, excluding condensation.

Exhaust air outlet : A termination of a mechanical or natural ventilation system that

allows air removed from a space and discharged outside the
building. The exhaust air outlets, which are crucial in the
consideration of separation distance with the cooling tower, are
exhausts from kitchens, toilets, outlets of drainage vent pipes,
generator flue discharge, carpark ventilation, fume cupboard and
refuse collection room, and any exhaust that contains
contaminants or nutrients for microbial growth in cooling water.

Fan : A rotary machine which propels air continuously. This is used for
moving air in a mechanical draft tower. The fan may be of induced
draft or forced draft application.

Fill (packing) : Material placed within cooling tower to increase heat and mass
transfer between the circulating water and the air flowing through
the tower.

Filtration : The process of separating solids from a liquid by means of a

porous substance through which only the liquid passes.

Fouling : Organic growth or other deposits on heat transfer surfaces causing

loss in efficiency.

Heterotrophic colony : The number of viable units of bacteria per millilitre of water
count (HCC) sample. It is also known as Total Bacteria Count (TBC), Total Plate
Count or Viable Bacteria Count.

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Legionnaires’ disease : It is a type of bacterial pneumonia caused by legionella.

Medical and health : Hospitals, general clinics, specialist clinics; community support
care premises facilities for the elderly, such as residential elderly homes, social
centre for the elderly; and establishments providing health care
and services for the sick and infirm.

Non-oxidising biocide : A non-oxidising biocide is one that functions by mechanisms other

than oxidation, including interference with cell metabolism and
structure.

Operable window : An operable window is a window that has moving parts, such as
hinges, and can be opened. If a window is permanently locked or
required special tools to be opened, that window would not be
considered as an operable window when examining the separation
distance.

Outdoor air intake : A termination of a mechanical or natural ventilation system that

allows ambient air entering a building. The outdoor air intakes,
which are crucial in the consideration of separation distance with
the cooling tower, are fresh air intake for the air conditioning
system of a building, and any air intake that draws outdoor air into
the building. Vent pipe of water tanks are considered as outdoor
air intake since its draw air from outdoor to the tank during
discharge of water.

Oxidising biocide : Agents capable of oxidising organic matter, e.g. cell material
enzymes or proteins which are associated with microbiological
populations resulting in death of the micro-organisms.

Passivation : The formation of a protective film, visible or invisible, which

controls corrosion.

Plume : The visible discharge of air and moisture from a cooling tower due
to condensation. It is usually most visible in cool and humid days
when water vapour emanates from the cooling tower exhaust.

Public accessible area : An area that is accessible by the public or building occupants other
than building management/maintenance staff. Some of the
examples are pedestrian thoroughfare/ footpath, place where
people gather together for activities, accessible green
roof/garden. Restricted area with proper access control which is
only accessible by building management/maintenance staff is not
considered as a public accessible area.

Podium Roof : Roof of the lower part of a building.

Scale : A crystalline deposit that can form on surfaces or pipework within

the cooling tower system due to building up of minerals (usually
calcium carbonate).

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Scale inhibitor : Chemicals used to control scale. They function by holding up the
precipitation process and/or distorting the crystal shape, thus
preventing the build-up of a hard adherent scale.

Sludge : A building up of sediment that can be found in the basin or

pipework of a cooling tower system.

Slug dosing/Shock : The process of adding in a single dose a much higher amount of
dosing chemical biocide than is normally applied, with the intention of
rapidly raising the concentration of biocide in the water to a level
expected to kill most of the organisms in the water.

Spray nozzle : A device used in an open distribution system to break up the flow
of the circulating water into droplets, and effect uniform spreading
of the water over the wetted area of the tower.

Stagnant water : Pockets of motionless water within the cooling tower system that
can allow microorganisms to grow.

Temporary shut-down : Cooling tower temporarily shut-down is the entire/part of the

system not in function and isolated from the main water-cooled
condenser/heat exchanger to avoid contamination. Standby
unit(s) with cooling water running once a week is not defined as
temporary shut-down.

Total legionella count : The number of legionella colony-forming units (CFU’s) found in
one millilitre of the water sample.

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1. Introduction

1.1 Scope

This Part of the Code of Practice specifies the minimum requirements and good practices for the
operation and maintenance of cooling tower systems. This outlines both prescriptive and
performance requirements to minimise the health risk posing to the public by using cooling
towers, and to optimise the system operating performance. Emphasis has been put on the
followings;

a) Maintaining the system in a good and uncontaminated condition;

b) Monitoring and controlling cooling water quality, including the presence of legionella and
heterotrophic bacteria;
c) Annual independent audit on operation and maintenance.

1.2 Objectives

This Part of the Code of Practice aims at providing technical guidelines to every party involved in
the operation and maintenance of cooling towers so as to achieve the following objectives:

a) Assure the public health and safety by preventing any potential risks associated with cooling
tower system;
b) Achieve better/maintain energy efficiency and operational performance of cooling tower
system;
c) Minimise nuisances caused by cooling tower systems to the public;
d) Prevent pollution and misuse of water;
e) Assure occupational safety and health of the staff concerned.

1.3 Applications

1.3.1 This Code of Practice is intended for use by personnel who are responsible for the
operation and maintenance of cooling tower systems, etc. It should be applied to both
the newly installed and the existing systems.

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1.3.2 This Code of Practice should be read in conjunction with any additional recommendations
provided by suppliers/ manufacturers of the water treatment chemicals/cooling tower
equipment and any relevant specification and applicable ordinances and regulations in
Hong Kong.

1.3.3 EMSD reserves the right to interpret the contents of this Code of Practice.

1.3.4 In case of conflict between the requirements of this Code of Practice and any other
relevant requirements, the following order of priority should apply:
a) All currently in force Legislation and other Subsidiary Legislation.
b) The relevant Codes of Practice and Technical Standards.
c) This Code of Practice.

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2. Operation of Cooling Tower Systems

2.1 General

2.1.1 A comprehensive operation programme for cooling tower system that applicable
throughout the lifetime of the entire cooling tower system should be developed and
implemented by the O&M contractor of cooling tower. The operation programme should
include, but not limited to, the following actions:

a) System operation & performance monitoring;

b) Water treatment programme;
c) Continuous/intermittent bleed-off;
d) Regular inspection and checking;
e) Periodic physical cleaning;
f) Periodic chemical disinfection;
g) Routine water sampling and bacteria tests (heterotrophic colony count (HCC) and
total legionella count);
h) Water quality monitoring;
i) Emergency decontamination; and
j) Record keeping.

