Obligations for operators of cooling systems

Refrigeration and air conditioning systems: observe operator obligations!

In addition to ensuring trouble-free and energy-efficient operation, operators of refrigeration and air conditioning systems must also comply with all legal requirements. In view of the increasing use of flammable and/or toxic refrigerants, intensive discussion is required.

The revised regulation, valid from August 20, 2017, is intended to ensure the hygienic operation of evaporative cooling systems, cooling towers and wet separators (42nd BlmSchV). Evaporative cooling systems are often used in refrigeration, air conditioning or energy generation systems as open cooling systems. They are therefore used not only in industry and the energy sector, but also in retail, restaurants, hotels and office buildings. The 42nd regulation for the implementation of the Federal Immission Control Act is based on the VDI 2047 Sheet 2 guideline and contains extensive testing and monitoring obligations for system operators.

Important elements of the regulation include:

Specialized laboratories must carry out microbiological tests on the process water every three months (monthly for cooling towers). Existing plants that have not yet carried out laboratory tests must do so for the first time within four weeks of the regulation coming into force.
The service water must be checked internally every two weeks.
After a system has been put back into operation, a hygienic inspection is required.
New systems must be reported no later than one month after initial filling, and existing systems no later than August 20, 2018. Changes or shutdowns must be reported immediately.
Plant operators must keep an operating log containing all important information about the plant.
Exceedances of Legionella limits must be reported.
Every five years, plants must be inspected by publicly appointed experts, with transitional provisions applying to existing plants.

Important specifications:

- VDI 6022: Hygiene testing of air conditioning systems and evaporators

- Industrial Safety Ordinance: Risk assessment

- F-Gas Regulation : Leakage tests and protocol obligations Hier

- Chemicals Act: Legality of refrigerant procurement

- DGUV regulations: Electrical tests

-42. BImSchV: Hygiene in evaporative cooling systems

-Gebäudeenergiegesetz (GEG): Energetische Inspektion gemäß § 74-78

F-Gas Regulation and Chemicals Act:

Operators must keep comprehensive records of fluorinated greenhouse gases and prove their legal origin. The revision of the F-Gas Regulation will limit the availability of these refrigerants. Alternative refrigerants such as carbon dioxide, ammonia and propane require a high level of responsibility.

Risk assessment:

Regular inspections are required to ensure safe operation. According to Section 3 of the Industrial Safety Ordinance, a risk assessment must be carried out, including regular leak detection and tightness checks.

Do you have questions about the 42nd Federal Immission Control Ordinance (BImSchV) or about evaporative cooling systems/cooling towers? Do you need help with your water treatment?

Please feel free to contact us, we will be happy to advise you.

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