Environmental HealthYear Book 2011-2012

A guide to understanding the business of the Environmental Health Directorate

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Environmental Health Business Is

A sbestos B acteria C landestine Labs Dust

Event managementFood safety Giardia Hygiene Isotopes Justice

Knowledge management LegionellaMould Nanotechnology

Odour Public health planning Quarantine Risk management

Septic tanks Toxicology Uranium mining Vectors

Water quality X-rayYour health Zoonotic diseases

What you said about our Year Book

I would like to congratulate you on a veryinformative year book, it provides a wealth ofinformation

Jane Newcomb | Manager Quality Safety andPerformance| Public Health and Ambulatory Care

That is really brilliant. I am going to steal it andsell it to our crowd here.

Simon Critchley, A/Senior DirectorQueensland Health - EnvironmentalHealth

Thanks Jim - great idea - I've spread it round tothe troops.

Chris Lease, Director Health Protection, SouthAustralia

Awesome! You rock! Fantastic idea.

Chelsie, Personal AssistantExecutive Director Public Health and ClinicalServices Division

Was just having a quick read through the EH Year Book andfelt I needed to send you a quick email to let you know thatit's fantastic! Think it's a really great vehicle to highlight allthe good things you guys do. The pics are amazing and tellmost of the story.Congratulations to you and the EH Directorate on a greatpiece of work.

Shannon Clarkson, A/Senior Project Manager HealthInfrastructure Unit, Department of Health

I am VERY IMPRESSED…it iscomprehensive yet easy toread, well laid out and has anice mix of details plus somegreat photos of the staffdoing their job

Michael Jackson,Consultant, Departmentof Transport

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Thank you Everyone in the EnvironmentalHealth Directorate for contributing to our

2011 - 2012 Year Book.

ContentsMessage from the Director 6

Operational Structure 9

Last year’s scorecard 10

Our major achievements 13

What we did 15

Legislation, guidelines and publications 16

Community studies and other studies 20

Projects, programs and other health 23initiativesExtraordinary issues 26

Rewards and recognitions 31

Compliance activities 32

Emerging threats 39

Communication 40

General business 46

Our staff 50

This years priorities 54

Looking ahead 57

Financials 59

Professional development 63

Glossary and acknowledgments 65

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Message from the Director

Welcome to the second editionof the Environmental Health

Directorate’s Year Book.

Last year’s publication set a highstandard and the benchmark we setcontinues to be a challenge. OurYear Book provides a lot ofinformation about our daily work andthe strategic contributions we havemade towards achieving targets setout in our annual work plan.

The innovative approach taken in last year’s Book created agreat deal of discussion amongst the groups we work with andwork for. Many people were surprised to see the wide range ofactivities we conduct and that these extended far beyond theservices they were initially interested in. The Directorate seesthis in a positive light as it increasespeople’s understanding of the context of an issue. Thediscussion generated about the Year Book was generally verypositive, although there was also some constructive criticismwhich we have addressed wherever possible. Overall, we arepleased with the Year Book and the consultative processes thatare generated within the team to produce the publication.

As you read through the Year Book, it is worth noting thatwhilst it provides good information about environmental healththroughout the State, it also serves a number of otherpurposes.

The Year Book describes our services, but also provides ahuman side to our work. One of the key outcomes wewanted to achieve when the idea was originally conceived,was for the Year Book to focus on staff, what we do, how wedo it and why. It is for this reason that the pictures andstories are such an important contribution.

As part of the Public Health and Clinical Services Division,our team plays an important role in achieving theDepartment’s goals to promote and protect the health ofWest Australians. For our Directorate, the Year Bookprovides staff with the opportunity to demonstrate andobserve how their work has contributedto the Department’s outcomes for the year.

Initially, the Year Book was intended to be an annual report,but in reality the book extends beyond a 12 month period.It integrates all of our work group’s planning processes anddescribes work commitments for that year. The process ofcontributing to the Year Book has created a frameworkwhich makes each of our work groups planning processes acritical component of the book. The quarterly reporting stillrequires discipline but has created an expectation to reviewprogress and report upwardly on a regular basis and in aconsistent manner. This reporting has created anopportunity for us to better understand the work we do,identify opportunities to work together and congratulatestaff for achieving their outcomes.

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Documenting our efforts as a state-wide service that providesriskassessment and risk management to many government andnon-government agencies assists us to understand theimpact of new and unplanned work on our strategic workprogram. In 2011, this wasdemonstrated through the number of projects that werestarted but could not be finished, mostly due to new highpriority projects competing for resources. All of these aspectsare beneficial in reviewing performance over the year andreflecting on where services could be provided differently.

We have received many enquiries generated through the YearBook and the process we followed when developing it. As theDirector, I highly recommend this process as one way to bringtogether planning, monitoring and reporting as well ascelebrating staff achievements. As I am writing this foreword,the Directorate is entering our third year of reporting for theYear Book and our priorities are set and we are alreadyrecording data to monitor our performance fornext year’s edition.

I would like to sincerely thank the project team who haveacted as conduits to the work groups and work units torecord and format the data for this publication. Their effortshave ensured we have the information in a timely manner toconsistently produce the Year Book

Lastly, I would like to thank all the staff for their effortswhich have made the Year Book a reality. This does not onlyrefer to producing the document, but acknowledges theirtremendous work on a daily basis that creates the storieswhich illustrates the diversity of our work.

Jim DoddsDirectorEnvironmental Health DirectoratePublic Health and Clinical ServiceDivision Department of Health of Western

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Operational structureThe Environmental Health Directorate (the Directorate) belongs within the Public Health and Clinical Services Division

(PHCSD) of the Department of Health of Western Australia.

We currently employ ninety four staff from a diverse range of professional backgrounds such as Environmental HealthOfficers, Toxicologists, Environmental Scientists, Food Technicians, Policy Officers, Entomologists, Nutritionists, Health

Physicists, Administration Officers and Record Services.

Public Health and ClinicalServices Division

Executive Director

Tarun Weeramanthri

Environmental HealthDirectorate Director

Jim Dodds

Business UnitManager

Manoj Agarwal

EnvironmentalHealth Hazards Unit

Manager

Dr Mike Lindsay

Food UnitManager

Stan Goodchild

Radiation Health UnitManaging Health

Physicist:

Hazel Upton

Science and PolicyUnit A/Manager

MirellaGoetzmann

Water UnitManager

Richard Theobald

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Did we achieve what we set out to?

Desired result delayed - goal reassessment inprogress.

Satisfactory result – progressed but notcompleted.

We achieved our goal.

Business Unit PrioritiesImplement a new way of managing the budget by using abudget template to provide up-to-date financial information tomanagement and enable more efficient allocation of funds tounits. This will assist in priority planning for the new financialyear.

Implement the Directorate Communication Strategy with afocus on improving internal communication.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to manage severe

disruption to services in the event of an emergency. The BCPwill identify all resources necessary to continue crucial

functions.

Review Job Description Forms (JDFs) to address identified skillgaps within the area of administrative research.

Review revenue for licensing fees and cost recovery processesto assist the Directorate to better recover costs associated withthe issue of all licences. The review will look to improvepayment options for licence holders, which will include onlinepayment mechanisms.

Develop better electronic document management systems tobetter coordinate our indexing of electronic documents tohandle the significant increases in this form of communication.

Environmental Health Hazards Unit PrioritiesImplement recommendations arising from a review of fundingfor Contiguous Local Authorities Groups for health-drivenmosquito management.

Review the Health Asbestos Regulations and preparationof drafting instructions.

Finalise the report into heat stress in prisons.

Complete water spray park guidelines for operators and Local

Governments.

Complete guidelines on air quality levels related to bushfire smoke.

Complete guidelines for health aspects of dust in residentialand industrial settings.

Develop a policy for the Directorate when requested toprovide expert health input into Hearings for the StateAdministrative Tribunal.Food Unit PrioritiesReview the Food Regulations 2009 including surveillance feesand meat business enforcement agency arrangements.

Develop and implement the management system forthe Regulatory Food Safety Auditors Framework.

Review options for the provision of meat inspection atdomestic abattoirs in conjunction with meat businessenforcement agency arrangements.

Complete the review of food related outbreakinvestigations, guidance procedures and develop a newguidance manual.

Complete the Guidelines for food borne disease outbreakinvestigation

Radiation Health Unit PrioritiesContinue working on various aspects of the implementationof the Code of Practice on the security of Radiation sources.

the training and examination for licensing for portablemoisture density gauges.

On behalf of the Radiological Council commence a review of

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Science and Policy Unit PrioritiesDevelop supporting documentation to assist with theimplementation of the next stages of the Public Health Bill.

Establish a Development Assessment Panel.

Expand the Aboriginal Environmental Health program including:

- Development of a statewide plan to reflect regional needs.

- Liaise with the Plumbers Licensing Board to effect regulatorychanges required to allow non-plumbers (EH workforce) toundertake basic repairs to household plumbing.

- Develop a home hygiene resource.

- Establishing the Goldfields forum as a group reporting to the

Aboriginal Health Forum.

