ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY … plan .pdfPage 1 of 61 Environmental Health Department ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY PLAN 2011/2012

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Environmental Health Department

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

SERVICE DELIVERY PLAN 2011/2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 4 1.1 Statutory Basis for Environmental Health Plans 4 1.2 Activities Undertaken 4 1.3 Links to Corporate Plan and Themes 5 2 BACKGROUND 6 2.1 Profile of Local Authority 6 2.2 Organisational Structure 6 3 SERVICE PROVISION 9 3.1 Alternative Means of Service Provision 9 3.2 Users and Non-Users Research 9 3.3 Benchmarking 9 3.4 Training and Developments 11 3.5 Performance Targets 2011/2012 11 3.6 Key Tasks 2011/2012 11 3.7 Service Delivery Points 11 3.8 Estimate of Working Hours Available 14 3.9 Summary of Resource Demand 14 3.10 Resource Shortfall 14 4.0 Outlook to 2011 15 4 LIAISON WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS 15 4.1 Liaison with other organisations chart 16 5 QUALITY 18 5.1 Quality Assessment 18 6 REVIEW 18 6.1 Review Against the Service Plan 18 6.2 Identification of any variation from the Service Plan 18 6.3 Areas of Improvement 18 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH FUNCTIONS 19 7 FOOD SERVICE 20 7.1 Introduction 20 7.2 Service Aims and Objectives 20 7.3 Scope of the Food Service 22 7.4 Demands of the Food Service 22 7.5 Enforcement Policy 23 7.6 Food Premises Inspections 23 7.7 Food Complaints and other tasks 27 7.8 Training, Administration and Management Control 31 7.9 Summary of Food Service Resource Demand 32

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8 HEALTH AND SAFETY SERVICE 33 8.1 Aims and Objective 33 8.2 Scope of the Health and Safety Service 33 8.3 Demands of the Health and Safety Service 33 8.4 Health and Safety Inspections 34 8.5 Accident Investigations and Other Tasks 37 8.6 Training, Administration and Management Control 38 8.7 Summary of Health & Safety Service Resource Demand 38 9 CONSUMER PROTECTION SERVICE 39 9.1 Aims and Objectives 39 9.2 Scope of the Consumer Protection Service 39 9.3 Consumer Protection Inspections 39 9.4 Consumer Protection Complaints & other tasks 41 9.5 Training, Administration and Management Control 42 9.6 Summary of Consumer Protection Service Resource Demand 42 10 GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICE 43 10.1 Aims and Objectives 43 10.2 General Environmental Health Inspections & Assessments 43 10.3 Sampling and other tasks 44 10.4 Training, Administration and Management Control 44 10.5 Summary of General Health Service Resource Demand 44 11 ENVIRONMENTAL PROECTION SERVICE 45 11.1 Aims and Objectives 45 11.2 Scope of the Environmental Protection Service 45 11.3 Environmental Protection Inspection Service 46 11.4 Sampling and other tasks 47 11.5 Training, Administration & Management Control 47 11.6 Summary of Environmental Protection Service Resource Demand 47 12 LICENSING AND REGULATORY SERVICE 48 12.1 Aims and Objectives 48 12.2 Scope of the Licensing and Regulatory Service 48 12.3 Licensing and Regulatory Inspections 49 12.4 Other Tasks 50 12.5 Training, Administration and Management Control 50 12.6 Summary of Licensing & Regulatory Service Resource Demand 50 13 ADMINISTRATIVE, CORPORATE AND OTHER DUTIES 51 Training, Administration and Management Control 51 Summary of Administrative & Corporate Duties Service Resource Demand 51 14 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH BUSINESS & PEFROMANCE IMPROVEMENT

PLAN 2011-2012 52

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1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Statutory Basis for Environmental Health Plans

The Local Government (Employment of Group Environmental Health Staff) Order (NI) 1994 defines a district environmental health plan as “an annual plan prepared by a council and specifying the level of the environmental health service to be provided by the council and identifying the associated resources”. The Order also requires the Northern Group Environmental Health Committee to advise on the production of the plan. The plan explains how the Environmental Health Department will maximise its available resources to achieve that objective and will enable it to account for its actions and inform customers, Councillors and relevant authorities about the nature, scope and purpose of its activities.

1.2 Activities Undertaken

The Environmental Health Department administers the Council’s statutory functions in respect of a wide range of Environmental Health and associated legislation, including Food Control, Consumer Protection, Health and Safety at Work, Environmental Protection, Public Health and Licensing and Registration including Dog Control. In addition to these statutory functions the Department provides a range of non-statutory services, including health education advice, advice to local businesses, public information and sampling and monitoring of recreational waters. The Department embraces the philosophies of Council in its methods of operation, including the participation and involvement of local people, providing leadership in Moyle, delivering exceptional services, energising Moyle and securing the legacy and being a well-run council.

Key activities of the Department include: (i) Enforcement of legislation concerned with environmental health and related

matters. (ii) Programmed activities covering inspection of places, premises and products with

regard to food, health and safety, consumer safety, public health, and pollution control including monitoring.

