Health
In accordance with the Health Act 1937, new Public Health Act 2005, the regulations and the Local Laws, Local Government is responsible for controlling public health issues, such as overgrown allotments, vermin & mosquito control etc.
Overgrown Allotment & Accumulation of Goods
Excessive growth of vegetation, long grass or inappropriate accumulation of goods in an open area could attract or harbour vermin.
Clearing of weeds and undergrowth from private property is the responsibility of individual owners.
Council is responsible for taking action to prevent, control and destroy vermin problems, but the cost incurred in such actions will be charged to the owner of the property.
Please contact us on 07 4747 3200 if you have concerns about an overgrown allotment.
Mosquito Control
Council has an inspection program which covers the city of Mount Isa on a weekly cycle. The program aims to identify and eradicate mosquitos types which could carry Ross River Fever and other diseases.
Council also checks the border town of Camooweal and mining towns, when requested, for a fee.
For further information, please contact Council's Sanitation Department between 7.00am and 3.30pm on 4747 3360 or fax details for a quote to 4747 3369.
A checklist for Mosquito Control around the Home
You can do a lot to control the number of mosquitoes breeding around your home.
As mosquitoes breed in water, removing pools of waste water from around the home is the best prevention.
Please follow these simple steps to control mosquito breeding around the home.
This process should be carried out regularly during the summer months.
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Inspect your house and yard for pools of accumulated water.
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Put sand around the bases of pot plants to absorb water in the dish. For outdoor pot plants you could dispose of the dish altogether.
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Dispose of all tins, jars, tyres and other rubbish items that may hold water.
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At least once a week empty all flower vases, pot plants and other receptacles that hold water. Thoroughly wipe the inside of containers with a cloth to remove mosquito eggs. Destroy the cloth after use by burning or placing in the bin. Do not wash the cloth as this may spread the eggs.
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Screen all openings to tanks, wells or other large water containers with wire gauze no coarser than 1mm mesh. This prevents mosquitoes from laying eggs.
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Fill in any water holding cavities in trees, hollows, depressions and holes in the yard with soil or cement.
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Keep roof guttering in good repair and regularly remove leaves and debris so that pools of water do not form, especially in depressed areas.
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Cut back and trim trees to prevent leaves and debris from blocking roof guttering.
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Dispose of all waste water in such a way that no ponding occurs.
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Keep fish ponds and ornamental ponds stocked with fish. Goldfish and native Australian fish are recommended. Keep the side of ponds clear from water weeds so that the fish can get at the larvae.
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Stock dams on your property with native fish and keep the sides clear of water plants. The Department of Primary Industries can recommend which species of fish to use.
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Keep swimming pools chlorinated or salted. If your pool is to be neglected for a period of time, for any reason, you could stock the pool with native fish.
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Empty children's wading pools after use and clean thoroughly with a cloth to remove mosquito eggs.
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Cap brick walls made of cavity bricks to prevent water pooling in the walls.
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Drill holes in tyres used for swings and garden surrounds to allow water to drain from them.
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Empty bird baths and pets drinking water at least once a week and clean containers thoroughly to remove eggs.
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Keep all open drains and channels free from obstructions, especially weeds, grass, and other debris.
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Use a high pressure spray from a garden hose to kill mosquito larvae which breed in plants, such as bromeliaeds, that hold pools of water.
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Boats, canoes and dinghies should be overturned or have the drain plug removed so that they do not hold water after rain.
Lead
Section 11 of the Public health Act 2005 describes the meaning of a public health risk. There are two sub classifications described under the Act, namely Local Government and State Public Health Risk. All elements related to lead used in buildings and water collection. Queensland Health also lead surveillance initiatives and produce regular reports as well as lead investigation updates to the media.
This information is available at: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/news/mediareleases.asp
How to make a formal complaint:
If you have a complaint you can write to Queensland Health or speak with a Complaints Coordinator - every district has a Complaints Coordinator whose job it is to help you. Many problems are easily resolved by people who know your region. If you are unsure if you have a complaint or wish to talk through an issue but do not wish to make a formal complaint, please feel free to contact a Complaints Coordinator as they can provide you with advice and will respect your privacy.