2.1.2 Recommended checklists are shown in Appendix 2A – 2C for reference.

2.2 Periodic running of Standby Unit

Cooling tower system should be kept in regular use whenever possible. When a system is used
intermittently or installed as standby unit, it should be run at least one hour per week. Systems
with standby unit should have the cooling towers in operation on a rotational basis to avoid a unit
to be left idle for a long period. Water treatment and water quality monitoring is required to
ensure effective levels of corrosion and scale inhibitor and biocide are maintained at all times. This
should also be applied to standby unit filled with cooling water.

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2.3 Temporary Shut-down of Cooling Tower

2.3.1 If the system is intended to be out of use for more than a week, the system should either
be:
a) kept full of treated water which should be checked (for biocide levels and water
quality) and circulated once a week; or
b) fully drain off the system water and dry the system by mechanical fan, and then
cover and shut off the inlet and outlet pipes leading to the cooling tower(s) to
prevent water from entering the system.

2.3.2 For both cases, cooling tower(s) temporarily shut-down should be isolated from the main
system to avoid contamination. Drain valve should be opened at all times to prevent
accumulation of water in basin on rainy days. Full re-commissioning, including cleaning
and disinfection should be carried out before the system is brought into service again.

2.3.3 The shut-down procedures for 2.3.1 a), closing without draining, should be as follow:
a) Where disinfection has not been done within 2 weeks or arised problems with
temperature or biocide levels, consider carrying out a full system disinfection with
flushing through to all outlets to achieve 50ppm free residual chlorine or equivalent
biocide* for at least an hour.
b) Flush through, refill and check whether biocide is at the highest normal operating
level at furthest outlets.

2.3.4 Procedures before system re-operation for 2.3.1 a), closing without draining, should be as
follow:
a) Carry out a full system disinfection, flushing through to all outlets to achieve 50ppm
free residual chlorine and equivalent biocide* for at least an hour.
b) Flush out and refill system to achieve highest normal operating levels of disinfection.
c) Monitor biocide levels and adjust where necessary. Take water samples for test after
at least 48 hours to allow the system to restabilize.

2.3.5 Systems fully drained might have pocket of water remained, which poses a risk of
microorganism growth, including Legionella. Procedures before system re-operation for
2.3.1 b), fully drain off system, should follow clause 2.3.4.

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2.3.6 If cooling tower(s) are shut down for more than four (4) months, cleaning, desludging and
disinfection should be carried out.

* Equivalent biocide levels of other non-chloride/ chlorine biocides shall be justified by

the water treatment service provider.

2.4 Control

2.4.1 Bleed-off is required to maintain the concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS),
insoluble precipitates, other chemical constituents and pH value of cooling water at an
acceptable level. Bleed-off is preferred to be performed automatically by a conductivity
sensor. Bleed-off immediately after chemical dosage should be avoided to minimise
chemicals wastage. Timer control or manual bleed-off is not preferred unless automatic
bleed-off by a conductivity sensor is not practicable.

2.4.2 The minimum cycle of concentration should not be less than six (6) for cooling tower
system.

2.5 Cooling Water Quality Management

2.5.1 General
The water treatment programme should aim at controlling the fouling of cooling tower
system due to corrosion, scale and microbial growth in order to maintain efficient heat
and mass transfer, to ensure free flow of cooling water throughout the system, and to
control the proliferation of bacteria in the system. Details of water treatment methods
should refer to the Code of Practice for Fresh Water Cooling Towers – Part 3: Water
Treatment Methods .

2.5.2 Cooling water treatment

2.5.2.1 Water treatment should be maintained throughout the whole life cycle of
cooling tower system even when some parts of the system are being
temporarily shut-down. The chemical and material used in water treatment
should be environmentally acceptable and complied with the EPD’s
requirements.

2.5.2.2 The following strategies may be considered in developing an effective water

treatment programme:
a) Use two different chemicals alternatively at periodic intervals;

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b) Use combination of two compatible chemicals to provide better control

against a range of micro-organisms;
c) Carry out occasional slug dosing to maintain the biocide concentration at
a higher level.
d) Install side-stream/in-line water filtration system and other physical
sludge removal equipment to remove large solid contaminants.

2.5.3 Cooling water quality monitoring

2.5.3.1 Regular monitoring of specific water quality parameters can provide an early
signal before abnormal condition is detected, which also indicates a potential
problem within the system. Testing on Heterotrophic colony count and total
legionella count should be carried out regularly. Monitoring of other water
quality parameters are also recommended in a regular basis. Indicative fresh
water quality criteria are provided in Table 2.1 for reference only.

Table 2.1: Indicative cooling water quality criteria for fresh water cooling tower(s)
Parameters Cooling Water Quality Criteria
Heterotrophic colony count Less than 100 000 cfu/mL
Total legionella count Less than 10 cfu/mL
Conductivity Less than 1 500 µS/cm
Total dissolved solids Less than 1 000 ppm
Suspended solids Less than 150 ppm
Calcium hardness as CaCO
Less than 500 ppm CaCO 3 3
pH 7 – 10
Total alkalinity as CaCO
80 – 500 ppm CaCO 3 3
Oxidising biocide Follow manufacturers’ specifications
Inhibitor level Follow manufacturers’ specifications
Temperature Optimal temperature for the system design
and current operating conditions
Chloride as mg/L Cl Less than 200 mg/L
Sulphate as mg/L SO4 Less than 200 mg/L
Total iron as mg/L Fe Less than 1.0 mg/L
Free Residual Cl* 0.5 – 1.0 mg/L
5-day Biochemical oxygen demand Refer to EPD’s Technical Memorandum on
(BOD5) Standards for Effluent Discharged into
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Drainage and Sewerage Systems, Inland and
Metal ions Costal Waters
* Operators could decide the suitable concentration with due consideration of existing
pipe conditions.

Note: prohibited substance listed in EPD’s Technical Memorandum on Standards for

Effluents Discharged into Drainage and Sewerage Systems, Inland and Costal Waters
cannot be discharged in foul sewer.

