UQ precautions against Legionella

Media release

The University of Queensland is taking further precautions against Legionella following a spot check of an evaporative condenser at its Biosciences Library at the St Lucia campus.

On May 16 UQ staff undertook a random check of the evaporative condenser and noticed there was sludge on the bottom of the tank.

The unit was immediately shut down and decontaminated and a laboratory consultant was called in to take water samples for laboratory analysis for Total Bacteria Count and Legionella Count.

On May 23 it was confirmed the sample's legionella count was at what is considered to be an unsafe level.

The unit concerned in this occurrence is an evaporative condenser of a totally different design and function to a standard cooling tower. The air and water mixture passes over a series of ?spray drift eliminators' to remove water droplets before entering the main air system. Therefore the likelihood of contaminated water droplets leaving the system and then drifting into an occupied area is extremely low. Therefore the risk of infection is also extremely low.

Nonetheless, the University briefed its staff and students today. All other university air-conditioning units have been tested and no levels of legionella have been detected.

The University of Queensland follows a strict regime of air-conditioning maintenance and checking that is even stronger than the Queensland advisory standard. It will continue to randomly check water-cooling systems and introduce an even stricter code of maintenance as soon as possible.

For more information contact Peter McCutcheon at UQ Communications on 3365 1088 or 04133 80012 or Jan King 3365 1120 or 0413 601