-Assist with the allocation of machinery to encourage local

Aboriginal recruitment.

- Utilise regional gatherings to identify and implement specifictraining needs

Water Unit PrioritiesComplete the Code of Practice for Onsite WastewaterManagement, Wastewater Management Disposal, and AerobicTreatment Units.

Review the Harmful Algal Bloom Response Procedures.

Develop the Recreational Waters Sanitary Inspection Databaseand integrate the GIS system.

Extend GIS availability to remote workers and other Brancheswithin the Division.

Develop mutual recognition between the States and Territories

regarding the approval of waste water disposal systems.

Develop the Phase 1 Recycling Guidelines data management

system.Develop a Memorandum of Understanding for Wastewater

Services with Water Corporation.

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Our major achievementsOur team had a productive year during 2011-12. Some of our highlights for the pastfinancial year included:

Submission of the Public Health Bill to GovernmentA huge amount of work was undertaken in partnership with a number of agencies to finalise the Billand accompanying material to ensure the Bill was submitted to government.

Developed and Completed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ for WasteWater Services with the Water CorporationThe first of its kind in Australia the Department of Health and Water Corporation have established a‘memorandum of understanding’ for all forms of waste water disposal including biosolids.

Implemented outcomes of the Contiguous Local Authorities Group (CLAG)ReviewWe expanded the existing CLAG scheme to enhance mosquito management capability across WA.This included employing a full time person to manage the program who has started to implementnumerous projects.

Established our Development Assessment PanelWe formed a team of experts across the Directorate to review the large volume of developmentproposals that require health input each week. This has streamlined our responses and will help tominimise the administration burdens associated with these types of proposals.

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Legislation, guidelines and publications

We initiated and/or completed a number ofreviews of legislation, guidelines andpublications during the year.

Public Health Bill to GovernmentOver the past 12 months, we have worked closelywith the Disaster Preparedness and ManagementUnit, Communicable Disease Control Directorate andLegal and Legislative Services to refine the Bill, nowin its 17th and final draft, and have finalised theConsequential Amendments Bill. Alongside this, wewrote a Decision Regulatory Impact Statement, arequirement for new legislation, and engaged theservices of Ernst and Young to provide further inputon the costs and benefits associated with the Bill.

The Bill has been submitted to government todetermine if it has the capacity to introduce the Billto Parliament

“Well, the Bill is out of the building andofficially on its way to the Minister and

Cabinet. While there is more work to come,thank you to everybody concerned for

getting to and over this critical milestone.All your efforts and those of your staff have

been most appreciated.”

Tobacco Products Control Act 2006We initiated a review of the Tobacco Products Control Act2006. A total of 69 submissions were received fromcommunity members, businesses, local governmentauthorities, non-government organisations, sports and artsorganisations, industry organisations and groups. A finalreport has been drafted and sent to the Minister for Healthfor his consideration and tabling in Parliament.Thank you to everyone who contributed to the review.

Health advisories guide for bush fire smoke: Exposureto bush fire smoke is a fact of life in many parts of WA. Sothat communities and individuals can minimise their risk ofharm from smoke exposure, toxicologists have developedair quality guidelines to assist emergency services to decidewhich health protective advisories to issue. The guidelinesand associated health advisories will be in place in time forthe 2012 summer bush fire season.

Dr Andy RobertsonActing Executive Director

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Asbestos management education programs Wecontinued with our asbestos management educationalprograms publishing the Summary of the Guidelinesfor the Assessment, Remediation andManagement of Asbestos-Contaminated Sites in WesternAustralia. We also convened a second asbestosstakeholder forum, as a follow-up to one held threemonths earlier.

Requesting and providing expert evidence Expertevidence is often crucial in disputes decided before theState Administrative Tribunal. Requests for expertevidence from officers from our Directorate increasedsubstantially in recent years, and we identified a need todevelop the Guideline for requesting expert evidence toexplain the role and responsibilities faced by staff whenasked to provided expert evidence and act as expertwitnesses. This guide is also useful for anyone requiringexpert evidence from the Department.

Faecal accident in public swimming pool guide Wepublished the Response to a faecal accident in a publicswimming pool in WA guideline which provides usefulinformation and processes for local governments andpublic pool operators on how to manage an incident in apublic pool.

Guidelines for water-park spray groundsThe Guideline on the construction and operation ofwater-park spray grounds was completed and will be

Health (pesticides) competencies for the controlof feral animals

incorporated into the Code of Practice for the Design,Construction, Operation, Management and Maintenanceof Aquatic Facilities.

We were represented on a working party that includedrepresentatives from TAFE, industry stakeholders and thethree regulatory agencies; Department of Agriculture, FoodWA (DAFWA) and Department of Environment &Conservation, to develop a new certification course forcontrolling feral animals. The course consists of 16 units ofcompetency and is now available through the CY O’ConnorInstitute.

Statewide events calendarTo assist in identifying potential issues that may result frommultiple events such as concerts being organised on thesame day, particularly in smaller regional areas, welaunched an online statewide events calendar

organisers to input information ontheir event

, which allowslocal governments and event

calendar.

Food Act reportThe first Food Act report on the

2010 was completed. With a 100%response from enforcementagencies, the Director Generalcongratulated all parties for workingdiligently to provide assurances onthe safety of food available for salein the local marketplace.

performance of the food regulatoryfunctions of enforcement agenciesfor the period October 2009 to June

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Compliance and enforcement policy

“I congratulate all parties for workdiligently to provide assurances on the safety

of food available for sale in the localmarketplace”.

Dr Kim SnowballDirector General Department of Health

Our Compliance and Enforcement (WA FoodRegulation) Policy was revised to incorporate anumber of changes to improve “housekeeping” andprovide clarity in a range of areas related to thefood regulatory enforcement activities for foodbusiness which the Directorate monitors.

Auditing frameworkThe Management of Regulatory Food Safety AuditPolicy was released to provide guidance on theimplementation of Part 8 – Auditing of the Food Act2008 by enforcement agencies and regulatory foodsafety auditors.

The introduction of the Audit Policy has broughtwith it process changes in how food safety ismanaged and monitored for compliance with foodlaws, for certain types of food businesses. Thecommitment demonstrated by enforcementagencies, auditors and food businesses in theirefforts to implement these changes has been totheir credit.

Outbreak investigation guidelinesWe revised the Guidelines for the Investigation of food-borne disease outbreak to assist Food Act authorised officersto complete thorough environmental health investigationsfor food-borne disease outbreaks. The Guidelines providestep-by-step guidance on the investigation process fromnotification of a known or suspected food- borne diseasecase, the investigation process and implementation ofpreventative measures.

Recycled water guidelines Wereleased The Guidelines for Non-

designed to support the best use ofall forms of recycled water in asustainable manner. The

potable Uses of Recycled Waterin Western Australia 2011

Guidelines assist planners,designers, developers and localgovernment in the areas ofdevelopment, construction,installation, approval, operation,monitoring and auditing with theultimate aim of establishing safeand sustainable reuse of wastewater.

Government sewerage policyA review of both the Government Sewerage Policy – PerthMetropolitan Region, 1981, and draft Country SeweragePolicy, 2002 was undertaken. The review committeecomprised of representatives from the Department,Department of Planning, Department of Environment andConservation, Department of Water, and the WaterCorporation. The purpose of the review was to combine,

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streamline and modernise the existing two policies and yetstill maintain the basic intent of promoting sewer connectionas the most efficient, socially equitable and safe method ofdisposing of wastewater. A draft single Sewage Policy waspublished for public comment and comments are beingprocessed in preparation for a final Policy document.

Guidance note for greywater diversion devices Wepromote the safe use of greywater for sub-surface gardenirrigation. The Greywater Diversion Devices (GDD) factsheet provides basic information for homeowners on thetypes of GDD, the installation requirements, how to safelyuse a GDD and how to identify WaterMark certified GDDsby looking for the WaterMark logo.

Guidance note for wash down baysWe worked with WorkSafe to prepare a Guidance notefor wash down facilities using recycled water to outlinehealth and safety requirements on the reuse of treatedwater from wash down facilities that do not containsewage. The note provides best management practises,include aspects to consider during the planning andcommissioning of the facilities and benchmark waterquality requirements.

Scientific PublicationsVally, H., Peel, M., Spiker, S., Dowse, G.K., Cameron,S., Codde, J. and Lindsay, M.D.A. (2012) Use ofGeographic Information Systems to describe therelationship between the risk of Ross River virusinfection and proximity to the Leschenault Estuary inthe south-west of Western Australia. Australian & NewZealand Journal of Public Health, 36: 229-235.

Purple drip irrigation lines are used to indicategreywater reuse in residential gardens.

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Community studies and other surveysWe continued to contribute towards the healthresearch needs for the state by participating in anumber of state wide surveys and communitystudies.

phases were similar to those found elsewhere in thePerth metropolitan area. A new phase to studyammonia and volatile organic compounds is scheduledto begin in the latter part of 2012.