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2.5.3.2 Information shown in the above tables is the indicative ranges which may vary
with specific cooling tower location and configuration. Also, the use of
metallic corrosion coupons in water circuit can provide an effective index of
the corrosive nature of the water. Recommended minimum monitoring
frequency for different parameters to determine the cooling water quality can
be referred to Appendix 2A.

2.5.4 Bleed-off water discharge

2.5.4.1 Quality of bleed-off water, cooling water discharged from cooling tower
systems, should comply with the requirements stipulated in the EPD’s
Technical Memorandum on Standards for Effluents Discharged into Drainage
and Sewerage Systems, Inland and Coastal Waters. It should be noted that the
effluent discharge requirement may vary with the discharge flowrate.

2.5.4.2 In case that the bleed-off water is reused for flushing, the quality of flushing
water should be checked and closely monitored. Water Supplies Department’s
Water Quality Objectives of Saltwater for Flushing Supply are shown in Table
2.2 for reference. The bleed-off water should be treated to achieve the stated
water quality criteria for flushing supply at distribution when necessary.

Table 2.2: Water quality objectives of saltwater for flushing supply

Water Quality Objectives
Chemical values expressed in mg/L
Parameters
(parts per million), unless otherwise
specified
Colour (H.U.) < 40
Turbidity (N.T.U.) < 20
Threshold Odour No. (T.O.N.) < 100
Ammoniacal Nitrogen <1
Suspended Solids < 20
Dissolved Oxygen >2
5-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand < 10
Synthetic Detergents <5
E. coli (cfu/100mL) < 5 000

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2.6 Control of Bacterial Growth

2.6.1 Control Measures for Legionella

If legionella is detected in the water samples collected from the cooling towers, the
control strategies and procedures shown in Table 2.3 should be taken by the O&M
contractor and water treatment service provider immediately.

Table 2.3: Control strategies for the presence of legionella

Total legionella count Indication Required control strategy
(cfu/mL)
Not detected System (1) (a) Maintain quarterly monitoring
(<10 cfu/mL) under (b) Maintain water treatment programme
control
Detected as ≥10 and Review (2) (a) Investigate problem
<1 000 cfu/mL programme (b) Review water treatment programme
(c) Take necessary remedial action
including immediate on-line
disinfection as described in section 3.3
and undertake control strategy (3).
(3) Collect and test a water sample within 3 to 7
days after on-line disinfection
(a) If not detected, collect and test
another water sample. If 2 consecutive
samples have no legionella detected,
repeat control strategy (1)
(b) If detected at ≥10 and <100 cfu/mL,
repeat control strategy (2)
(c) If detected at ≥100 and <1 000 cfu/mL,
investigate problem and review water
treatment programme, immediately
carry out cleaning and disinfection
again as described in section 3.4 and
repeat control strategy (3)
(d) If detected at ≥1 000 cfu/mL,
immediately carry out cleaning and
disinfection as described in section 3.4
and undertake control strategy (5)
Detected as ≥ 1 000 Implement (4) (a) Investigate problem
cfu/mL corrective (b) Review water treatment programme
action (c) Take necessary remedial action
including immediate emergency
decontamination as described in
section 3.6 and undertake control
strategy (5)

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Total legionella count Indication Required control strategy

(cfu/mL)
(5) Collect and test a water sample within 3 days
after emergency decontamination
(a) If not detected, collect and test another
water sample. If 2 consecutive samples
have no legionella detected, repeat
control strategy (1)
(b) If detected at ≥10 and <100 cfu/mL,
repeat control strategy (2)
(c) If detected at ≥100 and <1 000 cfu/mL,
investigate problem and review water
treatment programme, immediately
carry out cleaning and disinfection
again as described in section 3.4 and
repeat control strategy (5)
(d) If detected at ≥1 000 cfu/mL,
investigate problem and review water
treatment programme, immediately
carry out system emergency
decontamination as described in
section 3.6 and repeat control strategy
(5)

2.6.2 Testing Methods of Legionella

Testing of the presence of legionella should be carried out by the laboratories accredited
by the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS). [website:
https://www.itc.gov.hk/en/quality/hkas/accreditation/hoklas.html] Common testing
methods for legionella detection are referred to Technical Manual Section III: Chapter 7 –
Legionnaires’ Disease by US Department of Labour Occupational Safety & Health
Administration, which are described in the following paragraphs:

a) Cultured samples
Water samples are cultured on special buffered charcoal yeast extract (BCYE) culture
media. Selective isolation processes to eliminate other microbial overgrowth can
determine the number of cfu of legionella pneumophila per millilitre of water.
Cultured samples can also be analysed to identify specific serogroups. Testing
procedures should comply with the current editions of AS/NZS 3896 – Water –
Examination for Legionellae including Legionella pneumophila and BS 6068-4.12/ ISO
11731 Section 4.12 Detection, and enumeration of legionella or equivalent
international standards.

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b) Direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test

The number of organisms in a water sample can also be determined via direct
fluorescence antibody (DFA) conjugate tests that stain the organism with a
fluorescent dye. This is a rapid test to identify legionella such that the results can be
obtained within one working day. However, this test is unable to distinguish between
live and dead bacteria and may also have some cross-reactivity with other bacteria.
There is a higher potential to obtain unreliable results, therefore, attentions should
be paid to interpret the test results. Therefore, this method can only be used as a
preliminary test if immediate cooling water quality monitoring result is required.

c) Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) method

This is a quick and specific test for organic matter in water. By using the polymerase
chain reaction (PCR), expands and monitors the unique DNA of legionella.

2.6.3 Control Measures for Heterotrophic Micro-organisms

If the heterotrophic colony count (HCC) result is found greater than or equal to 100 000
cfu/mL in any water sample collected from the cooling towers, a control strategy should
be immediately initiated in accordance to Table 2.4.

