bcc disaster management plan section 2 - brisbane€¦ · web viewbrisbane city council local...

BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL

LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN

CHAPTER 8:ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN

July 2014 edition

BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLANCHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)

This Environmental Health Sub-plan is an operational approach plan of the Brisbane City Council Local Disaster Management Plan and has been endorsed by the Brisbane City Local Disaster Management Group (Brisbane LDMG).

This Environmental Health Sub-plan will be reviewed, practised and updated annually in accordance with the procedures mandated by the Brisbane LDMG.

AMENDMENTS AND REVIEW

This Environmental Health Sub-plan (EHSP) will be reviewed, practiced and updated annually in accordance with the procedures mandated by the Brisbane LDMG.

It shall be reviewed at least once each year by a committee of appropriately qualified and experienced personnel. The committee shall, as a minimum, consist of the Principal Officer, Environmental Health, an Environmental Health Team Leader, Business Manager - Environmental Health and a representative of Brisbane LDMG.

1. Proposed amendments to this sub-plan are to be forwarded in writing to the Manager, Disaster Management Office (MDMO), who may approve minor amendments.

2. Proposed amendments that affect the intent of this sub-plan, roles and responsibilities or external agencies must be endorsed by the Local Disaster Coordinator (LDC) and/or the MDMO and may be forwarded to the Brisbane LDMG for approval if required. This type of amendment is referred to as a major amendment.

3. Endorsed amendments are to be listed in the table below.

4. Version control of this sub-plan is managed by the Disaster Management Office. Reissue of this sub-plan following amendment or review will be recorded in the table below and advice of reissue will be distributed throughout the disaster management network. Recipients should take all appropriate action to ensure they are in possession of the most recent version, and that previous versions in both hard copy and electronic forms are archived accordingly. Further information can be requested by contacting the Disaster Management Office.

Environmental Health Sub-plan Version Control

Version Date Reviewed by Endorsed by Comments

1.0 March 2012 Manager, Disaster Management Office

Chair, Brisbane LDMG

District Disaster Coordinator

2012 official version

1.1 July 2012 Manager, Compliance & Regulatory Services

Coordinator, Disaster Management Office

Manager, Disaster Management Office

Revisions

1.2 February 2013

Manager, Compliance & Regulatory Services

Coordinator, Disaster Management Office


Revisions

2.0 May 2013 Manager, Disaster Management Office

Chair, Brisbane LDMG

District Disaster Coordinator

2013 official version

2.1 November 2013

Senior Project Officer, Environmental Health


Minor revisions

Page i of iii


5. This sub-plan is to be reviewed:

On activation of an event requiring the use of this sub-plan

On activation of similar disaster management plans in other states, territories or overseas where considered possible

Upon annual review of Council’s Local Disaster Management Plan in accordance with the Disaster Management Act 2003 (Qld)

6. This sub-plan, together with its supporting standard operating procedures (SOPs), is to be tested annually. The MDMO is to brief relevant stakeholders and the Brisbane LDMG on the results of testing this plan.

7. In accordance with legislation, the Brisbane Local Disaster Management Plan and all its underpinning sub-plans will be approved by the Chair of the Brisbane LDMG annually.

REFERENCES

Table 2 summarises a comprehensive, but not exhaustive list of the many inter-related documents that provide authority for the Brisbane City Council (Council) Environmental Health Sub-plan.

Table 1: Environmental Health Reference List

References

A Disaster Management Act 2003, effective 21 May 2014

B Brisbane City Council Disaster Management Plan, effective July 2014

C Queensland Health, (2005), Central Public Health Unit Network - Disaster Management Plan, Queensland Government

D Emergency Management Australia, (1999), Australian Emergency Management Series, Australian Government.

