A core service of SEAM is in providing much needed Environmental Health Services particularly to Councils. We are the foremost environmental health consultancy in Tasmania.
Our services cover the following aspects of the regulatory regime of Councils:
This service involves both registrations of food premises as required by the Food Act 2003 and food sampling as directed by the State Deparmtnet of Health and Human Services to ensure safe food hygiene standards are met.
SEAM has two qualified and experienced Food Safety Auditors accredited under RABQSA as Level 4 Food Auditors able to audit Aged Care, Child Care and Premises with ready to eat foods.
In rural areas like mos of Tasmania, a significant proportion of the population lives outdie sewerage catchment areas. It is vitally important that wastewater from unsewered premises is properly and safely disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. Similarly in the sewered areas, the treatment plants need to be operating effectively and monitored accordingly.
The services available include consents as required under Regulation 8 of the Plumbing Regulations, inspections, assessments and site and soil evaluations of new or existing properties requiring a Special Plumbing Permit and advice and interpretation of any public health issue arising with respect to wastewater management.
In recent times there have been two terrible accidents in the USA relating to Places of Assembly (Public and Environmental Health Newsletter for Local Government, March 2003). Councils have a statutory obligation to ensure that these places are regularly inspected and meet safe standards, particularly relating to exits.
The services include inspections, registration and licensing of Places of Assembly.
Council has a responsibility to ensure that the impact of human activity on the environment is within acceptable limits. The activities of this service include:
Immunisation is perhaps the most effective and practical single public health measure available for the reduction of morbidity and mortality arising from infectious diseases.
Infectious disease incidents are notifiable and require in investigation and interview. Advice to Council may also be necessary.
Annual potable water reports are required and regular monitoring of water supplies are required and can be carried out. Recreational water are also required to be monitoring and reported on annually.
Burial of human remains outside of established cemeteries must be done in a responsible way with no adverse impact on public or environmental health. Supervision of exumations is another service available.
It is important that the community is presented with authoritative information on environmental health risks. Activities to meet this service include seminars where relevant, publications and campaigns.
Other activities of an EHO is required to conduct include:
Ensuring the Council has sufficient and clean public conveniences;
Management of solid waste
Occupational health and safety
Assessment of contaminated sites.