Table 2.4: Control strategies for the presence of heterotrophic microorganisms

HCC Test result Indication Required control strategy
(cfu/mL)
<100 000 System under (1) (a) Maintain monthly monitoring
control (b) Maintain water treatment programme
Detected as Review (2) (a) Investigate problem
≥ 100 000 and programme - Review water treatment programme
< 5 000 000 operation - Take necessary remedial action including
immediate on-line disinfection as described
in section 3.3 and undertake control strategy
(3)
(3) Collect and test a water sample within 3 to 7
days after on-line disinfection
(a) If test result is <100 000 cfu/mL, repeat
control strategy (1)
(b) If test result is ≥ 100 000 cfu/mL and < 5 000
000 cfu/mL, immediately carry out cleaning
and disinfection again as described in section
3.4 and undertake control strategy (2)
(c) If test result is ≥ 5 000 000 cfu/mL,
immediately carry out cleaning and
disinfection as described in section 3.4 and
undertake control strategy (5)
Detected as Implement (4) (a) Investigate problem
≥ 5 000 000 corrective (b) Review water treatment programme
action (c) Take necessary remedial action including
immediate emergency decontamination as
described in section 3.6 and undertake
control strategy (5)

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HCC Test result Indication Required control strategy

(cfu/mL)
(5) Collect and test a water sample within 3 to 7
days after emergency decontamination
(a) If test result is <100 000 cfu/mL, repeat
control strategy (1)
(b) If test result is ≥ 100 000 cfu/mL and < 5 000
000 cfu/mL, immediately carry out cleaning
and disinfection again as described in section
3.4 and undertake control strategy (4)
(c) If test result is ≥ 5 000 000 cfu/mL, investigate
problem and review water treatment
programme, immediately carry out
emergency decontamination again as
described in section 3.6 and repeat control
strategy (5)

2.6.4 Testing Methods of Heterotrophic Colony Count

Testing of Heterotrophic Colony Count should be conducted by the laboratories
accredited by the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS). [website:
https://www.itc.gov.hk/en/quality/hkas/accreditation/hoklas.html] This test method
only measures a limited range of aerobic bacteria that can grow on a general purpose
nutrient agar at the selected incubation temperature and should be carried out in
accordance with the current editions of AS 4276.3.1 – Water microbiology Method 3.1:
Heterotrophic colony count methods – Pour plate method using plate count agar
(35°C/37°C method), the American Public Health Association (APHA) Standard Method
9215B – pour plate method for water and wastewater, or other international standards.

2.7 Water Sampling

2.7.1 Sampling frequency

2.7.1.1 Regular water sampling, including testing for legionella and heterotrophic
colony count, is important to monitor the water treatment effectiveness and
cooling tower system operating performance. Water sampling for total
legionella count and heterotrophic colony count tests in fresh water cooling
towers should be carried out at least every three months and every one month,
respectively. Monitoring of other parameters is recommended to provide a
full picture on the water quality. Monitoring frequency of those parameters
can be referred to Appendix 2A.

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2.7.1.2 Cooling tower systems installed at medical and health care premises should be
monitored more closely. Water sampling for cooling tower systems installed in
these locations should be carried out at least once a month for both total
legionella count and heterotrophic colony count tests.

2.7.2 Sampling Point

In order to facilitate water sampling, sampling taps should be provided at the cooling
tower system. One sampling tap should be provided for collecting water samples of
cooling water, and another sampling tap should be provided for collecting water samples
of bleed-off water. Water sampling points should be well away from the chemical dosing
point and make-up water inlet. For sampling of cooling water, it is preferable to collect
water samples just before the warmed water enters the cooling towers, tower basin or
water falling from the fill. Sampling tap and hose, if provided, should be run for at least
30 seconds with cooling water discharged to the drainage system prior to sampling. Since
the sampling tap and hose can create a potential dead leg, the tap should be flushed at
least once a month.

2.7.3 Water sample storage and delivery

Water sample should be taken in containers as described in the current editions of AS
2031, BS 7592 or equivalent in terms of the selection of suitable sampling container and
preservation of the sample for later testing. Water samples for laboratory tests should be
collected by trained personnel appointed by the laboratory or O&M contractor of cooling
towers or water treatment services provider in order to ensure no contamination
throughout the process from water sample collection to laboratory test. The samples
should be stored at temperature between 2°C and 10°C and kept in dark environment
prior to analysis. Samples should not be frozen. Analysis should be commenced within 24
hours of the sample taken.

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3. Maintenance of Cooling Tower Systems

3.1 Routine Inspection

Cooling tower systems should be inspected regularly. Inspection should include all mechanical
equipment, water tanks, water treatment facilities and major components such as fill, drift
eliminator etc. Water in cooling tower basin should be checked for clarity, odour, surface debris
and temperature. Cleanliness of every component in cooling towers, including fan, fill, drift
eliminator, water distribution and nozzle, basin, etc, should be ensured. Recommended checklist
and frequency for routine inspection of cooling tower system is shown in Appendix 2B for
reference.

3.2 Routine and Preventive Maintenance

3.2.1 General
Routine maintenance is required to ensure cooling tower system operating in a good
condition. Integrity and physical conditions of all components, including ladders, rails and
platforms, etc. must be inspected as well as regularly maintained to prevent breakage or
failure. Purging of dead legs during weekly inspection is required and the stagnant water
in dead legs, if any, should be drained by manual purging for at least 15 minutes.
Recommended routine and preventive maintenance checklist is described in Appendix 2C
for reference.

3.2.2 Drift eliminator and fill

Drift eliminator and fill require particular maintenance to avoid excessive drift loss and to
maintain nominal thermal performance. Cleaning and maintenance for drift eliminator
and fill are to ensure them free from biofouling, corrosion, scale and other deposits.
Good workmanship and subsequent inspection are required to fix the drift eliminator and
fill in the correct position without air bypass. Replacement is required if drift eliminator
and fill are found to be deformed, which may result in adverse impact on drift loss control
and thermal performance.

3.3 On-line Disinfection

3.3.1 On-line disinfection should be carried out when:

a) Total legionella count is detected as ≥ 10 cfu/mL and < 1 000 cfu/mL; or
b) HCC test result is ≥ 100 000 cfu/mL and < 5 000 000 cfu/mL.

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3.3.2 On-line disinfection procedure for cooling tower systems are as follows:
a) Add biodispersant and circulate through the cooling tower system prior to on-line
disinfection (dosage as recommended by a water treatment services provider.
b) Dose a biocide of different chemical composition, or similar composition at a higher
concentration, to the cooling tower system in addition to that of the regular water
treatment programme.
c) Circulate the biocide through the cooling tower systems for the time specified by the
biocide manufacturer.
d) Return the system to normal operation.