Survey of local government's experience withasbestos incidentsWe wanted to determine the breadth of poor handlingpractice related to asbestos across WA so we initiateda survey of State and Local Government regulators.The survey findings indicated that there werenumerous incidents across WA such as poordemolition, poor asbestos removal practice and illegaldumping. The report highlights a number ofrecommendations to address these problems.

Kwinana background air quality studyToxicologists assisted the Department of

Environment & Conservation topublish the Background Air QualityMonitoring in Kwinana 2005–10Technical Report. The study began

class of pollutants known as ’airtoxics‘ in the Perth metropolitan andselected regional areas. The studywas conducted in three phases—

in 2005 to assess ambientconcentrations of a

2005–06, 2007– 08 and 2009–10.The level of ‘air toxics’ recorded during the three

Child Health Study KwinanaToxicologists participated in advising theKwinana child health study. The studyinvolved nearly 600 primary schoolchildren from the Kwinana area who weretested for lung function and allergy. Theresults were compared to children living inother areas of Perth. The study found thatneither breathing symptoms nor lungfunction was worse in Kwinana childrencompared to other Perth children.

Tobacco retailer compliance surveysTwo Tobacco Retailer Compliance Surveyswere undertaken in Perth and Bunbury to gather data onthe likelihood of young people under the age of 18 being

sold tobacco products by registeredtobacco retailers if the opportunity tocommit the offence was presented. Thefindings of the survey will assist usdesign a range of strategies to preventuptake of smoking by young people.

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North-west mosquito surveillance activities Wetravelled from Broome to Kununurra with staff fromthe Arbovirus Research and Surveillance Laboratoryat the UWA to conduct annual mosquito trappingfollowing the wet season. We wanted to documentpatterns in mosquito species composition, abundanceand to detect virus activity.

Water Unit and Swan River Trust staff collectingwater samples in the Upper Swan River

Dr Mike Lindsay, Manager Environmental HealthHazards Unit setting mosquito traps in the North-

west

Results allow staff to model changes in virusbehaviour and occurrence with associated weatherand other environmental variables. It is hoped thatthe research will allow us to better predict virusactivity across the north and provide an earlywarning system in future years to alert the public ofthe risk of these diseases.

Study on bacterial water quality in the Upper SwanRiverOver the years our environmental bacterial water qualitymonitoring program has detected high bacterial levelsaround popular recreational sites in parts of the UpperSwan River. To gain a better understanding we partneredwith the Swan River Trust and the City of Swan to monitor20 sites surrounding Middle Swan Reserve from BlackadderCreek to Ellen Brook, including tributaries, on fiveoccasions. The findings indicated that rainfall was asignificant contributor to poor water quality and confirmedthat people should avoid swimming for 2-3 days followingheavy rainfall, especially at sites adjacent to tributaries.One initiative following this study is the likely installation ofhealth warning signs at popular City of Swan swimmingsites, advising people to avoid swimming and other wateractivities following rainfall.

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Egg-based sauces and salmonella surveyWe conducted a follow-up survey to a similar surveycarried out in 2010, which found no evidence of riskof Salmonella contamination from egg-based saucesmade at small to medium food businesses. Elevenlocal government authorities participated, collecting50 samples from 30 food businesses.

Chemical residues in local and imported freshfruit and vegetablesThis on-going, annual survey involves the chemicalanalyses of select fruit and vegetable samples tomonitor the level of pesticides found at the retaillevel. Sixteen local government authoritiesparticipated, with 202 samples analysed, eachtested for the presence of 71 chemicals.

Labelling of alcoholic beveragesThis survey was undertaken to assess and identifyalcoholic beverages sold from liquor outlets, whichdid not have the required information on theproduct label.

Microbiological quality of sushi, sashimi andfresh Vietnamese spring rolls, meat andcustard products made by bakeries and sliceddeli meats Microbiological analysis of theseready-to-eat foods wasconducted to provide an indication of the level ofsafe food hygiene and handling practices at the foodoutlets.

Gluten-free claims in foodA range of packaged food labelled with a ‘gluten-free’ claim were analysed for the presence of gluten toassess the accuracy of the claim being made.

Undeclared allergens in foodA range of packaged foods which did not declare a foodallergen were analysed for the presence of common foodallergens to provide an indication of whether inadequatelabelling has occurred.

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Projects, programs and other healthinitiatives

We coordinated or were involved in a numberof state and national projects, programs andother health initiatives.

Contiguous Local Authorities Group review Wecoordinate surveillance and management ofmosquitoes of public health significance across WA.The program supports Local Government mosquitomanagement through the CLAG funding scheme. Areview of the scheme identified the need to expandCLAG funding to support further Local Governments.

We employed an additional staff member to enhanceour communication efforts and provide extra supportand expertise. A number of projects have since beenidentified to enhance mosquito management acrossWA and will be implemented over the coming years.

Development Assessment Panel (DAP) Weare regularly requested to review a large numberof development applications proposed for WA forpotential health impacts.

Many State and Local Government agenciesrecognise the importance of considering human andenvironmental health during planning which we liketo attribute to our continued awareness-raising of

‘health impact assessment’ and ‘public health assessments’.To manage this increased demand we created the DAP toprovide experts from various Environmental Health programareas the opportunity to comment on each proposal.

The weekly DAP meetings allow staff to screen largequantities of documentation to determine if furtherassessment is required. We are currently working through afew teething problems which will look to streamline theprocess, minimise the administrative burden and updateinformation for proponents.

Heat stress meter used to monitortemperatures in the prison cells as part of our

heat stress in prisons study

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Heat stress report in prisonsA report on heat stress in prisons was submitted to theOffice of the Inspector for Custodial Services whichoutlined the potential for and the impact of hightemperature on the Roebourne Prison population.

The project involved partnering with the Department ofCorrective Services and inspecting the prison. The“Report of an Announced Inspection of the RoebourneRegional Prison” identified a number of healthconsiderations and recommended the installation ofsuitable climatic controls as well as future designfeatures and more suitable geographical locations forprisons in the Pilbara region.

Chewing tobacco prosecutionsWe worked with Customs to jointly investigate the saleof illegal chewing tobacco, which was permanentlybanned in Australia in 1991.

Customs seized 70 kg of chewing tobacco before it reach aPerth supermarket, with the owner concealing the productas red seaweed to avoid excise. A search of the supermarketfound a further 2 kg of the tobacco product which was seized,and the owner is now facing prosecution.

Goldfields Aboriginal Environmental Health forumWe established a new Aboriginal Environmental Healthforum in the Goldfields health region to complement thosein the Mid West and the Pilbara/Kimberley. These forumsbring together practitioners, contractors, communityrepresentatives, government agencies and non-government organisations – all of whose activities affectthe quality of the living environments in remotecommunities. Each forum aids in reporting to the regionalAboriginal Health Planning Forums, to showcase work inpreventing health risks, with the outcomes impacting onthe capacity of primary health care and Closing the Gap inhealth disparity.

Attendees at the inaugural Goldfields Aboriginal Environmental Health Forum – representatives from Department of Housing,Aboriginal Medical Services, local governments, Population Health, Aboriginal Health Division and the Directorate.

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Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy (theLabelling Logic Report)We coordinated the development of an inter-departmental WA Government position on the sixty-onerecommendations of the Review of Food Labelling Lawand Policy (Labelling Logic report). To do this, acollaborative approach was taken and input sought froma number of State government departments. Asubmission was made to Cabinet advocating a collectiveWA Government position on the Labelling Logic report.Cabinet’s endorsement enabled the Minister for Health toreflect the views of the State Government duringnational deliberations for a 'whole of government'response. In December 2011, the COAG Legislative andGovernance Forum on Food Regulation (convening asthe Australia New Zealand Food Regulation MinisterialCouncil) responded to the Labelling Logic report and thisis available of the Food Labelling Review websitewww.foodlabellingreview.gov.au.

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Extraordinary or major issuesDuring the year we had to respond to a number ofunplanned events requiring our expertise toassist in managing their environmental healthimplications.

Ban on KronicSynthetic cannabis also known as Kronic was rife in thecommunity during 2011. We had to investigate andwork with Customs, WA Police and the Department’sPharmaceutical Services to make Kronic a prohibitedsubstance under schedule 9 of the Poisons Act 1963.

A month prior to the prohibition, Customs advised ourDirectorate that 6kg of Kronic was intercepted at thePerth Airport from New Zealand destined for Collie.Under the Tobacco Control Act tobacco products

prepared for smoking that contain a herb or other plantmatter, whether or not the product also contains tobacco,are prohibited. Kronic is derived of herbs sprayed withsynthetic chemicals making it a tobacco product.

1265 packets of Kronic were seized, with a street value ofapproximately $63000. The Kronic was analysed by theChem Centre and confirmed as synthetic cannabis andhanded over to the Organised Crime Squad of the WAPolice.

Margaret River bushfiresFollowing the bush fires that occurred in Margaret Riverwe were requested to assist the Shire of Augusta/MargaretRiver in their response and recovery effort. Two officersprovided assistance with assessing the extent ofcontamination, communicating with residents and helpingto finalise the scope of works for clean up andremediation.