Alternatively, you may also use the Complaints Form to lodge a complaint and this will be dealt with by your nearest Complaints Coordinator. Please note that the Complaints Coordinator may need to be in touch with you so you need to list as many up to date contact details as possible when submitting your form.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in the surface of the earth. It contains strong fibres that have excellent durability, fire resistance and insulating properties. Asbestos fibres are 50 to 200 times thinner than a human hair, can float in the air for a long time, can be invisible to the naked eye and can be breathed into the lungs. In the past, asbestos was mined from the ground and manufactured into many different materials. Materials containing asbestos were very common in the Australian residential building industry between the 1940s and late 1980s before their production stopped. The use of all forms of asbestos has been banned nationally since 31 December 2003. The ban does not apply to asbestos installed prior to this date (e.g. asbestos materials in houses).
The two types of material containing asbestos -
There are two types of material used in housing construction that contain asbestos:
1. Bonded (Tightly Bound):
Asbestos Bonded materials containing asbestos are the most common in domestic houses. They are mainly made up of a bonding compound (such as cement), with up to 15% asbestos. Bonded materials containing asbestos are solid, quite rigid and the asbestos fibres are tightly bound in the material. They are commonly called 'fibro', 'asbestos cement' and 'AC sheeting'.
2. Loosely Bound (Friable) Asbestos
Loosely bound materials containing asbestos are not commonly found in domestic houses. They were primarily used in commercial and industrial settings for fire proofing,sound proofing and insulation. However, they can be found in some old domestic heaters, stoves, hot water systems and associated pipe lagging and in the backing of vinyl and linoleum floor coverings. These materials can be made of up to 100% asbestos. They are quite loose and can be turned to dust with very light pressure, such as crushing with your hand. Loosely bound materials containing asbestos are very dangerous as the asbestos fibres can get into the air very easily. They must only be handled and removed by an asbestos removalist with an 'A' Class certificate.
Do I have materials containing asbestos in my house?
It can be difficult to tell whether your home has materials containing asbestos in it just by looking, but you may recognise the following image of an asbestos roof. As a general rule, if your house was built:
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Before the mid 1980s, it is highly likely that it would have materials containing asbestos.
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Between the mid 1980s and 1990, it is likely that it would have materials containing
asbestos. -
After 1990, it is highly unlikely it would have materials containing asbestos.
If you are not sure that a material contains asbestos, play it safe and assume that it does. Alternatively, you can get advice from an asbestos consultant or get the material tested by a laboratory. Laboratories that analyse building materials for asbestos can be found by contacting the National Association of Testing Authorities (Ph. (07) 3870 3844, www.nata.asn.au). The laboratories can also give you advice on how to correctly take and send a sample. There will be fees involved. You can also contact an asbestos consultant for advice. They can be found in the Yellow Pages under "Asbestos".
What should I do if I find asbestos in my home?
If materials containing asbestos are in your home and are in good condition (i.e. undamaged, undisturbed), the safest option is to leave them alone. In other words, let sleeping dogs lie! If left alone and in good condition, these materials are not dangerous as the asbestos fibres are tightly bound and very few escape into the air over time. Visually inspect the materials from time to time for deterioration and damage. If you are thinking about working with or removing a material that contains asbestos, consider:
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If it is in good condition (e.g. undamaged), can you leave it alone?
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Do you know the alternatives to removing the material containing asbestos (e.g. painting or
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Can you comply with the laws and safety procedures for working with asbestos.
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Should you use a licensed asbestos removalist?
Things you need to know before every job
In Queensland, there are a number of laws relating to building and renovating. There are also specific laws designed to protect the health of homeowners, their families and the general community by ensuring asbestos is handled, removed and disposed of safely.
There are nine particular things you need to know before every job you plan to do with asbestos:
1. Check with your local Council to see if you need approvals for your work, some renovation activities may require approvals from your local Council, such as planning permits and building approvals. The following scenarios my apply:
- If you require information please contact Mount Isa City Council at 07 4747 3200 before starting any work or go to the Queensland Health asbestos web site or call Queensland Health at 1300 744 636. http://www.health.qld.gov.au/asbestos/
- If your premise is a workplace e.g. commercial or industrial premise call Workplace Health & Safety at 130-0 369 915 or visit there web site at
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/subjects/asbestos/index.htm
- If you are doing renovations at your house and a contractor is undertaking the work, contact Workplace Health & Safety at 130-0 369 915 or visit there web site at
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/subjects/asbestos/index.htm
- For any other inquiries, please contact Mount Isa City Council.
2. Decide how you will dispose of the asbestos waste
Your choices are to dispose of the waste yourself or employ a waste contractor. If disposing of asbestos waste yourself, it is important to contact Mount Isa City Council (e.g. where to take the waste, how much it will cost). You will also need to package the waste to minimise the chance of asbestos fibres getting into the air. If you take asbestos waste to the Council approved site, place the double wrapped bagged asbestos in a trailer or in the back of a utility or truck. Secure the load to make sure it doesn't bounce or fly out, tear the plastic wrapping/bags or break the asbestos. Follow the Council's directions when you arrive at the site.