E World Health Organisation (2002), Environmental Health in Emergencies and Disaster – A practical guide

F Brisbane City Council Brisbane Incident Management System (BIMS)

G Australian Red Cross (2012), Preferred Sheltering Practices for Emergency Sheltering in Australia

H Queensland Local Disaster Management Guidelines, September 2012

Page ii of iii

http://disaster.qld.gov.au/Disaster%20Resources/Documents/Queensland%20Local%20Disaster%20Management%20Guidelines.pdf

http://www.lgtoolbox.qld.gov.au/BrisbaneCC/EH/EH%20Document%20Uploads%20%20Officer/Emergency_Sheltering_Preferred_Sheltering_Practices_V4%200.pdf

http://www.lgtoolbox.qld.gov.au/BrisbaneCC/EH/EH%20Document%20Uploads%20%20Officer/Emergency_Sheltering_Preferred_Sheltering_Practices_V4%200.pdf

http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/hygiene/emergencies/emergencies2002/en/

http://www.em.gov.au/Publications/Australianemergencymanualseries/Pages/default.aspx


TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMENDMENTS AND REVIEW...........................................................................................................I

Environmental Health Sub-plan Version Control..............................................................................iREFERENCES...................................................................................................................................II

Table 1: Environmental Health Reference List...............................................................................ii1.0 INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................1

1.1 Audience..................................................................................................................................1

1.2 Custodian.................................................................................................................................1

1.3 Authority...................................................................................................................................1

1.4 Aim...........................................................................................................................................2

1.5 Objectives.................................................................................................................................2

1.6 Supporting Documents.............................................................................................................2

2.0 VULNERABILITY AND CAPACITY ASSESSMENT................................................................4

2.1 Hazard Identification.................................................................................................................4

2.2 Environmental Health risk assessment....................................................................................4

2.3 Review of vulnerability..............................................................................................................4

3.0 PREVENTION AND MITIGATION...........................................................................................5

3.1 Risk Mitigation..........................................................................................................................5

3.2 Preparedness...........................................................................................................................5

4.0 EMERGENCY RESPONSE.....................................................................................................6

4.1 Activation of Environmental Health Sub-plan...........................................................................6

4.2 Coordination and Control.........................................................................................................6

4.3 Recall of Personnel After Hours...............................................................................................7

4.4 Roles and Responsibilities.......................................................................................................7

4.5 Communication........................................................................................................................7

5.0 REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY......................................................................................9

5.1 Debriefing the Incident.............................................................................................................9

5.2 Restocking Resources.............................................................................................................9

5.3 Reviewing Policies and Procedures.........................................................................................9

6.0 APPENDICES........................................................................................................................10

6.1 Appendix 1 - Environmental Health Threats...........................................................................11

6.2 Appendix 2 – Environmental Health Hazardous Events Mitigation........................................13

6.3 Appendix 3 – Environmental Health Sub-plan Roles and Responsibilities............................14

6.4 Appendix 4 – Acronyms and Abbreviations............................................................................17Page iii of iii


Page iv of iii


1.0 INTRODUCTION

Environmental health is concerned with the investigation, assessment, and management of the physical, chemical, biological, and social factors in our environment that have the potential to impact upon human health and wellbeing. In managing these factors, environmental health focuses on creating and maintaining sustainable environments that permit human development, enhance human health and wellbeing, and ensure environmental protection.

During hazardous events, there is a range of environmental health issues that may need to be addressed including:

food safety vector control

water safety disposal of dead

emergency shelters infectious diseases

waste and excreta disposal dangerous goods

personal hygiene environmental pollution

Council’s Local Disaster Management Plan outlines Council’s need for thorough planning and cooperation at all levels in the prevention, preparation for, response to and recovery from hazardous events. This EHSP focuses on managing the environmental health risks that have the potential to affect Brisbane and South East Queensland as a result of hazardous events. The EHSP has been prepared as a functional support plan for, and must be read and interpreted in conjunction with, Council’s Local Disaster Management Plan.

1.1 AudienceThis EHSP has been prepared for Council, the Lord Mayor, the Brisbane LDMG, Council business units, and key external stakeholders.

1.2 CustodianThe MDMO, on behalf of Council, is the custodian of this EHSP. The custodian has the responsibility for implementing, evaluating, testing, reviewing and updating this plan. The custodian is also to ensure proper quality, security, integrity, consistency, privacy, confidentiality and accessibility of the plan.

The Custodian’s contact details are:

Title: Manager, Disaster Management Office Contact: +61 7 3403 8888

1.3 AuthorityCouncil’s Local Disaster Management Plan and this Environmental Health Sub-plan have been developed pursuant to the Disaster Management Act. Council environmental health practitioners have been authorised through their appointment and delegation to undertake certain roles and responsibilities in relation to the legislated functions and powers of Council.