The main problems encountered were damaged effluentdisposal systems, particularly Aerobic TreatmentUnit’s (ATU’s), contaminated rainwater tanks, asbestoscontamination and food disposal concerns.

Air monitoring (post fire and during clean up of sites) didnot indicate asbestos fibres were being released from burntasbestos cement materials (ACM).

Kronic seized by our staff

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These findings were reassuring and consistentwith monitoring performed after other bush fires inVictoria (Black Saturday) and Kelmscott/Roleystone.Further work is now being undertaken to betterunderstand at what point if any, ACM presents a riskfrom the release of fibres.

Pesticide fire in EsperanceOur on call duty officer was advised by the Department ofEnvironment & Conservation (DEC) of a chemical fire on anEsperance farm. Approximately 8 tonnes of non solventbased herbicides were destroyed. We worked with the localgovernment officers to ensure water sampling wasorganised of nearby rainwater tanks, the only potablewater supply, to establish pesticide levels. The burnt shedand contaminated soil were removed to a suitable disposalsite.

Agricultural spray drift incidentsNotification was received of an alleged pesticide spray driftincident involving the soil fumigant Metham Sodium from amarket garden in the subdivision of Pearsall, City ofWanneroo. Eleven people were reported as havingexperienced respiratory irritation with one personhospitalised. A number of residents self evacuated to anearby park.

Geoff Harcombe, Senior Scientific Officer,inspecting a house destroyed in the bush fires.

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting(CHOGM)Numerous staff were involved in the Department’sCHOGM team to assist with health coordination ofnumerous high security events held during the week.This included liaising with local governments on foodsafety issues, public events management andemergency management. Local government EHOshad significant input into CHOGM preparations, andthis valuable assistance is gratefully acknowledged.

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A further incident was also reported in the Karnuparea within the City of Rockingham. One personwas reported as suffering similar respiratorysymptoms. These two incidents highlight the needfor a state wide policy on land use planning whereresidential land encroaches on adjacentagricultural land. This situation creates thepotential for spray drift to impact on health ofnearby residents. The photos below highlight thepotential for land use conflict

New residential developments encroaching onexisting market gardens have the potential tocreate land use conflict

Mercury in KalgoorlieConcerns had been expressed by media on publicexposure to mercury in the vicinity of industrialfacilities. Toxicologists assessed the conditionsunder which the facilities of concern operated anddetermined that public exposure to mercury wasnegligible.

Salmonella Typhimurium PFGEWe undertook a large investigation relating to a significantincrease of food-borne illness in humans associated withSalmonella Typhimurium pulsed field gel electrophoresis(PFGE) type 39. The investigation has involvedconsiderable communication with the poultry industrywhich included assessment of the introduction of Standard4.2.2 - Primary Production and Processing Standard forPoultry Meat, of the Australia New Zealand FoodStandards Code.

Animal welfareIn March 2012, we assisted the Department of Agricultureand Food in reviewing animal welfare issues at a number ofabattoirs across the state. Under the Food Act 2008, theDepartment is the controlling authority for domesticabattoirs. We routinely assess abattoirs against therelevant Australian Standards related to meat, which arethe only legislated standards for animal welfare in abattoirsin Western Australia. The review determined there was noevidence of adverse animal welfare issues.

State Administrative Tribunal (SAT)Our toxicologists provided expert evidence at a numberof SAT hearings including:

Wattleup land developmentCase: against a proposed residential land developmentwithin the proposed Kwinana industrial buffer.Outcome: The SAT found that the health evidence providedwarranted refusal of the development until adequate airquality monitoring data acceptable to the Directorate was

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undertaken by the developer. Air quality monitoringcommenced in the first half of 2012 and with concludein 2013.

Erindale Grove asbestos and residentialdevelopmentCase: A mediation hearing regarding the presence ofasbestos in a residential development.Outcome: Advice from our toxicologists and theDepartment Environment & Conservation enabled themediation process to progress to site assessment andclearance.

Recycling facilityCase: A mediation hearing associated with possibleasbestos contamination of product from demolitionmaterial recycling activities.Outcome: A program of management measures toprevent public risk from possible asbestos exposurewas agreed and is presently being put into place.

Radiological incidentsThe Radiological Council receives reports of all incidentsinvolving radiation. While these incidents rarely posemajor health risks, their reporting is encouraged toenable thorough investigation and minimising risks ofrecurrence. In the 2011 calendar year, Council wasnotified of 16 incidents – 12 medical and 4 industrial.Our staff are responsible for following up on theseconcerns. Information on these incidents is publishedwithin the Annual report of the Radiological Council.

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Mosquito outbreak in the Perth MetropolitanRegion: La Ninà weather conditions (increased size and

However as the summerprogressed a large number

We are now modelling theoccurrence of Ross River virusand proximity to waterways as

a means for better urbanplanning in the future.

frequency of high tides, increased rainfall and aboveaverage temperatures) have led to a rise in the numberof mosquitoes seen around Perth during the past year.Predicted weather patterns prompted our team to issueour first mosquito warning in August 2011, and a furtherseven media statements were released throughout thesummer, warning residents to take precautions againstmosquito bites.

of Ross River virus cases were reported to authorities,jumping to over 700 cases for the metropolitan areaalone. The majority of cases were reported from outerLocal Government areas of Perth, close to waterways andbush lands.

Mapping the incidents of Ross River virus cases across the Perth Metropolitan areas for 2011-2012 will allow us to gain a better understanding ofthe activity and spread of the virus in outbreak years.

Rewards and recognition

It’s always nice when people take the time to show theirgratitude for the state wide environmental health serviceswe provide.

Asbestos managementDavid Peckitt, Senior Scientific Officer, was thanked for hisassistance and expertise provided to the City of Melville to helpmanage a difficult asbestos problem. Email extract:

Hi Jim and Michael

Just to advise on a positive note the assistance given by DavePeckitt in a difficult asbestos issue involving a “conman” asbestosroof cleaner/sealer. It involves contamination of severalproperties.

It seems we will resolve the matter in a reasonable timeframethanks to Dave’s on site assistance, suggestions and contacts ofconsultant to get things going.

Most appreciated.

John BurtonCoordinator Environmental Health

Aboriginal Environmental HealthRob Mullane from our Aboriginal Environmental Health programwas recognised for the outstanding support he provided to theWirrimanu Aboriginal Community. Letter provided on theopposite page.

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MonthNumber of local laws processed2009 2010 2011 2012

January 0 0 2 3February 1 1 4 1March 2 0 5 2April 0 0 2 1May 0 2 3 2June 1 2 0July 4 0 0August 3 1 0September 1 3 3October 3 1 0November 0 1 1December 0 0 1

Compliance activities

Tobacco control compliance activities for 2011-2012: Enforcement of the Tobacco Products Control Act2006 includes a State-wide compliance program toeducate licensees, conducting store visits and audits oftobacco sellers. The Tobacco Control team alsoinvestigate complaints and carry out a range ofenforcement activities where necessary, as well asprovide training to WA Police cadets, EnvironmentalHealth Officers and other groups.

Activity Number

Store Audits 459

Complaints Investigated 51

Infringements Written 7

Warnings Issued 34

Prosecutions 0

Training Sessions Conducted 52

Tobacco Licensing SurveyA survey was conducted on services currently providedto Tobacco Licensees. A total of 1796 surveys weresent between July 2011- November 2011, whichrepresents 2429 (62%) of the 3914 active tobaccolicences. 878 responses were received and used toguide future services.

Translation of Tobacco Licensing information intomore languagesTwo licensing and four compliance documents havebeen translated into 16 languages to assist Licenseesand other persons to understand the Tobacco ProductsControl Act 2006. Future translations are planned.

Local laws processedLocal government makes health local laws to protect publichealth within its district and to facilitate the discharge ofthe local government’s duties under the Health Act 1911.We assist local governments make and/or amend healthlocal laws.

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Public events and mass gatheringsStaff attended 86 public events over the past yearand responded to 121 public building issues.

Public building issues include assessing plans, on-siteinspections and preparing advice, inspecting GroupOne aquatic facilities and inter-active Spray Parks.

Public event activities include monitoring publicevents planning, monitoring events and attendingpost event debriefs and providing advice to othergovernment agencies.

The following graph shows a slight seasonal trend forpublic events, with a gradual increase noted inSeptember and November 2011. The diminishingnumber of public events may reflect expenses incurredby event organisers. The graph shows a peak inaquatic centres inspected during February, the peak ofsummer.

During the coming year government initiatives andinfrastructure programs including the Perth Arena, the newsporting stadium construction at Perth Oval, and theredevelopment of the raceway in Wanneroo are a few of theprojects in which officers of the Directorate will be involvedin pesticide safety licensing activities.

The licensing of Pest Management Technicians is a year-round activity. The below graph shows the numbers ofnew licences issued in the past financial year (282), andnew provisional licences (119). There is a provisionalperiod for all persons entering the industry.

We noted an increase in the numbers of techniciansadding the endorsement of fumigation to the licence. Thisis in response to significant market demand for thefumigation of equipment and commodities, which havebeen imported for the mining and gas industry andquarantine requirements (Barrow Island).

