Free cooling tower monthly legionella compliance log
Free cooling tower Legionella inspection checklist per AS 3666. Monthly water quality, chemical treatment and drift eliminator checks. Download free.
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Updated 26 Oct 2026
Cooling Tower Monthly Legionella Compliance Log
Monthly inspection and water treatment monitoring per AS 3666
1. Water Quality Parameters
2. Chemical Treatment System
3. Physical Inspection - Tower Structure
4. Mechanical Components
5. Water Circulation
6. Risk Controls
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Short answer
A cooling tower Legionella compliance log records each month's checks on a cooling water system: water quality and Legionella results, biocide and dosing, drift eliminators, structure and mechanical condition, and any corrective action. In NSW, the Public Health Regulation 2022 requires monthly Legionella and heterotrophic colony count testing, and management under AS/NZS 3666.3:2011. Other states and territories set their own rules.
Checked against Public Health Regulation 2022 (NSW), commenced 1 September 2022, text as at 15 January 2026 on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates
Key takeaways
- The MapTrack cooling tower monthly legionella compliance log contains 31 checks across 6 sections. Sections covered: 1. Water Quality Parameters, 2. Chemical Treatment System, 3. Physical Inspection - Tower Structure, 4. Mechanical Components, 5. Water Circulation, 6. Risk Controls.
- In NSW, report a Legionella count of 1,000 cfu/mL or more, or an HCC of 5,000,000 cfu/mL or more, to the local government authority.
- In NSW, monthly samples go to a NATA-accredited laboratory, and an independent auditor audits the system every year.
- AS/NZS 3666.3:2011 covers risk assessment (2.3), monitoring for legionellae (3.2) and records of results (3.7).
- Outside NSW, alert and action levels come from each state's public health law and the site's risk management plan.
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What is a cooling tower monthly legionella compliance log?
A cooling tower Legionella inspection is a monthly risk control assessment required under AS 3666 (Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control) to prevent the growth and dissemination of Legionella pneumophila bacteria from cooling water systems. Cooling towers are recognised as one of the highest-risk sources of Legionnaires disease outbreaks because they create ideal conditions for bacterial growth (warm water between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius, nutrients from organic matter, biofilm formation on surfaces) and then aerosolise contaminated water droplets through drift that can travel hundreds of metres downwind.
AS 3666.2 (Operation and maintenance of air-handling and water systems) requires monthly inspections covering water quality parameters (heterotrophic colony count, Legionella testing, pH, conductivity, biocide residual), chemical treatment system function, drift eliminator condition, tower structural integrity and mechanical component operation. Additionally, AS 3666.3 provides a performance-based alternative maintenance approach. State and territory public health legislation reinforces these requirements with severe penalties for non-compliance, including the power to issue immediate shutdown notices. Outbreaks traced to a cooling tower can result in multiple fatalities, class action lawsuits and criminal prosecution of building owners and maintenance providers. This checklist covers the monthly inspection requirements plus triggers for the 6-monthly comprehensive cleaning mandated by AS 3666.2.
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Benefits of using this cooling tower monthly legionella compliance log
- Outbreak prevention: systematic monthly inspection of all Legionella risk factors minimises the probability of bacterial amplification to dangerous levels in the cooling water system.
- Regulatory compliance: satisfies AS 3666.2 monthly inspection requirements and provides documentary evidence for public health authority audits and licence conditions.
- Early detection: monitoring water quality trends (HCC, Legionella, biocide residual, pH) identifies deteriorating conditions before they reach actionable alert levels.
- Legal defence: documented monthly inspections demonstrate the duty holder took reasonably practicable steps to control Legionella risk, which is essential if an outbreak investigation occurs.
- System performance: monthly checks on drift eliminators, fill media, fans and chemical dosing systems also identify maintenance issues that reduce cooling efficiency.
- Penalty avoidance: state public health regulators can impose immediate shutdown notices and fines exceeding $100,000 for non-compliant cooling tower maintenance. Documented inspections prevent this.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you digitise cooling tower checklists in MapTrack, you get:
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- File every completed form against the asset, location or person it covers.
- Download any completed form as a PDF, with failed answers listed at the top.
- Fill in forms offline; they upload when the device is back online.
- Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
- Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
- Electronic signatures.
- Edit forms later without reprinting.
- Set who can view, fill in or edit forms with user roles.
- Upload a paper form (PDF, Word, Excel or a photo) and MapTrack's AI builds a digital version for you to check.
- Raise a work order from a submitted form with an automation you set up.
- Track service intervals by hours, kilometres or calendar date in one place.
- Attach supplier invoices and parts receipts to each maintenance record.
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What to include in a cooling tower monthly legionella compliance log
This cooling tower monthly legionella compliance log covers 9 key areas:
- System identification: cooling tower location, system number, manufacturer, model, number of cells, total system volume, water treatment provider.