3.4 Cleaning and Disinfection

3.4.1 Cooling tower systems should be regularly cleaned, desludged and disinfected at least
every 6 months.

3.4.2 Cleaning and disinfection should be carried out immediately when:

a) Total legionella count is still detected as ≥ 100 cfu/mL and < 1 000 cfu/mL after on-
line disinfection;
b) HCC test result is still ≥ 500 000 cfu/mL and < 5 000 000 cfu/mL after on-line
disinfection;
c) Cooling tower system is contaminated, which causes adverse influence to cooling
water quality and cooling tower thermal performance;
d) Cooling tower system has been shut down for more than a week;
e) Cooling tower system has been mechanically altered or disrupted in a manner which
may lead to contamination;
f) Cooling tower system has been infected or may have been infected by an adjacent
cooling tower which has been suspected as a source of a case of Legionnaires’
disease.

3.4.3 Cleaning and disinfection of cooling tower system should be carried out by an O&M
contractor of cooling tower, water treatment services provider or a person with sufficient
relevant experience and trainings. Water treatment programme should be reinstated
before the systems are brought into service again. The cleaning and disinfection
procedures should be as follows:
a) Circulate biodispersant throughout the system before disinfection. (dosage as
recommended by the water treatment service provider)
b) Chlorinate the water and circulate for 6 hours, maintaining a minimum level of free
residual chlorine at 5 mg/L (ppm) through the entire fresh water cooling tower
system water circuit.

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c) If pH value is greater than 8.0, higher free residual chlorine level of 15 – 20 mg/L
(ppm) is required to achieve the disinfection performance.
d) Drain the entire water circuit, including the make-up tank.
e) Manually clean the cooling towers, sump, fill, drift eliminator, make-up tank and
water recirculation circuit. Accessible areas of the cooling towers and its fill should
be adequately washed. If cleaning method involves high pressure water spraying,
windows in the vicinity should be closed, air inlets blanked off and the working area
to be tended. The working area should be isolated to avoid nuisance to the
neighbourhood.
f) Refill with water, rechlorinate and recirculate for at least 6 hours, maintaining a
minimum level of free residual chlorine at 5 mg/L (ppm).
g) Drain and flush the system. Refill with water and dose with the appropriate start-up
level of treatment chemicals.
h) Re-commission the system.

3.5 Treatment of Cleaning Water

Before water containing high residual free chlorine is discharged to drain, it should be de-
chlorinated. The usual procedure is to add sodium thiosulphate, sodium sulphite or sodium
bisulphate as a neutraliser. The level of residual free chlorine can be determined by testing and
the quantity of sodium salt can then be calculated.

3.6 Emergency Decontamination

3.6.1 Under the following circumstances, emergency decontamination of fresh water cooling
tower system should be carried out.
a) If total legionella count is detected to be 1 000 cfu/mL or more; or
b) If heterotrophic colony count is detected to be 5 000 000 cfu/mL or more; or
c) If on-line disinfection, as well as, cleaning and disinfection are not effective in
controlling legionella and heterotrophic colony count in cooling tower water.

3.6.2 The procedures for emergency decontamination of fresh water cooling tower system are
as follows:
a) Take water samples for laboratory investigation before any further action.
b) Prohibit entering the vicinity of cooling towers.
c) Circulate biodispersant throughout the system before disinfection (dosage as
recommended by the cooling tower system services providers).

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d) Add sodium hypochlorite to the system water to obtain a measured free residual
chlorine concentration of 50mg/L (ppm).
e) Circulate the system water with the fans off for a period of at least 6 hours.
f) Maintain the free residual chlorine level at an absolute minimum of 20 mg/L (ppm)
at all times.
g) After 6 hours, de-chlorinate and drain the system.
h) Clean thoroughly the basin, fill, drift eliminator, fan and water distribution system.
i) Refill with fresh water and add sodium hypochlorite.
j) Recirculate without using the fan, at 20mg/L (ppm) of free residual chlorine for 6
hours.
k) De-chlorinate and drain the system.
l) Refill, recirculate and take water samples for testing.
m) Re-commission system when total legionella count and HCC levels are detected
within acceptable range.

3.7 Occupational Safety and Health

3.7.1 Sufficient personal protective equipment should be provided to the personnel responsible
to carry out inspection and maintenance work of a cooling tower system. Recommended
list of personal protective equipment required related to different job nature is shown in
Appendix 2D.

3.7.2 Training in safe work procedure, including the use and maintenance of protective
equipment should be provided to the personnel carrying out cooling tower system
commissioning.

3.7.3 Water treatment may involve the application of relatively aggressive and toxic chemicals
in an environment, which is difficult to control. Safety of plant and personnel is the major
concern. All personnel involved must be fully conversant with the safe handling of the
products, which form part of the water treatment regime. Water treatment chemicals
should be handled with care according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3.7.4 Material safety data sheet (MSDS) and relevant recognised data sheet for the chemicals
used in water treatment process should be provided by water treatment services
providers and included in the operation and maintenance manual. MSDS and relevant
warning/safety label should be provided on the surface of water treatment chemical
bucket. The MSDS and labels should be properly protected against water and chemical
damage.

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3.7.5 Workers should practice with a high standard of personal hygiene. Adequate washing
facilities should be provided and made easily accessible.

3.7.6 Water treatment programme for a cooling tower system should be established by a
competent service provider and complied with the requirements specified in the CoP.

3.7.7 Eye wash bottles or washing basin with fresh water tap should be provided adjacent to
water treatment chemicals tanks or any appropriate location for emergency use.
However, the water contained in the eye wash bottle should be replaced periodically.

3.7.8 Water treatment chemical should be stored at an appropriate location to facilitate

chemical handling. Mechanical/natural ventilation should be provided to the room
entirely/partially used for water treatment chemical storage.

3.7.9 Electrical fittings and luminaries serving water treatment chemical storage area should be
weather-proof and corrosion resistant type.

3.7.10 Warning signs should be erected to alert for operation and maintenance personnel of the
potential hazard caused by cooling towers; and to restrict the unauthorised access to
cooling towers.