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Contaminated sites management Ourtoxicologists continued to assist the Department ofEnvironment & Conservation to classify 553 sites inaccordance with the Contaminated Sites Act 2003.This increased by 14 assessments completed theprevious year (539).

Asbestos contamination detectedduring a site investigation

Disease notifications follow-up investigationsWe monitor and follow up on cases of cryptosporidium,Legionella and Psittacosis notified to the CommunicableDisease Control Directorate (CDCD).

During the 2011-2012 financial year there were sevenclusters of Cryptosporidium. While this type ofnotification is usually associated with recreational waters,there had not been any identified incidence in publicpools since the summer of 2007. All clusters wereinvestigated with two requiring further intervention, andone of these cases involved Local Governmentassistance.

Cases of Legionella, Psittacosis and Cryptosporum notifiedduring 2010 – 2012

Monitoring microbiologicalwater quality of aquaticfacilitiesWe help to administer theHealth (Aquatic Facilities)Regulations 2007 which requirethe collection of water samplesfrom aquatic facilities to test formicrobiological indicators(Pseudomonas Aeroginosa,Thermophillic Amoebae andThermophillic Naegleria). Wherean unsatisfactory result isdetected the local government is required to notify the manager ofthe facility to initiate decontamination processes such as super-chlorination to ensure the water is safe to swim. In some cases

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Development assessmentsThe Directorate receives a large number ofdevelopment proposals each year that requirehealth input. The following statistics show thenumber of development applications receivedduring the 2011-12 financial year.

There are two main types of developmentsreceived from numerous proponents including:

700

600

500

400

300

200

Development proposals reviewed during the2011-2012 financial year

627

1. Subdivision applications (WAPC) and2. Others including planning scheme

amendment, mining developments etc(local Government and other agencies).

100

0

204

Science &Policy Unit

266

Water Unit EnvironmentalHealth Hazards

Unit

6 19

Other RadiationHealth Unit

Aboriginal health service contractsIn 2011-2012, the WA Aboriginal Health Program managedand awarded a total of thirty contracts and ten grants. Thevalue of these contracts and grants was approximately $5.8million. The Program provides funding and support for thedelivery of essential and basic environmental health servicesto regional and remote Aboriginal communities that do nothave access to mainstream services that are normallyavailable to those living in larger metro and regional centres.

The majority of the proposals are reviewed byour Water Unit for subdivision approvals.

Organisations that received funding included 6 regional LocalGovernment Authorities, 6 Aboriginal Medical Services andmore than 14 Non-government Organisations located in theMidwest, Goldfields, Pilbara and Kimberley regions. Indelivering these services, the Program also provides trainingand employment opportunities for up to 55-60 Aboriginalpeople living and working in remote WA Aboriginalcommunities.

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Food premises samplesSamples collected as part of independent assessmentof food safety issues and enteric diseaseinvestigations, in conjunction with local governmentare detailed in the following table. We collected 1128less samples than the previous year.

Food premise samples 2010

Food premises samples 2011-2012

Sample program Number samples

Animal feed monitoring program 27

Carcase swabs (Abattoirmonitoring)

137

Carcass excision 126

Dairy products 387

DOH miscellaneous samples 10

Food complaint 6

Food poisoning 7

Assessment of food business premisesThe Department is the enforcement agency under theFood Regulations 2009 for a food business located inpublic hospitals, primary production of dairy and seafood,or not within a local government district. The Departmentalso audits food businesses processing animal productsfor human consumption under the Australian NewZealand Food Standards Code. The table below indicatesthe number of assessments undertaken by Food Unitofficers.

Assessment of food business premises 2011-2012

Type of premises Number premises Number ofassessments

Meat premises 138 209

Dairy farms 174 154

Dairy processors 47 63

Vulnerable persons 88 42

Rottnest/Kings

Outbreak investigation 370 Park/Hillarys 25 55

Poultry monitoring program 47

Shellfish monitoring (Local) 38

Smallgoods equipment 450

Smallgoods products 349

Total 1954

2010-2011 Total SamplesCollected

3082

TOTAL 472 523

2010 – 11 Total 482 540

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Medical Compliance Tests

Financialyear

2011-2012

2010-2011

2009-2010

2008-2009

2007-2008

Number oftestsprocessed

1208 1142 1214 991 980

Radiation Safety Act – Regulatory ComplianceProgramsThe Radiation Health Unit plays an administrative,supervisory and auditing role in the RadiologicalCouncil’s compliance testing program for medical anddental x-ray equipment which began in 1997. Thisprogram assists in maintaining surveillance of therapidly growing use of x-ray equipment in the State,and helps to ensure that radiation doses to patientsare kept acceptably low.

The program requires annual testing of all medicaldiagnostic x-ray equipment and triennial testing of alldental x-ray equipment. The testing is theresponsibility of the equipment owners and is deliveredby a variety of licensed providers from the public andprivate sectors. Equipment must not be used forhuman diagnostic purposes unless it has a currentcertificate of compliance, a certificate of conditionalcompliance or an exemption from compliance. Thenumber of compliance tests processed by the Unitduring the past five financial is as follows:-

A compliance testing program for fixed radiationgauges commenced in 1999. The program requires thatfixed radiation gauges are not used unless they have acurrent certificate of compliance. The frequency oftesting fixed gauges is triennially. The number of fixedradiation gauge compliance tests processed by the Unitduring the past five financial years is as follows:-

Fixed Gauge Compliance Tests

Financialyear

2011-2012

2010-2011

2009-2010

2008-2009

2007-2008

Number oftestsprocessed

749 336 746 663447

Radiation Safety Act- InspectionsUnit officers inspect radiation-producing equipment usedin medicine, industry, research and education forcompliance with the regulations under the Act. Theofficers also inspect premises where radiation producingequipment is used or that are involved in the use ofradioactive substances, to ensure compliance withstructural protection and personal radiation protectionrequirements. The total number of inspections andoutcomes are reported as a standard item during eachRadiological Council meeting.

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Radiation Safety Act – Registration and LicensingRadiation Health provides administrative and scientificsupport to the Radiological Council in applying the RadiationSafety Act. Registration and licensing are the principal meansby which the use of radiation is regulated. Radiation-producing devices, radioactive substances and associatedpremises are required to be registered, and individualradiation users must either be licensed or exempted. Thefollowing licences and registrations were held under the Act asat 30 June 2012:-

Radioactive Substances licences and registrations during

X-rayand/or

ElectronicProducts

RadioactiveSubstances

Total

Licences 4350 1998 6348

Registrations 1563 359 1922

Total 5913 2357 8270

The number of devices registered at 30 June 2012 is as

Type of Devices Number of Devices

X-ray 4122

Electronic Products 832

Radioactive Substances 5589

Total 10543

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Last year’s emerging issuesEmerging threatsLast year we identified three emerging threats to WA. We responded by gaining a better understandingof these potential threats and initiated management action where appropriated

Wind farms: We examined the current evidence on the impact of wind farmson public health, and current management strategies in Western Australiafor wind farm developments following heath concerns raised in some partsof Australia. To assist planners and local governments address these concernswe released the wind farms information guide, and will continue to monitorany changes in available evidence.

Unconventional onshore gas (previously known as fraccing): In lightof environmental and public health concerns linked to mining of coal seam gas inQueensland and New South Wales, the Directorate has responded to newlyproposed legislation governing these types of mining practices in WA. A fact sheet

is and how concerns about potential threats to drinking water supplies will beaddressed. We are now engaged with other regulatory bodies in the developmentof an Unconventional Onshore Gas Framework through an Inter-Agency Working

was developed to explain what underground ‘fraccing’

Group.

Cleaning-up Clandestine Laboratories: We worked with other agencies todevelop the draft Interim Guidelines for notification and risk management afterdetection of a clandestine drug laboratory to help Local Government manage

laboratory (clan lab) detections in Western Australia has increased substantially inrecent years. The guidelines are practical and adapted to local needs. We havecommenced a series of education and training sessions to aid with theirimplementation.

clean-up of chemical residues that may remain in buildings after a clandestinedrug laboratory (clan lab) has been “busted”. The incidence of clandestine drug

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Unit NumberFood Unit 13Env Health Hazards Unit 14Radiation Health 1Science and Policy 10Water Unit 10

Unit Topic of concern

Food UnitNutrition and healthrelated claims – nutrition,labelling

Env Health Hazards Unit Asbestos contamination,air quality

Radiation Health Laser therapy

Science and Policy Smoking laws

Water UnitOpposition to fluoridationof Perth’s drinking water

Ministerial correspondenceWe assisted the Minister to respond to 376community environmental health concerns. This was82 less than the previous year

140

120

100

80

Freedom of Information (FOI) requestsWe assisted Corporate Governance to respond to a totalof 19 FOI’s.

Ministerial briefing notes / ParliamentaryquestionsAs part of the parliamentary process, we provided 48briefings to the Minister when requested to update ona range topical environmental health issues.

60103

40

115116

20

18 240

Science andPolicy Unit

Radiation HealthUnit

Water Unit Env HealthHazards Unit

Food Unit We’re also required to respond immediately to the Ministerfollowing questions posed during parliamentary sittings,with a total of 21 parliamentary questions actioned.