- Water quality results: heterotrophic colony count (HCC), Legionella test result (if taken this month), pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, biocide residual (type and concentration).
- Chemical treatment system: dosing pump operation, chemical stock levels, bleed-off controller function, conductivity controller calibration, inhibitor and biocide concentrations.
- Drift eliminators: condition (intact, damaged, displaced), cleanliness, correct seating, no bypass paths for drift.
- Tower structure and basin: basin cleanliness, sediment level, overflow and make-up function, structural condition, access ladder and platform condition.
- Mechanical components: fan operation (vibration, noise, balance), motor condition, belt tension (if belt-driven), gearbox oil level, bearings.
- Fill media condition: fouling, scaling, biological growth, damage, airflow distribution.
- Temperature monitoring: supply water temperature, return water temperature, approach to wet bulb.
- Actions and non-conformances: corrective actions for any parameter outside acceptable range, trigger for 6-monthly comprehensive clean if required.
How to use this cooling tower monthly legionella compliance log
- Review previous month inspection results and any outstanding corrective actions.: Before attending site, review the previous monthly inspection report for any non-conformances or developing trends. Check whether previous corrective actions have been completed. Review the most recent water quality test results from the water treatment provider. Confirm PPE requirements for cooling tower inspection (minimum eye protection, gloves, respiratory protection if tower is operating).
- Collect water samples and test on-site parameters before disturbing the system.: Collect water samples for laboratory analysis (HCC and Legionella culture) from the basin or return line per the sampling protocol. Test on-site parameters including pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, temperature and biocide residual using calibrated field instruments. Record supply and return water temperatures. Compare all results against the AS 3666 action levels and the site-specific water management plan.
- Inspect the chemical treatment system, dosing equipment and controllers.: Verify all dosing pumps are operational and delivering the correct dose rates. Check chemical stock levels and confirm delivery is scheduled before depletion. Test the conductivity controller calibration against a reference standard. Verify the bleed-off system is functioning correctly. Confirm biocide and inhibitor concentrations are within the water management plan targets.
- Inspect drift eliminators, fill media, basin and tower structure.: Visually inspect drift eliminators for damage, displacement, fouling or bypass paths that allow untreated drift to escape. Inspect fill media for fouling, scaling, biological growth and physical damage. Check the basin for sediment accumulation (trigger 6-monthly clean if sediment depth exceeds 5mm). Inspect the tower structure for corrosion, leaks and deterioration. Confirm access ladders and platforms are safe.
- Check mechanical components, record findings and schedule corrective actions.: Inspect the fan for vibration, unusual noise and correct rotation direction. Check belt tension or direct-drive coupling condition. Verify gearbox oil level and condition. Inspect motor terminals and connections. Record all findings on the inspection form. For any parameter outside acceptable range, record the corrective action, responsible person and completion date. Escalate any result that triggers an AS 3666 alert or action level.
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Get the free templateEnter your email above to download the full cooling tower monthly legionella compliance log as a PDF.Back to download formHow often should you complete this checklist?
Monthly inspections are the minimum frequency required by AS 3666.2 for cooling tower systems in operation. The 6-monthly comprehensive cleaning (involving system shutdown, draining, physical cleaning of all wetted surfaces and disinfection) is triggered by condition or at maximum 6-monthly intervals. Additional inspections are required after system shutdowns exceeding 5 days, after any maintenance that disrupts biocide treatment, or if water quality results exceed alert levels. In MapTrack, monthly inspection schedules are automated with due-date tracking, while water quality results can be trended over time to identify deteriorating conditions before they reach actionable Legionella thresholds.
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Frequently asked questions
Applicable regulatory standards
This template is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The template alone does not establish compliance.
| Standard | Edition | Clauses this template relies on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health Regulation 2022 (NSW)In NSW: monthly sampling and testing, periodic risk assessments, yearly audits and reporting high Legionella results to council within 24 hours. Other states differ. | Public Health Regulation 2022 (NSW), commenced 1 September 2022, text as at 15 January 2026 |
| NSW Parliamentary Counsel's Office (NSW Legislation) |
| Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control, Part 3: Performance-based maintenance of cooling water systemsPerformance-based maintenance: risk assessment, monitoring for legionellae and records of monitoring results. | AS/NZS 3666.3:2011 |
| Standards Australia and Standards New ZealandSold by the publisher |
| Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control, Part 2: Operation and maintenanceMaintenance of cooling water systems for microbial control, and maintenance records. | AS/NZS 3666.2:2011 |
| Standards Australia and Standards New ZealandSold by the publisher |
| Waters - Examination for Legionella spp. including Legionella pneumophila - Using concentrationLaboratory method for examining water for Legionella, relevant when samples are sent for testing. | AS 5132:2017 | Whole instrument | Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher |
| Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control, Part 1: Design, installation and commissioningDesign, installation and commissioning of cooling water systems, the baseline the structural and drift checks compare against. | AS/NZS 3666.1:2011 |
| Standards Australia and Standards New ZealandSold by the publisher |
Public Health Regulation 2022 (NSW)
Edition: Public Health Regulation 2022 (NSW), commenced 1 September 2022, text as at 15 January 2026
In NSW: monthly sampling and testing, periodic risk assessments, yearly audits and reporting high Legionella results to council within 24 hours. Other states differ.
