Testing process water and added water

Evaporative cooling systems, cooling towers, and wet scrubbers can emit aerosols that contain legionellae. The severe legionella infections that resulted in fatalities in Ulm (2010), Warstein (2013), and Bremen (2016), which are known throughout Germany, were what led to the measures defined in the 42 nd Federal Emissions Protection Ordinance (42. ImSchV). In order to minimize the risk of detrimental health effects from these kinds of installations, this ordinance regulates the operation, production, and assembly of such installations. It also defines obligations for the operators to monitor and report on their installations.

The ordinance provides precautionary measures. It went into effect on August 19 th , 2017. Since then, the deadlines have already passed for registering installations and getting the initial assessments produced by expert appraisers. Furthermore, the test results for the installations must be made available in an operations log.

The GBA Group tests process water and added water in accordance with the requirements of the 42 nd Federal Emissions Ordinance in combination with the technical guideline VDI-2047 sheets 2-4, and the UBA (German Environmental Protection Agency) recommendations for sampling and detecting legionellae in evaporative cooling systems, cooling towers, and wet scrubbers. In doing so, we are mindful of the need to unite sampling and analysis, as well as the requirements for the contractor who is taking the samples, in order to guarantee valid test results. In particular, in order to produce meaningful analytical results, it is imperative that the sampling is carried out properly by qualified individuals, taking all of the on-site parameters into account. Internal and external training sessions help ensure that our sample-takers always possess the latest technical knowledge. We plan the sampling and schedule the appointments with the operators.

We are also there for you beyond just providing analytical results. If the analysis confirms that you have kept under the maximum levels, we plan the next intervals for sampling in accordance with the legal requirements. If you have exceeded the limits, then we remain by your side as your partner to assist with further measures and analyses. That includes the communication with the responsible authorities, in which case we can draw upon our experience dealing with hundreds of analytical results.

Independence is required according to the standard DIN EN ISO 17025. We fulfill this requirement because we do conduct work on the facilities where we take samples. However, we will gladly assist you in finding an independent partner for this work.