Ministerial topics of most public concern14

12

10

8

6 12

4

23 3 2 1

0Science andPolicy U nit

RadiationHe alth Unit

W ate r U nit Env H ealthHazards Unit

Food Unit

Cabinet comments / cabinet submissionsWe responded to 14 urgent cabinet comments andsubmitted 2 cabinet submissions.

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Our websiteThe public health websitewww.public.health.wa.gov.au is an importantcommunication and public health promotion tool,which is why we continue to invest time indeveloping extensive resources designed for theweb.

This year we have launched two online forms includingthe Food Act Reporting Form and the eventsregistration form, which are useful tools forautomating data entry and enhance record keeping.

Environmental Health newsletterThe newsletter continues to run quarterly filled withinformative stories about the projects and activitieswe’re involved in.

Envirohealth list serverWe have 648 members subscribed to our“Envirohealth list server,” our electronic emailnotification system.

Please subscribe to the list serverby emailing

envirohealth@list.bs.wa.gov.auwith ‘subscribe’ in the subject line

The new online Food Act Reporting Form that automates thedata for staff

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Media Release Topic Date of issue

Health warning for hot weather 23/01/2012

Mosquito-borne virus warning for regionalWA

31/01/2012

Algal bloomarning for King George Sound, Albanyand Mason Bay Harbour,Hopetoun

06/03/2012

Mosquito-borne disease threat continuesacross WA

20/03/2012

Grey nomads urged to plan ahead 03/04/2012

Potential health risks following storms 13/06/2012

Media Release Topic Date of issue

Mosquito-borne disease risk continuesin the Kimberley and Pilbara regions

08/08/2011

Asbestos management review issuespaper

12/08/2011

Shellfish warning for the Peel-HarveyEstuary

22/08/2011

Swimming warning for the Upper SwanRiver

26/08/2011

Health warning for recreational anglers:Woodman Point

05/09/2011

Ross River virus disease risk in south-west

03/10/2011

Shellfish warning for the Peel-HarveyEstuary

27/10/2011

Ross River virus disease risk spreads inthe south-west

03/11/2011

Widespread activity of mosquito-bornediseases in Western Australia

09/12/2011

Western Australians urged to take careagainst mosquito-borne viruses

19/12/2011

Tips to avoid a summer food bug 20/12/2011

Pool warning for summer ssueAmoebic meningitis warning for West

10/01/2012

Australian recreational waterways 27/01/2012

Media releasesFrom time to time we need to issue media releasesacross the state to advise or remind members of thecommunity of potential public health risks they needto be extra vigilant about. In the last financial yearalone we issued 19 media releases on a range ofenvironmental health related topics. These areoutlined in the table below.

Communication StrategyWe partnered with the Department’s CommunicationDirectorate to draft a communication strategy whichidentified a range of strategies to improve effectivecommunication with all Environmental Health Directoratestakeholders; the need to improve consultation withstakeholders and to focus on high-risk emerging issues.

The strategy is being finalised and the Business Unit willprogress internal communication issues, with the Scienceand Policy Unit coordinating external communication.

Seminars and workshopsWe are committed to the professional development of theenvironmental health profession, and regularly host orpresent at a range of workshops, seminars and conferences.

Refer to page 63 for a list of some of the seminars andworkshops we hosted or participated at during the year.

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Snap shots

Mosquito Management Course We hosted a week longcourse on mosquito management to officers from variousregions of WA, as well as the Northern Territory and NewZealand. The course was held in Mandurah, convenientlylocated near the mosquito breeding areas of the Peel Region.

The course involved presentations from numerous expertsfrom our Directorate, the University of Sydney, the NTDepartment of Health and Families, and the UWAArbovirus Surveillance and Research Laboratory. Officersfrom the City of Mandurah demonstrated the use ofvarious pieces of equipment that are utilised in theCity’s mosquito management program.

Pesticide safety trainingStaff helped to deliver 4 fumigation courses and 12 Unit 6"Asset Maintenance Pest Management Course" tostudents new to the pesticide industry. Pesticide Safetydelivers the health component of these courses,introducing students to their roles and responsibilities inthe Health (Pesticides) Regulations 2011 and increasingtheir understanding and the importance of ensuring publicand health and safety. At the successful completion ofthese courses students apply to the Department for theirlicence either as a Technician with an endorsement offumigation or as a Provisional Technician in urban pestmanagement.

Another Pesticide Awareness Course was also provided to20 employees of the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board atKarrakatta which was well received.

Mosquito Management participants learning aboutchemical control of mosquitoes from Mr Scott

Severn from City of Mandurah.

Mosquito Management Course participants hearingabout aerial larviciding from Heliwest Pilot Mr Leigh

Wilkinson

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Food Act and risk management, compliance andenforcement workshopsWe hosted a number of workshops related to the FoodAct including a risk management, compliance andenforcement workshop to discuss any concerns with thelegislation and enhance tools and resources available.

Feedback included:● Great opportunity to network and exchange case

studies● Critical issues were discussed and the views of

participants were gained in a non-threateningmanner

● Very well prepared and presented workshop● Well run. Refreshing way to present work through

similar concerns.

Participants who attended the onsite wastewatermanagement course

Group activities organised as part of the riskmanagement, compliance and enforcement

workshops

Onsite Wastewater Management Training Course Athree day Onsite Wastewater Management Training Coursewas organised with presenters from the eastern states. Thecourse covered a wide range of environmental andgeotechnical topics including on-site and decentralisedwastewater management, erosion and sediment control,soil and water management and waste and landfillmanagement. The course covered the Australian StandardAS/NZS 1547:2000 On-site Domestic WastewaterManagement and the WA Guidelines. Everyone whoattended found the course to be extremely informativeand well run.

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General businessImplement a new way of managing the budget TheBusiness Unit prepared a budget template which providesup-to-date financial information to Management thatenabled more efficient allocation of funds to each Unit. Amonthly finance report is prepared and circulated to eachUnit Manager and the Director. The monthly report isreviewed at each Executive Group meeting and hasresulted in the Directorate managing its 2011-12 budgetmore effectively.

Upgrading Grace Vaughan House servers andwirelessThe computer servers at Grace Vaughan House were inpoor condition and there was a lack of secured wirelessinternet coverage for the site. A business case wassubmitted to HIN and funds have been allocated tocomplete both projects. Work on these projects havecommenced.

Refurbishment of the Business UnitWe commenced a review of the business unit area andengaged contractors to design a workspace that betteraddressed the needs of the licensing, administration andcompliance staff that occupy the space.

Staff and Unit Managers were involved in the designprocess and a design that best addressed the criteria wassigned off. It is expected that the area will berefurbished before the next financial year.

Review of Business Unit Job Description FormsDuring the last financial year Business Unit officers completeda review of Job Description Forms (JDF’s) to address identifiedskill gaps within the area of administrative research. A reviewof existing JDF identified a significant change in the type ofwork, skills and knowledge required. New JDFs were createdand approved by the Director General. The new JDFs have keyresponsibilities and will provide electronic file and datamanagement support to the EHD to facilitate effective deliveryof Directorate services. It will also undertake special researchin the management of documents, other Environmental Healthreferences and FOI requests.

Review revenue for licensing fees and cost recoveryprocessesThe Business Unit commenced the review of payment optionscurrently provided by the Directorate Managers have beenadvised of new online payment systems which, whenimplemented, will significantly enhance services offeredto the Directorate’s stakeholders.

Electronic document management and databaseintegration projectWe contracted Ignia Pty Ltd in September 2011 to developdocumentation to assist with identifying the best technologysolution to link into the database. The first documentconsidered our business requirements and the second was aHigh-Level Functional Specification document which identifiedthat we are well positioned to utilise the MS SharePointplatform recently purchased by the Department to achieve 47

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its technology solution. Members of the projectgroup met with the Health Information NetworkSharePoint team and Ignia consultants in order tomove the project into the development phase.Development is expected to commence in the newfinancial year.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

First aid trainingThe majority of staff have now completed SeniorFirst Aid training. This has been a significantachievement, with over 80% of staff with these newskills. Despite this number far exceeding therequired minimum number of first aiders, the

OSH sub-committeeIn order to implement deficiencieshighlighted by the Consultants, a sub-committee has been established. Thecommittee is composed of arepresentative from each Unit and hasbeen meeting monthly to progressoutstanding issues. These issues relatemainly to ensuring programs are put inplace with respect to maintenance offire fighting equipment, electricalcabling, trip hazards and exitstrategies.

Reported injuries

New fire blankets andemergency exit signs wereinstalled in our buildings

Directorate accepted its mandated role with PublicHealth to be at the forefront of providing medicalassistance if and when required – not only in theworkplace, but also in the wider community orduring emergency management type events.

OSH auditA major review of our main offices, Grace VaughanHouse and the Brockway Road facility, has beencompleted by OSH consultants ‘The First FiveMinutes.’ The audit confirmed a number of issues,mainly minor, which require attention to ensureongoing compliance with OSH legislation. In themeantime, we were pleased that we were providedwith formal confirmation that we meet current OSHrequirements.

