17
Cleaning
Any evaporative-type cooling tower must be thoroughly cleaned on a
regular basis to minimize the growth of bacteria, including Legionella
Pneumophilla, to avoid the risk of sickness or death. Service
personnel must wear proper personal protective equipment.
Do NOT attempt any service unless the fan motor is locked out.
Operators of evaporative cooling equipment, such as water cooling towers,
should follow maintenance programs which will reduce to an absolute minimum
the opportunity for bacteriological contamination. Public health service officials
have recommended that “good housekeeping” procedures be followed, such
as: regular inspections for concentrations of dirt, scale, and algae; periodic
flushing and cleaning; and the following of a complete water treatment program
including biocidal treatment.
Visual inspection should take place at least once a week during the operating
season. Periodic flushing and cleaning should be done at least twice a year.
Nozzles, louvers, drift eliminators, and easily accessible fill surfaces should
be flushed by use of a moderate-pressure water nozzle, being careful not to
cause physical damage. A reliable water treatment program should be installed
and maintained.
Warning
