Emergency Cooling Tower Shutdown – SOP

Purpose: Safe, compliant shutdown of cooling towers during emergencies (Legionella, equipment failure, or hazards).

1. Triggers

• Legionella detected above limits

• Major leaks, pump/fan/electrical failure

• Unsafe access or structural hazard

• Loss of chemical dosing or monitoring

• Direction from SA Health, SafeWork SA or Local Council

2. Roles

• Supervisor: Authorise, notify, log event

• Maintenance: Perform shutdown, isolate systems

• Safety Officer: Ensure WHS compliance

• Water Treatment Contractor: Assist with chemical isolation/disinfection

3. Required PPE

Gloves, goggles, chemical suit, harness (if height work), LOTO kit, communication device.

Emergency Cooling Tower Shutdown – Key Steps

1. Notify & Log

• Alert the control room, maintenance team, safety officer, and water treatment contractor immediately.

• Record the incident in the site log for traceability.

2. Isolate Systems

• Shut down fans, pumps, and chemical dosing equipment.

• Apply lockout/tagout (LOTO) to all electrical supplies, chemical lines, and make-up valves.

3. Drain & Contain

• Drain basins and pipework to a safe, approved outlet.

• Use spill kits to contain and clean any chemical or water discharge.

4. Secure the Area

• Display “Offline – DO NOT OPERATE” signage.

• Restrict access to the cooling tower to authorised personnel only.

5. Report

• Document time, cause, actions taken, and personnel involved.

• If Legionella is involved, notify SA Health, local council and SafeWork (workplace health and safety regulator) within 24 hours.

6. Prepare for Restart

• Complete a full inspection, cleaning, and disinfection of the system.

• Confirm clearance from the safety officer and water treatment contractor before bringing the tower back online.

5. Records

• Shutdown log

• Isolation tags

• Incident report

• Sampling results

References

• SA Health Legionella Guidelines

• SafeWork SA WHS Rules

• Cooling Tower OEM manuals