We had no injuries/accidents/incidents reported by staff tothe OSH representative. Despite this, work continues toensure staff - and management - are aware of OSHreporting requirements.

Journal article writing courseA four day Scientific Writing Course was organised foreight staff who had collected publishable data. Theworkshop focused on creating the structure of a scientificarticle with participants finishing the workshop with manyfeatures of their articles completed.

We look forward to the successful publication of theseeight articles in the near future.

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Professional development policyA Professional Development Policy was developed to outlinethe process for staff to access professional developmentcourses and ensure equitable training opportunities for allemployees. We also think it is important that any staffmember who attends unique training presents an overviewto fellow staff members. The policy will be communicatedto staff during the coming year.

Contaminated sites funding to investigate ourPesticide Safety buildingThe Department was granted funding from the DECthrough the Contaminated Sites Act 2003, to allow us toinvestigate the extent of pesticides and organic solventscontamination on our Pesticide Safety building in MountClaremont.

Staff were able to see first-hand what a detailed siteinvestigation and sampling program entailed, with theworks undertaken by Golder and Associates.

Results from the extensive ground water, soil and buildinginvestigations showed no levels of contaminants present atlevels of concern to human health. However, due to thenature of the storage areas and the continued use of thebuildings for storage and mixing of chemicals, a StandardOperating Procedure was developed to minimise the risk ofexposure of staff accessing the storage shed to low levels ofdusts and odours.

Duncan Surin, Ling Lei, David Peckitt, John Howell andJulie Blanchard from the Directorate with Ivan Kwan(Golder) discussing the logistics of a contaminated siteinvestigation.

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Duncan Surin in Washington DC

I was fortunate to beable to attend theRadiological RiskAssessment forDecision Making,Compliance andEmergency ResponseCourse, held inArlington, USA. Coursesof this calibre are notusually available inAustralia and it wasattended by regulatorsand industryrepresentatives fromacross the USA, Europeand Japan.

For me, the bonus was that this course was run inCrystal City, practically within walking distancefrom Washington DC. However the walk waselusive, so I quickly became familiar with theMetro system and could not avoid the opportunityto see the Capitol Building, the National Mall andassociated monuments, a number of theSmithsonian Institute museums, ArlingtonCemetery and of course the White House andPentagon (albeit from a great distance).

Our staffKelly Crossley, Masters in Health Science

I had wanted to undertake further study for some time, but itwas only when I started working within the EnvironmentalHealth Directorate that I was able to achieve the work-lifebalance that made this possible. I applied for a $5000 grantfrom the Department and undertook my Masters of HealthScience with the University of Sydney. My studies covered theareas of medical physics, risk management, riskcommunication and radiation safety. Through my study I wasable to further develop my research, writing and reportingskills, which led to direct benefits for clients. I thoroughlyenjoyed my studies and graduated with a high distinction.

Bree Abbott, Masters in Public Health

I was approached by my previous Director turned UniversityResearch Associate Professor at UWA, Brian Devine, about doingmy Masters of Public Health. I jumped at the chance and enrolledthe following month. My research project involved the“Development of a risk assessment form for undertaking sanitaryinspections for recreational iwaters”, which was directly related tomy field of work at the time. I valued the opportunity to developmy research skills and my article was published in the InternationalJournal of Water and Health, which I was quit chuffed about. Iactually think the best part was working with Brian. I couldn’thave asked for a better supervisor. He was always there to guideme, red pen in hand! It was hugely rewarding when I finallyhanded in my 50 000 word thesis! 5

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Health

Alex Blackman, Aboriginal cadet programAs a cadet working inAboriginal EnvironmentalHealth I have undertakena wide range of taskssuch as managingcontracts with externalagencies and programsdelivered for Aboriginalcommunities. I was givenopportunities to take partin courses to improve myskills in working forgovernment. I travelled to the Pilbara and trainedon-site in a dog health program, which wasinteresting and gave me a chance to meet some ofthe amazing people providing environmental healthservices to Aboriginal communities. My time with theDepartment has been fulfilling as it has provided mewith new and valuable experiences in areas that willbe essential in my future career.

Senior Toxicologist John Howell presented at the JohnsonAsbestos Conference in Burlington, Vermont, USA. Thisconference is the premier international event on assessingand managing risks from asbestos, and only occurs everythree years. John’s presentation was well received andrelated to the Directorate’s Guidelines on the managementof asbestos contaminated soil, a document that isproposed for adoption throughout Australia. Theconference was of a very high standard and at a wonderfulvenue in small town.

Natalia Shishkina, Masters of Environmental HealthAs part of the Curtin University requirements to completemy Masters of Environmental Health degree, I conductedthe study entitled“Water Recycling in Western Australia. Analysis of 2003-2009 water quality monitoring program”.The study was completed with the Water Unit, at theDepartment of Health. This research helped me to gain abetter understanding of the water industry and itsregulatory environment which I am able to apply to mycurrent job in the Water Unit. The study analysedcompliance of 92 waterrecycling schemes in WAover a seven-year period.As part of this work,I submitted a manuscriptto the IWA Journal forpeer review andpresented it at the 66thAnnual WesternAustralian EnvironmentalConference in March2012.

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Dianne Katscherian

The School of Public Health at Curtin University hosts a WorldHealth Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre inEnvironmental Health Impact Assessment and my role inHealth Impact Assessment (HIA) for the Directorate provideda good fit for close collaboration.

The WHO approached Curtin to participate in a ClimateChange and HIA and Adaptation Project for the Pacificregion, which was similar to the work I had already completedfor the Directorate. I was privileged to participate in this 2- yearproject working with the Government and citizens of theSolomon Islands, Vanuatu and Nauru.

I was fortunate to be able to take annual leave to travel tothese countries several times during this period. Each countryhas now completed Action Plans and the next stages requirework with each to develop strategies for their implementation.

Additionally, the United Nations Framework Convention onClimate Change (UNFCCC), a group under the UnitedNations Environment Programme, invited me to participate inVulnerability and Adaptation training programs for developingcountries. My leave entitlements enabled me to travel toKenya, to train participants from the Africa and MiddleEastern regions (53 countries) in the health component. Thenext regions are Central and South America followed by theAsian region during 2012.

Dianne Katscherian (left) enjoying a meal inNauru with Vincent from the Ministry of Health

Dr Clemencia Rodriguez

It has been a long but rewarding journey since I started my PhD in2005 at the School of Population Health, UWA. My research wasfunded by the Department of Health, the leading agency of thePremiers Collaborative Research Program entitled “Characterisingtreated wastewater for drinking purposes following reverse osmosistreatment”. Two of my supervisors Dr Paul Van Buynder and MrBrian Devine worked in the Environmental Health Directorate andwere very supportive during and after my research was completed.

Numerous research papers have since been published and workingin the Water Unit has turned the research output into actionthrough the implementation of the Groundwater ReplenishmentTrial. The experience has been great. I encourage anyoneinterested in research, to enrich their professional skills and boosttheir work opportunities through a postgraduate experience.

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We have a busy year ahead with a number ofpriorities we plan to complete.

Business UnitManaging the financial, administrative, licensing andbusiness functions of the Directorate.

1. Establish an ongoing monitoring andreporting system for budgets allocated to Unitspecial projects to ensure the projects milestonesmatch financial commitments.

2. Review and report on administrativeprocesses and skill requirements to ensureeffective administrative support for theDirectorates technical Units.

3. Develop a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) tomanage severe disruption to services in theevent of an emergency. The BCP will identify allresources necessary to continue crucial functions

4. Implement online payment facility for alllicensing activities.

Environmental Health Hazards UnitMinimising risks from environmental health

1. Complete the drafting instructions and RegulatoryImpact Assessment for the review of the Health(Asbestos) regulations.

2. Plan for and provide financial support to developonline public education material on the appropriatehandling, removal and disposal of asbestos cementmaterials.

3. Develop a risk assessment and guidance packageon vector-borne disease, nuisance mosquitoes andland use planning for decision making agencies anddevelopers.

4. Review Ross River virus disease risk to inform land-use planning across WA.

5. Finalise and implement guideline and supportingresources for managing health aspects ofclandestine drug laboratories in partnership withthe DEC.

6. Finalise roles, responsibilities and standardoperating procedure for EHD risk assessment ofpublic events and update supporting materialincluding events guidelines.

7. Develop guidelines to be used to measure thequantity of mould in public building ventilationsystems.

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Food UnitIdentifying and managing food safety supply risks.

1. Implement the Strategic Plan 2012 – 2014 inpreparation of the review of the Act

2. Develop a framework for risk management, complianceand enforcement for the Food Act: We will develop riskmanagement, compliance and enforcement outcomesfor the Food Act which will ensure a consistentapproach to the enforcement of the legislation acrossWA food establishments.

3. Develop a framework for the review of• The Food Regulations 2009 and• The Food Act 2008

4. Enhance the Quality Management System to streamlinenew and existing processes under the Food Act 2008

Radiation Health UnitMinimising exposure of the population to harmful radiation.