3.7.11 Workers exposed to hazardous substances and engaged in processes of cleaning and
disinfection and water treatment should undergo regular health surveillance with a
medical personnel. In the event that the worker develops respiratory, cutaneous and
other symptoms when exposed to hazardous chemicals, immediate medical attention
should be sought.

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4. Management of Cooling Tower Systems

4.1 Operation and Maintenance Manuals

The operation and maintenance (O&M) manual of the cooling tower system should be prepared by
the O&M contractor of cooling tower and kept by the owner of the system. The O&M manual
should at least consist of the followings:
a) Technical details of all equipment in a cooling tower system, including drawings of the plant,
equipment and systems;
b) System schematic and layout plan showing the locations of cooling towers and the nearby
openings in the building and the adjacent buildings;
c) Manufacturers’ recommendations on operation and maintenance of all equipment in the
cooling tower system;
d) A programme for routine chemical treatment, cleaning, desludging and disinfection of the
cooling towers;
e) Details of chemicals used for water treatment;
f) Recommended cleaning methods and dismantling instructions;
g) Start-up, operating and shut-down procedures; and
h) Procedure for emergency operation.

4.2 Water Quality and Operation and Maintenance Records

4.2.1 Log books to record system operation, routine inspection, water sampling results and
maintenance activities should be kept properly by the operation personnel. Details of log
books should include at least the following information:
a) Date and result of visual inspection;
b) Date and result of water sampling;
c) Date of cleaning, desludging and disinfection;
d) Date of chemical treatment with details on the treatment carried out;
e) Method of bleed-off and details of the automatic bleed-off controls;
f) Date, item of plant, equipment or system and nature of service (routine, preventive
and emergency maintenance) being performed;
g) Details of defects found and rectification procedure undertaken; and
h) The name of the person and company performing the service.

4.2.2 A sample operation and maintenance record form is enclosed in Appendix 2E for proper
minimum records of routine operation, inspection, water sampling and maintenance of
fresh water cooling tower systems.

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4.2.3 Operation and maintenance manuals and records should be kept by authorized personnel
and readily available for inspection upon request. The operation and maintenance
records should be kept for at least 2 years. Defects identified in any reports should notify
the plant owner/occupier, manager or their nominated representative immediately.

4.2.4 Any information change related to the cooling tower installation, including the ownership
and system components, should be reported to EMSD. Records as listed in section 4.2
should also be available for inspection by EMSD upon request.

4.3 Independent Operation and Maintenance Audits

4.3.1 Auditor’s responsibilities

Annual independent audits of operation and maintenance records of cooling tower
systems should be carried out by an independent and competent auditor. The auditor
should be employed by the owner (or representative) of cooling tower systems and
should not involve in any O&M activities of the cooling tower systems. Re-inspection
and/or follow-up action may sometimes be required if improvement work or remedial
action is suggested to the owner of cooling tower system after the audit. Apart from
document checking, auditors are responsible for carrying out the following tasks:
a) Inspection on the validity of O&M manual, up-to-date water quality records,
maintenance report and log book;
b) Visual inspection of cooling tower system operating conditions;
c) identification of risk and operational problem;
d) Recommendation on remedial actions required;
e) Preparation of audit report;
f) Report and explain the conditions of the system to the owner of cooling tower
system ; and
g) Submit an annual audit report to the EMSD.

4.3.2 Audit report

The auditor should submit a signed formal annual audit report to the owner of the cooling
towers and EMSD after the completion of the auditing process. Emphasis should be put
on whether the scheduled operation and maintenance work have been properly carried
out in the past year and the appropriate actions have been taken in case of poor water
quality. Improvement works and remedial actions required should also be highlighted in
the report. Audit report should consist of at least the following items (a sample audit
report is attached as Appendix 2F for reference). Figure 2.1 illustrates the flow chart for
audit process and shows the relationship between O&M contractor of cooling towers and
auditor in the audit process.

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a) Details of the cooling tower system (location, types, quantity);

b) Details of the O&M contractor of cooling towers/ the water treatment services
provider (company’s names, and contact details);
c) Availability of updated documents for the installation, completed inspection and
maintenance checklists, records and logbook in the past 1 year;
d) Availability of proper record keeping of O&M manual, T&C records and drawing;
e) Risks and problems identified associated to the cooling tower system;
f) Recommended remedial actions required; and
g) Progress of the remedial works suggested in previous year.

O&M Contractor of cooling towers/ Water treatment

services provider/ Owner of cooling towers prepares
i) weekly/monthly/yearly Operation and Maintenance
records
ii) last year’s audit report (if applicable)

Submits to Auditor

Auditor reviews records and carry out

on-site visit

Auditor issues an audit report to owner of Auditor submits audit a report to EMSD for
cooling towers for record and follow up checking
actions

Figure 2.1: Flow chart for audit process

4.3.3 Qualification of Auditor

The Auditor should have relevant operation and maintenance experience on cooling
tower systems and possess either one of the following qualifications:

a) Registered Professional Engineer in Building Services or Mechanical discipline, or

b) Higher Certificate or above in building services engineering or mechanical
engineering or air-conditioning system, plus at least five years of operation and
maintenance experience on cooling tower systems.

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4.3.4 Notification of Non-compliance

When the operation and maintenance audit reveals non-compliance results, the O&M
contractors of cooling tower and the owner of cooling tower systems should be informed
immediately. Remedial action taken to improve cooling tower system water quality
should be recorded.

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5. Decommissioning of Cooling Tower System

5.1 Where an existing cooling tower system is no longer required for operation, the following
actions should be taken to decommission the installation:
a) Drain the water of the cooling tower system to sewage, in accordance with any
advice from the Environmental Protection Department, Drainage Services
Department and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department;
b) Remove chemical dosing tanks;
c) Disconnect power supply to the systems;
d) Disconnect water supply to the systems;
e) Remove the tower and preferably the other components of the systems;
f) Deliver the dismantled components (if recyclable) to material recycling plant.

5.2 In case it is not practical to demolish the system immediately in the decommissioning
period, the system should be kept dry and signage should be erected on the cooling tower
indicating that the system must not be re-activated. The water basin of the tower should
be dismantled in order not to allow rainwater accumulated in the tower. The owner of
cooling tower system should notify EMSD that the cooling tower system has been
decommissioned.

5.3 Owner of Building should be responsible to demolish the abandoned cooling tower system
if the owner of the cooling systems cannot be contacted.

