42. BImSchV and VDI 2047 sheet 2

The 42nd ordinance for the implementation of the Federal Immission Control Act – ordinance on evaporative cooling systems, cooling towers and wet separators – has been in force since August 19, 2017.

In evaporative cooling systems, cooling towers and wet separators, legionella can develop under certain conditions and emit as legionella-containing water droplets (aerosols). These aerosols are absorbed through the airways and can lead to severe pneumonia in humans, in the worst case to death.

Legionella are among the naturally occurring water bacteria that enter technical water systems from the environment. If the conditions are right (temperature, enough nutrients), the legionella can multiply strongly in these systems. As soon as aerosols from evaporative cooling systems, cooling towers or wet separators escape into the ambient air, there is an increased risk that Legionella will be carried into the ambient air and pose a threat to the environment of these water-carrying systems.

Due to the increased number of legionnaire’s disease outbreaks in the past, for which technical water systems were verified as the cause, a new ordinance has been passed nationwide by the legislature (42nd BImSchV). This ordinance defines a number of technical and organizational obligations for the operator and is based on the recognized rules of technology: VDI 2047 Part 2 for evaporative cooling systems, VDI 2047 Part 3 for cooling towers and VDI 3679 Part 1 for wet separators.

The 42nd BImSchV aims to prevent hazards and to reduce the effects of improper conditions in the company. According to the 42nd BImSchV, the operator of these systems is obliged to carry out regular controls and to check them with regard to the leakage of legionella concentrations that are harmful to health.

In order to guarantee the hygienically perfect operation, our subsidiary, INWATEC Industry Services, can support the operator in fulfilling the stated obligations. Our service includes taking legionella samples in accordance with DIN EN ISO 17025 and transporting them to an accredited analytical laboratory. If you are interested in our service, please contact us using the INWATEC Industry Services contact form.