1. Commission all laboratory equipment for the newRadiation Health Unit laboratory once the building iscompleted.

2. Develop new radioactive waste acceptance protocolsand working protocols for the new Radiation Transitstore on the QEII site.

3. Review the adequacy of training and assessment forx-ray operators on behalf of the Radiological Council.

Science and Policy UnitCoordinating across Directorate projects, policy andinnovations.

1. Draft supporting guidelines outlined within the ‘PublicHealth Bill Implementation Plan’ to assist localgovernment enforcement agencies to interpret theBill.

2. Review, update and communicate the EnvironmentalHealth Directorate disaster response processes.

3. Review and update the retail premises inspectionprograms for tobacco retailers.

4. Develop and commence implementation of a tobaccocompliance education strategy.

5. Support each of the four regional forums in theKimberley, Pilbara, Mid West and Goldfields to planregional programs and link them into regionalAboriginal Health Planning Forums

6. Measure and report on regional aboriginalenvironmental health services and activities fundedby our department and determine their effectivenessin improving public health

7. Conduct a training course on responding to publichealth emergency management issues in the East

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Science and Policy Unit Coordinating across Directorate projects, policy and innovations.

8. Draft an options paper for discussion on a ‘CollaborationAgreement’ between EHD, Public Health Units and LocalGovernment to clarify roles and responsibilities for theadministration of public health.

9. Prepare a business case outlining the feasibility andcosting for conducting ongoing local government EHOdisaster response training.

Water Unit Minimising exposure to risks associated with water.

1. Complete and publish the Code of Practice forOnsite Wastewater Management in WesternAustralia.

2. Revise and republish the Code of Practice forGreywater systems.

3. Complete final report of the BeenyupGroundwater Replenishment Trial.

4. Publish the draft algal bloom responseprotocol for interagency adoption.

5. Complete the Government Sewerage Policy.

6. Revise and endorse the Memorandum ofUnderstanding between the Water Corporation andDepartment of Health for the Full Operation of theGroundwater Replenishment System.

7. Prepare and endorse Memorandum ofUnderstanding between the Water Corporation andDepartment of Health for Drinking Water Services.

8. Prepare and endorse Memorandum ofUnderstanding between the Water Corporation andDepartment of Health for Wastewater Services.

9. Complete an audit of the Water Corporation.

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Looking aheadWe have identified a number of high priority projects for completion in the coming year.These projects aim to minimise environmental health risks to the WA community and willimprove the way we do business.

Develop a framework for risk management, compliance and enforcementfor the Food ActWe will develop risk management, compliance and enforcement outcomes for the Food Act which will ensure aconsistent approach to the enforcement of the legislation across WA food establishments.

Develop clandestine drug laboratories resourcesWe will develop and implement a guideline and supporting resources for managing health aspects of clandestinedrug laboratories in partnership with the Department of Environment & Conservation.

Review and update the Environmental Health Directorate disasterresponse processesOur Directorate requires an updated plan to outlined how we respond to critical disaster events across thestate.

Complete final report of the Beenyup Groundwater Replenishment Trial

Complete and publish the Code of Practice for Onsite WastewaterManagement in Western Australia

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The annual budget for 2011-12 was $17.6 million.

Financial highlights for 2011-2012

● EHHU spent $548,574 on environmentalsurveillance programs in WA.

● EHHU spent $510,397 on mosquito managementprograms and on funding assistance to localgovernments for local mosquito control programsunder the Contiguous Local Authorities Groupfunding program.

● EHHU provided $135,000 for applied research grants.

● Food Unit spent $212,400 to implement surveys toestimate the levels of pesticide residues in fruit andvegetables produced and sold on the domesticmarket.

● Food Unit contributed $26,247 to the NationalFood Regulatory system.

● $30,815 contribution by Food Unit to the FoodStandard Australia New Zealand.

● SPU spent $101,713 on regulatory impactassessment for the new Public Health Bill.

● Provided $5.8 million to various organisations forthe provision of Environmental Health Services inAboriginal communities

Where our funding came fromFunding is generated through a number of sources, withmajority of our budget allocated by the State Government.

Expenditure breakdownThe Directorate’s annual budget for 2011-12 was $17.6million out of which $9.1 million was for the EmploymentsCosts and remaining $8.5 million for the other goods andservices. Total actual expenditure for 2011-12 was $17.7million which was around 1% variance against budgetallocation.

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Salaries, wages and staffing costs accounted for morethan half (51%) of total expenditure. Remainingexpenditure (49%) covered various other costs andprograms including Environmental Health Services inAboriginal communities; environmental surveillance &mosquito management in WA. The Other Goods &Services costs also included operational expenses andbuilding maintenance expenditure.

Expenditure breakdown for 2011-12

Own sourced revenueWe generate income through a range of legislativelicensing and compliance requirements. This incomefunds ongoing activities in these areas, as well as theemployment of staff to run the legislative inspection,auditing and awareness raising programs.

In 2011-12, the Directorate’s different licensing unitscollected $1.82 million in revenue. Tobacco Licensingwas the highest contributor (41%) followed byRadiation Licensing (29%) and Pesticide Licensing(27%). Revenue generated by Tobacco Licensing wasused for the review of Tobacco Act and for the conductof a tobacco retailer compliance survey inmetropolitan Western Australia. It also paid for theTobacco Quit Line program expense.

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Workforce distribution (percentage) in theEnvironmental Health DirectorateWe employ of total of 94 full time equivalents.

25%

Workforce distribution within theDirectorate

20%

15%

10%

5% 3%

20%

8%

13%

18%21%

17%

0%

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Date Topic

November

21-25/11/2011 Risk assessment and management

7-10/11/2011 X-ray Operator Course

8/11/2011 Radiation Advice and Solutions,Theory and practice of radiationsafety in uranium, mineral sands andrare earths mining and processingand NORM management course

December

5/12/2011 Asbestos workshop

01/12/2011 Food Act planning workshop

06/12/2011 Food Act planning workshop

January

11/1/2012 Presented at the ACLCA meeting

12/01/2012 Food Act planning workshop

27/02/2012 Food Act planning workshop

30/1/2012 GLAG funding training

February

5/2/2012 Public events and buildings – EHOstudents

20/2/2012 Aquatics workshop – VET course

20-23/2/2012 X-ray Operator Course

Professional development activities(seminars, workshops and awareness raising)

Date Topic

July

19/07/2011 WA regulatory food safety auditingframework workshop

15/07/2011 WA Food Regulation presentation toMidwest

August

3/8/2012 Public buildings – Kimberley EHOs

10-11/08/2011 Radiation Oncology ReformImplementation Committee NationalSeminar

09/08/201126/08/2011

Food safety presentations

29/08 – 1/09/2011 X-ray Operator Course

31/8/2011 Asbestos workshop

September

1/09/2011 Aquatics VET course

5-9/9/2011 Mosquito management course

12/9/2011 Indoor Air Quality lecture -MurdochUni

October20/10/2011 Asbestos Symposium

10/10/2011 Food poisoning outbreak presentation

12/10/2011 Auditing meals on wheelspresentation

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Date Topic

June

1/6/2012 Aquatics VET course

8/6/2012 Clan Lab workshop

14/6/2012 CLAG funding training

19-20/06/2012 Risk management, compliance and21-22/06/2012 enforcement workshops

continued

Date Topic

March

15/3/2012 Presented at the Air quality forum29/3/2012 Presented at EHA (WA) state conference30/3/2012 CLAG funding training29-30/3/2012 Presented at the Environmental Health

conference

April12/4/2012 Industry liaison committee

20/4/2012 Public buildings – EHO students

24/4/2012 CLAG funding training

27/4/2012 Public events – EHO studentsMay1/5/2012 Aquatics workshop14/5/2012 CLAG funding training14-18/5/2012 X-ray Operator Course

15/5/2012 Tutorial presented for the RadiationProtection and Biology Unit of the UWAMSc in Medical Physics.

22/5/2012 FESA CBRN Emergency Response Course

29/5/2012 Presented at the Kimberley PopulationHealth Conference

14/5/2012 HAZE workshop

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Glossary

CDCD Communicable DiseaseControl Directorate

CLAG Contiguous LocalAuthorities Groups

DEC Department of Environmentand Conservation

Department orDOH Department of Health

Directorate or EHD Environmental HealthDirectorate

EHHU Environmental HealthHazards Unit

EHO Environmental Health Officer

EHP Environmental HealthPractitioner

GIS Geographical InformationSystem

GVH Grace Vaughan House

WACHS Western Australian CountryHealth Services

WALGA Western Australian LocalGovernment Association

WHO World Health Organization

AcknowledgementsA big thank you goes out to all staff within theEnvironmental Health Directorate for working together tomake sure we could produce our second Year Book.

A special thank you goes out to the Year Book teamincluding:

Bree Abbott Lindsay GillamWillow Warren Cherine GlassonSasha McGrath Danielle PhillippeManoj Agarwal Jennifer SullivanRebecca Delsar Tu-Trinh TranDuncan Surin Marta BerzinsMirella Goetzmann

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