Council personnel delegated this authority to include officers holding any of the following positions:

Principal Officer Environmental Health

Page 1 of 17


Environmental Health Team Leader

Senior Environmental Health Officer

Environmental Health Officer

Business Manager Environmental Health

Key legislation covering functions, powers and authorisations of environmental health practitioners is included in the following Acts (and their subordinate Regulations):

City of Brisbane Act 2010

Environmental Protection Act 1994

Food Act 2006

Public Health Act 2005

Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003

Any relevant Brisbane City Council local laws and ordinances

In the event of a disaster the chairperson of the State Disaster Management Group or District Disaster Management Group may authorise any or all of Council’s environmental health practitioners or officers of other disciplines to exercise declared disaster powers for a disaster situation. In such a situation the following legislation applies:

Disaster Management Act 2003 (Qld); and

Public Safety Preservation Act 1986.

1.4 AimThe EHSP aims to mitigate and manage potential, imminent or actual environmental health risks within Brisbane and South East Queensland before, during, and after hazardous events.

1.5 ObjectivesThe mitigation and management of environmental health risks shall be achieved by:

a. Delivering best practice environmental health services using preventative principles.

b. Planning and preparing for an environmental health response to hazardous events.

c. Integrating Council’s environmental health resources with other stakeholders.

d. Delivering a timely and effective environmental health response during and after a hazardous event.

e. Providing advice, assistance and action with regard to environmental health risks before, during and after a hazardous event.

f. Ensuring recovery strategies manage both the short- and long-term environmental health risks and restore the community’s capability to mitigate these risks quickly and effectively with appropriate regard to the type of hazardous event that has occurred.

1.6 Supporting DocumentsThe EHSP shall be supported by the following documents:

Environmental Health Incident Response Log Environmental Health Incident and Disaster Response Standard Operating

Procedure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will also be created for specific environmental health threats in order to appropriately deploy environmental health resources in an emergency situation.

Page 2 of 17


These supporting documents can be found on the Local Government Toolbox website (www.lgtoolbox.qld.gov.au) and cover specific environmental health threats such as:

Pandemic influenza

Flooding

Food-borne illness outbreak

Contaminant release.

Page 3 of 17

http://www.lgtoolbox.qld.gov.au/


2.0 VULNERABILITY AND CAPACITY ASSESSMENT

2.1 Hazard IdentificationIn relation to the EHSP, a hazardous event creates environmental health risks directly through either a short- or long-term disruption to basic services (such as potable water supply, sanitation, waste management services and/or power supply) and/or through damage to critical infrastructure, businesses (particularly regulated businesses) and/or dwellings (particularly dwellings of high risk populations).

Identified hazards that create or magnify environmental health risks include:

Fire (including bushfire)

Flood

Earthquake

Communicable disease outbreak

Acts of terror

Contaminated water supply

Food-borne illness

Dangerous goods incidents

Disruption to essential infrastructure (power, water, sewerage)

Environmental contamination

Riot or other significant public disorder.

Council acknowledges the risks that particular hazards present and these have been addressed in this sub-plan as specific environmental health threats. It is acknowledged that not all threats can be known and as such this sub-plan ensures that key issues in responding to environmental health emergencies are identified and practised. (Refer to Appendix 8.1)

2.2 Environmental Health risk assessmentThe qualitative risk assessment located in Chapter 1 of the Local Disaster Management Plan informs Council’s Environmental Health Disaster Management arrangements. It provides a descriptive measure of the likelihood, consequence and overall risk rating of natural disasters and non-natural disasters that may affect the city of Brisbane. The model that underpins the emergency risk management process is based on the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4360:2004 for risk management.

In addition to the qualitative risk assessment in Chapter 1, Appendix 8.1 provides a list of environmental health impacts that are a direct or indirect result of a hazardous event. It can be used to trigger environmental health mitigation procedures for a particular hazardous event.

2.3 Review of vulnerabilityA review of Brisbane’s vulnerability to hazardous events that may impact upon environmental health conditions should be undertaken on an annual basis. The review should include a qualitative and quantitative risk assessment. The review of vulnerability can be completed in collaboration with Brisbane LDMG, Queensland Health, Queensland Fire and Rescue Services, and any other key stakeholders.