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6. Reference Information

6.1 The following Ordinances, Technical Memorandum and Code of Practice should be
complied with in the operation and maintenance of cooling towers:
• Waterworks Ordinance (WWO) (Cap. 102)
• Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123)
• Sewage Services Ordinance (SSO) (Cap. 463)
• Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO) (Cap. 358)
• Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO) (Cap. 311)
• Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) (Cap. 400)
• Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance (OSHO) (Cap. 509)
• Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (PHMSO) (Cap. 132)
• Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance (BEEO) (Cap. 610)
• Technical Memorandum on Standards for Effluent Discharged into Drainage and
Sewerage System, Inland and Coastal Waters, EPD
• Technical Memorandum for the Assessment of Noise from Places other than Domestic
Premises, Public Places or Construction Sites, EPD
• Fresh Water Cooling Towers Scheme, EMSD
• Code of Practice for Prevention of Legionnaires’ Disease, PLDC

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Appendix 2A
Recommended Minimum Monitoring Frequency for Different Water
Quality Parameters for Cooling Tower System

Parameters Minimum Monitoring Frequency for Cooling

Water
Conductivity Monthly
Total dissolved solids Monthly
Suspended solids Monthly
Calcium hardness Monthly
pH Monthly
Total alkalinity Quarterly
Oxidising biocide Monthly
Inhibitor level Monthly
Temperature Monthly
Chloride as mg/L Cl Quarterly
Sulphate as mg/L SO4 Quarterly
Total iron as mg/L Fe Quarterly
Residual Cl/ Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) Monthly
5-day Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) Monthly
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Monthly
Heterotrophic colony count Monthly
Legionella Quarterly *
* Remarks: Cooling tower systems installed at medical and health care premises should be monitored exceptionally closely.
Water sampling for cooling tower systems installed in these locations should be carried out at least once a month
for both legionella test and HCC. Moreover, if legionella or HCC is found to be greater than the specified
requirement under routine sampling, more frequent water sampling is required to form part of the system
operation programme.

Parameters Minimum Monitoring Frequency for Bleed-off

Water
Colour Quarterly
Turbidity Quarterly
Threshold Odour No. Quarterly
Ammoniacal Nitrogen Quarterly
Suspended Solids Quarterly
Dissolved Oxygen Quarterly
5-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand Quarterly
Synthetic Detergents Quarterly
E. Coli/ 100mL Quarterly
Note: The above checklists are for reference only. The owners of the cooling tower systems should develop their own water
quality monitoring schedules to suit their systems.

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Appendix 2B
Recommended Routine Inspection Checklist for Cooling Tower System

Procedures Inspection
Frequency
1. Check condenser water pumps Weekly
2. Check cooling water quality Monthly
3. Check internal surfaces of cooling towers/evaporative condenser for scale, Monthly
rust, sludge and biofilm accumulation
4. Check cooling water for clarity, odour, surface debris and temperature. Weekly
5. Check strainers Weekly
6. Check drains Weekly
7. Check float valves Weekly
8. Check water treatment system, including water treatment dosing equipment, Weekly
controller, conductivity sensors, and other sensors, etc.
9. Check water treatment chemicals for adequacy and safety Weekly
10. Check condition/cleanliness of fill pack/tubes Monthly
11. Check condition/cleanliness of drift eliminators Monthly
12. Check condition/cleanliness of distribution troughs/spray headers and Monthly
nozzles
13. Check fans, drives and gearbox Weekly
14. Check water level of basin Weekly
15. Check bleed-off valve Weekly
16. Check for system leakage and overflow from cooling towers Monthly
17. Check air inlets and fan screens Weekly
18. Calibrate sensors As recommended
by equipment
manufacturer or
annually
whichever is
shorter
Note: The above checklists are for reference only. The owners of the cooling tower systems should develop their own water
quality monitoring schedules to suit their systems.

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Appendix 2C
Recommended Routine and Preventive Maintenance Checklist for
Cooling Tower System

Checklists Maintenance
Frequency
1. Tighten all fasteners Every 6 months
2. Clean strainers Monthly
3. Clean water basin and all internal surfaces of cooling towers Every 6 months
4. Adjust and lubricate pumps and pump motors Quarterly
5. Adjust and lubricate fans and fan motors Quarterly
6. Remove drift eliminators and fills for cleaning Every 6 months
7. Adjust and lubricate valves Quarterly
8. Clean water distribution pipework, including nozzles Quarterly
9. Remove end cap in each header for cleaning Every 6 months
Note: The above checklists are for reference only. The owners of the cooling tower systems should develop their own routine
and preventive maintenance checklist for their systems.

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Appendix 2D
Recommended List of Personal Protective Equipment

Job Potential Hazard Respirator and Clothing

Testing and commissioning Aerosol Half face piece, capable of filtering smaller
than 5µm particulates, ordinary work clothing
Inspection Aerosol Half face piece, capable of filtering smaller
than 5µm particulates, ordinary work clothing
Water Sampling Aerosol Half face piece, capable of filtering smaller
than 5µm particulates, ordinary work clothing
High pressure spraying Aerosol Respirator as above, waterproof overalls,
gloves, boots, goggles or face shield
Chemical treatment with Spray mist and very low Half face piece, acid gas and particulate
sodium hypo-chlorite concentration chlorine respirator, goggles or face shield, overalls,
solution in ventilated space gloves, and boots
As above, in confined space Unknown chlorine To comply with the requirement under the
concentration, high mist, Factories and Industrial Undertakings
possible lack of oxygen (Confined Spaces) Regulation

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Appendix 2E
Sample Operation and Maintenance Records for Cooling Tower System

For the period: _______________________________________________

A. System Description
Record Details
Building Name & Building Address
Cooling tower type
Number of cooling towers in system
Heat rejection capacities of the cooling towers
Building owner’s name/contact details*
Owner of cooling towers’ name and contact details*
O&M contractor of cooling towers‘ name and details*
Water treatment services provider’s name and contact
details*
Water sampling/laboratory contractor’s name and contact
details*
* To include company name, contact person’s business and after office hours telephone numbers

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B. Weekly / Monthly Records for the month ( ) of year ( )

