Microbial Control

The Public Health Act 1991 and the Public Health (Microbial Control) Regulation 2000 control various man made environments and systems which are conducive to the growth of Legionella organisms and which are capable, under the right conditions, of transmitting Legionella infections. These regulated systems include:

• water cooling systems,
• hot water systems,
• warm water systems, and
• air handling systems.

Legionella infection and control (Pontiac Fever and Legionnaires disease)

Legionellosis results from infection by a group of bacteria named Legionella.  Many different species of Legionella are commonly found in the environment, some of which are known to cause illness in people

The two most common forms of Legionella infection are Legionnaires Disease and Pontiac Fever

In the North Coast region local Council and Public Health Unit (PHU) Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) inspect and these regulated systems that have the potential to harbour the Legionella bacteria. EHOs also investigate any notified cases who have contracted the disease and attempt to identify the likely source.

For further information relating to Microbial control please see the NSW Department of Health website.