Page 4 of 17


3.0 PREVENTION AND MITIGATION

3.1 Risk MitigationRisk mitigation involves measures taken in advance of a disaster aimed at decreasing or eliminating its impacts on society and environment. Environmental health prevention and mitigation involves regulatory and physical measures to ensure that emergencies are prevented, or their effects are mitigated.

For a list of environmental health threats refer to Appendix 8.1. In addition to possible mitigation procedures listed in the table at Appendix 8.2, all Environmental Health Officers are to receive training in disaster management and participate in annual exercises. The Environmental Health SOP can be used as a resource to further direct mitigation strategies.

3.2 PreparednessTraining and ExercisesTraining and exercises shall be undertaken to ensure that all relevant personnel are familiar with the EHSP and any related policies and procedures.

Training: Training shall be undertaken on an annual basis. All environmental health practitioners shall be trained in general disaster management, the EHSP and subordinate procedures, and the Environmental Health Emergency Response Service protocols and procedures. Training must ensure that the officers are able to understand the Sub-plan and use the relevant procedures effectively. A record of training shall be maintained.

Exercises: The EHSP shall be practised at least annually. Exercises may range from detailed desktop scenarios to full-scale operational exercises. Relevant personnel shall be advised of pending exercises; however, the content and specific times of exercises should be concealed to ensure an effective test of capability. Exercises should be developed around a realistic scenario with only the exercise coordinator/s aware of the exercise plot as this will ensure the best possible learning outcomes.

During exercises, observers should be used to keep detailed records of response times, processes, decisions, challenges, problems and any other pertinent information. A detailed debrief must be conducted with all personnel involved within 48 hours of an exercise. A full report must be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Branch Manager CARS, and the MDMO.

Page 5 of 17

Brisbane LDMG

LDCC Incident Controller

Business Manager Environmental Health

Environmental Health Team Leader / Senior EHO

Environmental Health Officer

LDCC Operations (level 4)

Principal Environmental Health Officer

CARS Liaison Officer Branch Manager CARS

Manager City Standards & Manager City Safety &

Enforcement


4.0 EMERGENCY RESPONSE

4.1 Activation of Environmental Health Sub-planIf required, the EHSP will be activated automatically by the Local Disaster Management Plan or on direction from the Lord Mayor, the CEO, or Brisbane LDMG. The Brisbane LDMG will then direct the Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) or Customer Contact Centre to notify the relevant personnel of the activation of the Plan. Relevant Environmental Health Officer (EHO) contacts can be found on Council’s Brisbane Incident System Management (BIMS) Online site or can be accessed via the Disaster Management Office.

4.2 Coordination and ControlWhen the EHSP is activated, environmental health responses will be controlled by the Branch Manager, CARS or delegate and coordinated by the Principal Officer, Environmental Health in collaboration with the Business Manager, Environmental Health. Figure 1 indicates the chain of command when this Sub-plan is activated.

Command and control of teams in the field will rest with Business Manager, Environmental Health unless otherwise specified by the MDMO, Manager CARS, or Principal Officer Environmental Health.

Page 6 of 17

Figure 1: Chain of Command for the Environmental Health Sub-plan


4.3 Recall of Personnel After HoursWhen the EHSP is activated, environmental health personnel may be recalled to provide sufficient resources to deal with the event. If a minor hazardous event (level 1 or 2) activation occurs at a regional level (e.g. minor pollution incident), the on-call Environmental Health Incident duty officer will respond to the event. If additional resources are required then the on-call escalation manager is to be contacted.

If a major hazardous event happens, e.g. major chemical spill (level 3 or 4 activation), the LDCC will inform the Manager CARS who in turn will inform the Principal Officer Environmental Health and Business Managers of staff requirements. Refer to Section 1 for more detail on activation levels.

Staff will be contacted via the call centre or staff contact list and instructed to attend a designated rally point. The Manager CARS, Principal Officer Environmental Health and Regional Team Leaders are to have in their possession an up-to-date hard copy of staff contact details.

Remuneration for on-call work and recall to work during hazardous events. All personnel responding in disaster situations shall be remunerated in line with Council’s Enterprise Bargaining Agreement and Salaried Staff Award. This includes normal pay during normal business hours, standard on-call rates and standard penalty rates for call outs or recall to work outside of normal business hours.