- Part 2: Legionella control for air-handling, hot water, humidifying and cooling water systems, including risk management and inspection.
- s 11: Cooling water systems are maintained under AS/NZS 3666.3:2011, with risk assessments conducted, documented and audited under ss 12 to 14 and sampling under s 17.
- s 12: Risk assessment by or under a competent person before operation, then at least every 12 months for high-risk systems and every 5 years for low or medium risk.
- s 14: Compliance with the risk assessment is audited for each 12-month audit period by a Secretary-approved auditor, within 2 months of the period ending, and notified to council.
- s 17: Water sampled at least monthly and tested for Legionella and heterotrophic colony count, plus monthly inspection and chemical analysis, by a duly qualified person under AS/NZS 3666.3.
- s 18: Reportable results, Legionella of 1,000 cfu/mL or more or heterotrophic colony count of 5 million cfu/mL or more, go to the local government authority within 24 hours.
Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control, Part 3: Performance-based maintenance of cooling water systems
Edition: AS/NZS 3666.3:2011
Performance-based maintenance: risk assessment, monitoring for legionellae and records of monitoring results.
- 2.3: Risk assessment of cooling water systems
- 3.2: Monitoring for the presence of legionellae
- 3.7: Results and records of performance monitoring
Standards Australia and Standards New ZealandSold by the publisher
Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control, Part 2: Operation and maintenance
Edition: AS/NZS 3666.2:2011
Maintenance of cooling water systems for microbial control, and maintenance records.
- 2.5: Maintenance of cooling water systems
- 2.6: Operating and maintenance manuals and maintenance records
Standards Australia and Standards New ZealandSold by the publisher
Waters - Examination for Legionella spp. including Legionella pneumophila - Using concentration
Edition: AS 5132:2017
Laboratory method for examining water for Legionella, relevant when samples are sent for testing.
Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher
Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control, Part 1: Design, installation and commissioning
Edition: AS/NZS 3666.1:2011
Design, installation and commissioning of cooling water systems, the baseline the structural and drift checks compare against.
- 4: Design, installation and commissioning of cooling water systems
Standards Australia and Standards New ZealandSold by the publisher
Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.
Cooling tower monthly Legionella compliance log preview
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<div style="max-width:480px;font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Roboto,sans-serif;border:1px solid #E5E7EB;border-radius:12px;padding:20px;background:#ffffff;">
<p style="font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.05em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#071D49;margin:0;">Free template</p>
<p style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#071D49;margin:6px 0 0;">Cooling tower monthly Legionella compliance log</p>
<ul style="margin:12px 0 0;padding-left:18px;color:#374151;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;">
<li style="margin:4px 0;">System identification: cooling tower location, system number, manufacturer, model, number of cells, total system volume, water treatment provider.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Water quality results: heterotrophic colony count (HCC), Legionella test result (if taken this month), pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, biocide residual (type and concentration).</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Chemical treatment system: dosing pump operation, chemical stock levels, bleed-off controller function, conductivity controller calibration, inhibitor and biocide concentrations.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Drift eliminators: condition (intact, damaged, displaced), cleanliness, correct seating, no bypass paths for drift.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Tower structure and basin: basin cleanliness, sediment level, overflow and make-up function, structural condition, access ladder and platform condition.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Mechanical components: fan operation (vibration, noise, balance), motor condition, belt tension (if belt-driven), gearbox oil level, bearings.</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-size:13px;color:#6B7280;margin:14px 0 0;padding-top:12px;border-top:1px solid #E5E7EB;">Free <a href="https://www.maptrack.com/templates/cooling-tower-legionella-inspection" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">Cooling tower monthly Legionella compliance log</a> by MapTrack</p>
</div>Free to reuse, including commercially. This template is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Copy it, adapt it, put it on your own site or in your own docs. All we ask is that you credit MapTrack with a link back to this page. The snippet above already includes that credit, so if you use it as-is you’re covered.
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The MapTrack cooling tower monthly legionella compliance log contains 31 checks across 6 sections.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack Cooling tower monthly Legionella compliance log, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/cooling-tower-legionella-inspection
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). Cooling tower monthly Legionella compliance log [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/cooling-tower-legionella-inspection
Free to reuse with credit under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. If you’d rather link straight to it, the page is https://www.maptrack.com/templates/cooling-tower-legionella-inspection.
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