3. Determine whether you need an asbestos removal certificate
If you are planning to remove up to 10 square metres of bonded materials containing asbestos, you do not require an asbestos removal certificate. However, you will still need to take safety precautions to minimise asbestos fibres getting into the air. If you are planning to remove 10 square metres or more of bonded materials containing asbestos, you are required to:
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use a business with a current 'A' or 'B' Class asbestos removal certificate to do the work, or
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obtain your own 'B' Class asbestos removal certificate ('A' Class certificates are not available to homeowners).
Anyone can apply for a 'B' Class asbestos removal certificate. You will need to attend training and have your knowledge and skills assessed before you are considered competent in the safe removal of bonded asbestos.
For more information on certificates, training and fees, contact the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations by calling 1300 369 915 (www.deir.qld.gov.au). A list of registered training providers are available at the following web page:
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/training/training/activities/asbestosremoval/rto/index.htm
4. Think of your family and your neighbours
When planning your work, don't forget your family and neighbours. Under public health laws, you have a responsibility to make sure that you protect their health by not releasing asbestos fibres into the air during your work. You should also speak to your neighbours about the work you are about to do. It is particularly important to explain the safety precautions you will be taking to minimise the chance of asbestos fibres getting into the air.
5. Avoid prohibited activities
There are three particular activities you must never do when working with or removing a bonded material containing asbestos:
1. Never use power tools, such as angle grinders, circular saws and electric sanders
2. Never use high pressure water blasters
3. Never use compressed air.
All of these activities are very dangerous because they can release large numbers of asbestos fibres in to the air. They are illegal. Substantial on-the-spot fines apply.
6. Plan your job and purchase your equipment
Before starting your work, you will need to plan how you will carry out the job. You will also need to purchase an amount of equipment specific to working with asbestos. For a list of equipment, read the relevant pages in the booklet, "Asbestos the Home Renovators Guide"2 The equipment is available from a variety of stores, including hardware and safety equipment suppliers.
7. Protect yourself
Wearing the right personal protective equipment is essential to protecting your health when working with asbestos. Personal protective equipment is available from most hardware or safety equipment suppliers.
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Wear the proper respirator - Ordinary dust masks are not effective in preventing the inhalation of asbestos fibres and dust. Cheap masks may save dollars but they do not provide adequate protection against airborne asbestos fibres. You will need to purchase and use a specific respirator designed specifically for working with asbestos. Wear a half-face filter respirator fitted with a class P1 or P2 filter cartridge, or a class P1 or P2 disposable respirator appropriate for asbestos.
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Wear disposable clothing - Disposable coveralls should be used to prevent the contamination of any clothing, including your shoes/boots. A disposable hat and disposable gloves should also be worn. Do not keep the clothing, reuse them or shake the dust out of them. After your work is complete, spray your clothing with a light mist of water and remove them. Keep your respirator on when doing this. Seal all of these in your asbestos waste bags for disposal (contaminated clothing can be disposed of with other asbestos waste).
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Have a shower afterwards - To remove any dust and asbestos that may be on your body, have a thorough shower after finishing your work. Make sure you wash your hair as well.
8. Dispose of asbestos waste quickly and correctly
You must clean up, package and dispose of all asbestos waste (including scraps and surplus asbestos) as soon as possible after you produce it. No asbestos can be stored or kept for another use. This is to minimise the chance of asbestos fibres being released into the environment and the risk of you, your family and your neighbours breathing in the fibres. Contact Mount Isa City Council at 07 4747 3200 a minimum of 24 hours before disposal is going to take place. This is to enable personnel at the waste site to prepare for effective disposal.
9. It is illegal to sell or give away asbestos
Under Queensland law, you cannot sell or give away asbestos. Substantial penalties apply.
Notes:
Please keep in mind in Queensland, there are laws to protect people's health from asbestos.
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Legal action can be taken against you for working unsafely with asbestos.
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Officers will investigate complaints and issue notices, on-the-spot-fines or prosecute.
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You could also have legal action taken against you by other people, such as a neighbour.
For more information on the handling and removal of asbestos containing material please read the Asbestos the Home Renovators Guide at the Queensland Health webpage:
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/asbestos/ or call the asbestos call centre 1300 744 636.