4.4 Roles and ResponsibilitiesThe roles and responsibilities of organisations and individuals are shown in Appendix 8.3.

4.5 CommunicationOpen and effective communication both within Council and with external agencies is imperative. Landline telephones and mobile telephones must not be relied upon as the only source of communication. Fully charged and maintained Motorola radios must be available to officers.

Communicating with the mediaNo statement shall be made to the media unless authorised. All communication to the media is to be coordinated by the LDCC. Alternatively, if the LDCC is not operational, communication to the media must be made under the authority of the Lord Mayor’s Office, Chairpersons and staff of the Media Relations Unit, Corporate Communications. All media and public relations enquiries are to be directed to the Senior Media and Public Relations Officer, Corporate Communications.

Communicating with the publicDissemination of environmental health information may be required as a result of a hazardous event. Corporate Communications will work with the Contact Centre to disseminate public information via the LDCC and will work in conjunction with the liaison officers and the lead agents. Distribution of environmental health information must be on the authority of the Branch Manager, Compliance and Regulatory Services. In some instances other agencies may assume the lead role for specific aspects of environmental health communication. Council staff should be made aware of such communication as people will look to Council for confirmation.

Reporting arrangementsClear and timely recording and reporting of operations during and after a hazardous event must be ensured. To facilitate recording and reporting arrangements all Environmental Health Officers must keep on them an Environmental Health Incident Response Log and situation reports (SITREPs). All data from these documents is to be kept on record by the Business Manager, Environmental Health and disseminated to the LDCC as required. All documents are to be correctly stored to prevent loss and theft. All staff are to be advised of correct information release concerning sensitive documents.

Page 7 of 17


Inter-agency coordinationIn some instances, Environmental Health Officers may be required to work with a number of external agencies including Queensland Health and the Commonwealth Government. All activities with other agencies must be coordinated by Brisbane LDMG and/or LDCC. Council’s chain of command will remain in situ and the LDCC will liaise with external stakeholders.

Fatigue managementFor extended hazardous events, fatigue management must be established. Fatigue management of Environmental Health Officers will be in accordance with Brisbane Lifestyle fatigue management protocol.

Standard operating proceduresRefer to Council’s Disaster Management SOPs located on BIMS Online – in particular the Evacuations SOP – and the Environmental Health SOPs located on the Local Government Toolbox website (www.lgtoolbox.qld.gov.au) and the Environmental Health Emergency Shelter Evacuation Centre Guidebook.

Request for supportIn a ‘risk to life’ situation, any officer may make a request directly to the emergency services either in person or by phoning 000 (or 112 from mobiles) or by using the Motorola radio.

All internal requests for support are to be made through the chain of command outlined in Council’s Local Disaster Management Plan.

All external requests for support are to be escalated to the most senior officer in the chain of command outlined in the Plan or, where activated, to the LDCC.

Page 8 of 17

http://www.lgtoolbox.qld.gov.au/


5.0 REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY

Recovery is defined as the coordinated process of supporting disaster-affected communities in the reconstruction of the physical infrastructure and restoration of emotional, social, economic and physical wellbeing.

5.1 Debriefing the IncidentOn completion of the event, a debriefing should be conducted at the earliest possible time (no more than 14 days after the event). Environmental Health Team Leaders are to gather environmental health staff together to consolidate information contained in the Environmental Health Incident Response Log together with any additional observations or comments. Consolidated information is to be developed into a report that will subsequently be passed up the chain of command for comment and stored at Business Improvement and Strategy, Environmental Health for reviewing purposes and disseminated to the LDCC as required. While a verbal report and debriefing may meet immediate needs, a written report of the main findings should be prepared for record keeping and reviewing. Those involved in the debriefing are encouraged to offer constructive criticism and recommendations for improvement. In some instances information may be of a sensitive nature, in these instances a one-on-one debriefing may be required.

5.2 Restocking ResourcesOn completion of the event, all CARS personal safety kits, CARS roadside safety kits, Environmental Health Response Teams and auxiliary regional resources are to be restocked at the earliest available time. Senior Environmental Health Officers and Environmental Health Team Leaders are responsible for setting up procedures to ensure items are restocked during the event and post event.