Procedures Date of Action
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Monthly
1. Check cleanliness, organic fouling and
physical debris
2. Inspect for slime and algal growth
3. Inspect for deterioration of materials,
damage to components, blockages
and corrosion
4. Inspect for correct operation of fans,
motors and pumps
5. Inspect water leaks from seams
6. Inspect misshaped exterior or
collapsed internal supports
7. Inspect supporting framework
8. Inspect fill and drift eliminator
9. Check condition and operation of ball
valve
10. Check fan thermostat (if equipped)
11. Check sprays and distribution deck
12. Check bleed-off rate

C. Quarterly/6-monthly/Yearly Records for the year ( )

Procedures Date of Action
Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4
1. Lubricate fan and pump
bearings/gearbox
2. Drain basin and clean distribution
deck, fill and drift eliminator
3. Check security of all bolts and fittings
4. Clean fan blades
5. Clean all components as required

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D. Monthly Water Sample Bacterial Test Records for the year ( )

Bacteria Test Testing Date of Test Test Results Action
Laboratory (cfu/mL)
Heterotrophic Month 1
colony count Month 2
Month 3
Month 4
Month 5
Month 6
Month 7
Month 8
Month 9
Month 10
Month 11
Month 12
Total Month 1
legionella Month 2
count Month 3
Month 4
Month 5
Month 6
Month 7
Month 8
Month 9
Month 10
Month 11
Month 12
Note: The above formats are for reference only. The owners of the cooling tower systems should develop their own
formats for their systems.

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Appendix 2F
Sample Independent Audit Report for Cooling Tower System

Cooling Tower EMSD Registration No. PS- ___ No. ____________ to _____________

Auditing Period _________ (month/ year) to _________ (month/ year)

A. System Description
Record Details
Building Name and Building Address
Cooling tower type
Number of cooling towers in system
Heat rejection capacities of the cooling towers
Building owner’s name/contact details
Owner of cooling towers’ name and contact details
Designer of cooling towers’ name and contact details
O&M contractor of cooling towers’ name and contact
details
Water treatment services provider’s name and contact
details
* To include company name, contact person’s business and after office hours telephone numbers

B. Documents Checking
Records
Documents available Recommendation
Yes No
Operation & maintenance manual
Testing & commissioning records
System schematic and layout drawings
Routine inspection records
Routine maintenance records
Routine cleaning and disinfection records
Monthly heterotrophic colony count (HCC) results
Monthly/Quarterly* total legionella count results
Routine water quality monitoring records (if available)
* Delete as appropriate

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C. Visual Inspection
Acceptable
Items Recommendation
Yes No
General cleanliness of cooling tower system
Integrity of components including ladders, rails and
platforms
Operation condition of cooling towers and pumps
Operation condition of water treatment equipment
Cleanliness of plant area
Drift loss control

D. Risk Identification
Recommendation/
Assessment of Cooling Tower System remedial action
required
System alteration Any system addition, alteration and improvement work
carried out in the previous year?
 Yes  No
If yes, has operation and maintenance programme been
reviewed?
 Yes  No
External Is there any newly occupied building regarded as high
environment risk designation located in vicinity to the system?
 Yes  No
If yes, has operation and maintenance programme been
reviewed?
 Yes  No
Is there any construction site found nearby?
 Yes  No
If yes, has operation and maintenance programme been
reviewed?
 Yes  No
Is the separation between the cooling towers and the
nearest opening(s) maintained to meet the separation
requirements as stipulated in Section 4.1 of Code of
Practice Part 1?
 Yes  No (please specify in details)
System Has fouling of cooling towers system occurred in the
performance previous year?
 Yes  No
If yes, has appropriate rectify work been carried out?
 Yes  No
Water treatment Has HCC results exceeded 100 000 cfu/mL during the
programme previous year?
performance  Yes  No

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Recommendation/
Assessment of Cooling Tower System remedial action
required
If yes, has appropriate rectified work, including cleaning
and disinfection and water treatment programme
review been carried out?
 Yes  No
Has total legionella count results exceeded 10 cfu/mL
during the previous year?
 Yes  No
If yes, has appropriate rectified work, including cleaning
and disinfection and water treatment programme
review been carried out?
 Yes  No
Compliance of Is the system complied with the Code of Practice?
Code of Practice  Yes  No
for Fresh Water
Cooling Towers
Potential risk
identified during
walk-through
inspection

E. Progress of remedial works

Assessment of Cooling Tower System Recommendation /
remedial action required
Remedial works Are all the remedial works as recommended in
the previous year being carried out?
 Yes  No
 N/A

F. Other recommendation

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Code of Practice for Fresh Water Cooling Towers
Part 2: Operation and Maintenance

G. Personal declaration
#Remark
Part I: To be completed by Auditor
*I, (Full name of Auditor), Registered Professional Engineer (*Building
Services / Mechanical Discipline), RPE Registration No: , have carried out annual independent
audit for the above cooling tower system in according to section 4.3 of the Code of Practice for Fresh
Water Cooling Towers, Part 2. And I am not involved in any O&M activities of this cooling tower
systems.
OR
*I, (Full name of Auditor), holder of
(Qualification of Auditor), issued by
(Institute issue the Qualification), have carried out annual independent
audit for the above cooling tower system in according to section 4.3 of the Code of Practice for Fresh
Water Cooling Towers, Part 2. And I am not involved in any O&M activities of this cooling tower
systems.
(* delete as appropriate)

Signed by the Auditor : ____________________________

Full name of Auditor : ____________________________
Registration no.: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________

#Remark: The Auditor should have relevant operation and maintenance experience on cooling tower systems and possess
either one of the following qualifications:
(a) Registered Professional Engineer in Building Services or Mechanical discipline, or
(b) Higher Certificate or above in building services engineering or mechanical engineering or air-conditioning
system, plus at least five years of operation and maintenance experience on cooling tower systems.

Part II: To be completed by the owner of cooling tower system

I am the owner of this cooling tower system. I acknowledge that I have read this annual audit report
and understand the latest conditions of this cooling tower system.

Signed by the Owner of cooling tower(s) : ____________________________

Full name of Owner of cooling tower(s) : ____________________________
Date: ____________________________

Note: The above formats are for reference only. The auditors of the cooling tower systems should develop their own formats
for their systems.

2023 Edition 34
機電工程署 能源效益事務處
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Electrical and Mechanical Services Department
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