GEORGE NEWS - Health surveillance of premises is a function of the environmental health practitioners (EHP) of the Garden Route District Municipality.
They are required to promote safe, healthy and hygienic conditions at all premises through the identification, monitoring and evaluation of health risks, nuisance and hazards.
When conducting health surveillance of premises, the EHPs must:
- Assess aspects such as ventilation and indoor air quality, lighting, moisture-proofing, thermal quality, structural safety and floor space;
- Assess overcrowded, unhygienic or unsatisfactory health conditions on any residential, commercial, industrial or other occupied premises;
- Monitor all buildings and all other permanent or temporary physical structures used for residential, public or institutional purposes, and related facilities and immediate precincts.
They must also ensure the health and safety of public transport facilities and public gathering places which need to comply with the national standards of the GRDM's municipal health by-laws, for example .
The management of waste on the premises should comply with the relevant by-laws of the local authority of jurisdiction, and regulated by that local authority. Refuse bins should be provided at strategic points throughout the premises for collection. On-site management of waste should be available on the premises during events, for management of spillages and littering. Arrangements should also be in place between the event manager and the local authority regarding waste management during and after an event.
In the case of an event, potable water should be available at strategic points throughout the premises/area. The water must comply with the South African National Water Standards (Sans 241).
Sanitary facilities are to be provided according to certain specifications (available from GRDM). A site plan outlining the type and location of sanitary facilities during events, especially for short-term events, must be available. The EHP will examine the proposal to make sure no annoyances will arise.
EHPs are stationed through-out the region.
In George, members of the public are welcome to contact Emmy Douglas on 044 803 1501 and in Wilderness, Pieter Raath on 044 803 1501.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