5.3 Reviewing Policies and ProceduresPolicies and procedures as part of the EHSP shall be reviewed at least once each year by a committee of appropriately qualified and experienced personnel. The committee shall, as a minimum, consist of the Principal Officer Environmental Health, an Environmental Health Team Leader, Business Manager Environmental Health and a representative from Council’s Disaster Management Office. The review of policies and procedures is to be conducted in conjunction with the review of the EHSP, either annually or after any Level 2, Level 3 or Level 4 hazardous event or training exercise.

Page 9 of 17


6.0 APPENDICES

Appendix 1 – Environmental Health Threats

Appendix 2 – Environmental Health Hazardous Events Mitigation

Appendix 3 – Environmental Health Sub-plan Roles and Responsibilities

Appendix 4 – Acronyms and Abbreviations

Page 10 of 17


6.1 Appendix 1 - Environmental Health Threats

Impacts

Threat

Food Water Shelter Disease Public health Environment Controlled activities

Public safety

Storm or cyclone

Storm tide

Flood

Fire

Hazardous material incident

Infectious diseases (animal)

Infectious diseases (human)

Pollution incidents

Earthquakes

Loss of power

Loss of sewerage

Loss of water

Terrorism

Environmental health threats relevant to other work units or agencies

Water(QUU)

Infectious Disease

(Qld Health & Biosecurity)

Refuse Disposal

(Contractor)

Vermin and pest control

(VAPS)

Disposal of dead animals (BCC FSG)

Removal of Human

Remains (Qld Police)

Safe Disposal of Hazardous material

(QFES & EHP)

Storm or cyclone

Storm tide

Flood

Fire

Hazardous material incident

Infectious diseases (animal)

Infectious diseases (human)

Pollution incidents

Earthquakes

Loss of power

Page 11 of 17


Loss of sewerage

Loss of water

Terrorism

Page 12 of 17


6.2 Appendix 2 – Environmental Health Hazardous Events MitigationISSUE MITIGATION

Water Public education/informationMedia release (water supply/contamination, water sources, water treatment)EHO resourcesSEQ ‘EHO Field Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPsInvestigate, manage, monitor and control

Food Public education/informationMedia release (food preparation, hygiene, damaged foods and food donations)EHO resourcesSEQ ‘EHO Field Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPsIncrease surveillance, inspections and implement controls

Shelter Public education/informationMedia release (access to shelters and what to bring)EHO resourcesEHO Emergency Shelter & Evacuation Centre Guidebook / SEQ ‘EHO Field Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPs / The Red Cross Preferred Sheltering Practices for Emergency Sheltering in AustraliaMonitor and advise environmental health controls

Sanitation Public education/informationMedia release (clean and healthy living and advice following sewage contamination)EHO resourcesSEQ ‘EHO Field Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPsMonitor and advise on sewage containment and disinfection.

Hygiene Public education/informationMedia release (advice to workers and affected people to prevent the spread of disease)EHO resourcesSEQ ‘EHO Field Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPsEducation and advice on how to practise good personal hygiene

Waste Public education/informationMedia release (waste management, siting of refuse bins and additional arrangements)EHO resourcesSEQ ‘EHO Field Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPsMonitoring and advice on general and regulated waste collection and removal options

Vermin & vectors Public education/informationMedia release (potential breeding and harbourage)EHO resourcesSEQ ‘EHO Field Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPsAssist/increase with vermin and vector control measures as required.

Communicable disease control

Public education/informationMedia release (targeted public information campaigns)EHO resourcesSEQ ‘EHO Field Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPsEducation and advice on quarantine and social isolation strategies to limit impacts.

Page 13 of 17


6.3 Appendix 3 – Environmental Health Sub-plan Roles and Responsibilities

Organisation or Position Roles and Responsibilities

Brisbane City Local Disaster Management Group (Brisbane LDMG)

The Brisbane LDMG is the committee that oversees the development and implementation of Council’s Local Disaster Management Plan.

Responsibilities:

Coordinate Council’s response and recovery efforts by ensuring an all agency approach with a high level of cooperation,

Ensure the plan is current,

Ensure the plan is reviewed and tested and that disaster management capabilities are integrated.

Local Disaster Coordination Centre The LDCC is the focal point for the collection, collation and dissemination of incident-related information to relevant Council Officers and the executive and political arms of Council. Under direction from the Brisbane LDMG, the LDCC coordinates Council’s operational activities and maintains liaison with external stakeholders.

Manager Compliance and Regulatory Services (CARS)

Responsibilities:

Ensure the most efficient and effective use of available CARS’ resources in the event of a disaster

Work in conjunction with the LDCC and other agencies involved in disaster response to protect and maintain the health of the community.

City Standards Manager and City Safety & Enforcement Manager

The City Standards Manager and City Safety and Enforcement Manager report to the Branch Manager Compliance and Regulatory Services.

Responsibilities:

Develop and maintain strategies to ensure consistent and optimal delivery of CARS’ operational functions across regions,

Manage the delivery of CARS’ operational functions, ensuring that Council is a fair and impartial regulator.

Principal Officer Environmental Health The Principal Officer Environmental Health reports to the Branch Manager CARS.

Responsibilities:

Coordinate and direct the human and physical environmental health resources of the CARS branch,

Page 14 of 17



Maintain a register of suitably trained Environmental Health Officers in the understanding, practices and principles of environmental health in disaster management,

Maintain an after-hours contact list of Council Environmental Health Officers (confidentiality of these is to be ensured),

Work under the direction of the Branch Manager CARS, or their delegate, to assist with resolving environmental health issues,

Regularly update the Branch Manager CARS or their delegate on environmental health disaster management matters,

Regularly update and advise regional staff on disaster matters,

Prepare and disseminate SITREPs and briefing reports for the Branch Manager CARS and/or the LDCC.

Business Manager Environmental Health The Business Manager is responsible for the lead, management and coordination of Environmental Health personnel. The Business Manager reports to the City Standards Manager.

Responsibilities:

Managing the human, financial, physical and strategic resources of the Brisbane area together with resolving complex issues.

Environmental Health Team Leaders Environmental Health Team Leaders are responsible for the management and coordination of the environmental health team. They report to the Business Manager Environmental Health and Principal Officer Environmental Health.

Responsibilities:

Provide suitable and timely response to any community health issues as a result of a disaster,

Prepare reports and maintain records of all environmental health issues during and following hazardous events in their region, including the timely reporting of environmental health SITREPs as necessary,

Arrange for a staff relief roster to be drafted and implemented where events/incidents requiring ongoing support exceed five hours,

For major events (activation level 3 and 4) work under the direction of the Principal Officer Environmental Health to assist with resolving environmental health issues.

Senior Environmental Health Officers Senior Environmental Health Officers report to Environmental Health Team Leaders and the Principal Officer Environmental Health.

Page 15 of 17



Responsibilities:

Ensure continuity and ongoing support within their regional and program areas,

Act as an authorised officer and exercise delegated powers for legislation relevant to environmental health,

Ensure outcomes comply with relevant legislation,

Lead, assist and provide technical advice for Environmental Health Officers within their team,

Be prepared, in the event of a disaster, to assume command responsibilities as delegated.

Environmental Health Officers Environmental Health Officers, during and post disaster situations, will be involved in numerous community health situations in a practical, supervisory and advisory role.

Responsibilities:

Act as an authorised officer and exercise delegated powers for legislation relevant to environmental health,

Ensure outcomes comply with relevant legislation,

Work in conjunction with numerous interested organisations and groups to achieve desired results,

Document any actions taken in their Environmental Health Incident Response Log.

Other officers and support staff Additional officers and support staff under the Compliance and Regulatory Services Branch of Council may be utilised to provide assistance and technical advice during a hazardous event. Officers and support staff include but are not limited to Plumbing Officers, Enforcement staff, Operational Support Officers, City Safety Officers and Rapid Response Group (RRG) staff.

Page 16 of 17


6.4 Appendix 4 – Acronyms and AbbreviationsBIMS Brisbane Incident Management System

Brisbane LDMG Brisbane City Local Disaster Management Group

CARS Compliance and Regulatory Services

CEO Chief Executive Officer

Council Brisbane City Council

EHO Environmental Health Officer

EHSP Environmental Health Sub-plan

FSG Field Services Group

LDC Local Disaster Coordinator

LDCC Local Disaster Coordination Centre

MDMO Manager, Disaster Management Office

QFES Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

QUU Queensland Urban Utilities

SITREP Situation Report

SOP Standard Operating Procedure

Page 17 of 17