(iii) Investigation of complaints and notifications concerning environmental health

matters referred to the Department. (iv) Registration and/or licensing of persons and premises with regard to

Environmental Health legislation including dog control. (v) Provision of advice and information on environmental health matters to the

community, businesses, workers and visitors to the District and to act as a source of expertise on the technical aspects of environmental health.

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(vi) Monitoring the environment regarding environmental health and associated matters and to assess and analyse the environmental health problems of the District.

(vii) Providing services for which a charge is made, including licensing control, and

assessment of firework displays. (viii) Providing advice and information to other Council Departments and outside

organisations relating to matters that the Department has been requested to comment on, such as waste management, planning applications, property certificate enquiries and liquor licensing applications.

(ix) To provide advice to the Strategic Management Team when requested in respect

of Council’s health and safety responsibilities.

1.3 Links to Corporate Plan and Themes

The Environmental Health Department takes its lead from and is linked to the Council’s statement of purpose, its core values and strategic objectives. Council Mission Statement: “Moyle District Council exists to maintain and improve the well-being of the people of Moyle. It does that by listening to them; by being the voice of Moyle; and by providing good local government services within Moyle. In its work the Council wants to:

- defend the uniqueness of Moyle District - be open friendly and transparent

- promote and demonstrate equality and good relations

- make best use of it’s resources.

The Council’s corporate plan provides the detail as to how it will achieve its mission. The plan is built around four themes: 1. Providing Leadership for Moyle 2. Delivering Exceptional Services 3. Energising Moyle and Securing the Legacy 4. Being a well- run Council

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2.0 BACKGROUND 2.1 Profile of the Local Authority

The Moyle District Council area, situated on the north-east corner of Northern Ireland overlooks the Scottish coast which is only 13 miles across the North Channel. The District is unique in Northern Ireland in that it encompasses an inhabited offshore island. Rathlin Island lies 7 miles off Ballycastle, and has a population of approx 100 who are mostly dependent on fishing, farming and tourism. There is a regular ferry service between the island and Ballycastle. The region has a rich historical heritage and is highly scenic with approximately two thirds of the Council’s District within an area of outstanding natural beauty. However it is also peripheral and fairly isolated within Northern Ireland. The access roads into the District are poor and the topography/geography does not facilitate easy communication. Ballycastle, the main town in Moyle, lies at the junction of the A44 from Ballymena and the A2 Coast Road from Belfast to Coleraine. These are the only A class roads within the district, there are no rail links within Moyle. In population terms Moyle is the smallest of Northern Irelands 26 District Council areas – at approximately 16,400 the population comprises 1% of the current total Northern Ireland population. The District is sparsely populated and with a population density of 30 persons per square kilometre it is one of the least densely populated areas of Northern Ireland. The main centres of population are Ballycastle (with a population of approx 4,000), Cushendall and Bushmills (both villages have a population of just over 1300). The population of Ballycastle however swells to approximately 20,000 in the summer months. The most important industries in the Moyle District Council area (outside the mainstream service sector) are agriculture, tourism and construction. Moyle is one of the major tourist destinations in Northern Ireland. The district is home to the Giants Causeway which attracts approx 400,000 visitors annually, The Old Bushmills Distillery attracts almost 100,000 visitors per year. Ballycastle is home to the Lammas Fair which attracts approx 250,000 visitors to the town at the end of August.

2.2 Organisational Structure Moyle District Council comprises 15 members elected every four years across the three district electoral areas, Ballycastle, Giant’s Causeway and the Glens. The Council does not operate a committee system. The work of the Council is guided by decisions taken at full Council Meetings which are held twice monthly. The Environmental Health Department reports to the 2nd Council meeting of the month (normally the 4th Monday). Chair Councillor Padraig Mc Shane Vice Chair Councillor Sandra Hunter

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2.2.1 Council Organisational Profile

The staffing structure of the Council is detailed over page. The Head of Environmental Health and Enforcement is a member of the Council’s Strategic Management Team which comprises of the Clerk & Chief Executive, Assistant Chief Executive & Head of Corporate Services, Head of Development, Head of Tourism & Leisure, Head of Technical Services and Head of Building Control and can therefore raise strategic issues affecting the service.

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MMOOYYLLEE DDIISSTTRRIICCTT CCOOUUNNCCIILL OORRGGAANNIISSAATTIIOONNAALL PPRROOFFIILLEE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Richard Lewis

ASSISTANT CHIEF EXECUTIVE

AND HEAD OF CORPORATE SERVICES Moira Quinn

DPP MANGER Adrian Proctor

HEAD OF TECHNICAL

SERVICES Aidan Mc Peake

HEAD OF TOURISM/LEISURE

Kevin McGarry

HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT

Esther Mulholland

HEAD OF BUILDING

CONTROL David Kelly

HEAD OF

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & ENFORCEMENT

Peter Mawdsley

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3.0 SERVICE PROVISION

The aim of the Department is to provide a best value, comprehensive Environmental Health Service in a sustainable, efficient and effective manner. The purpose of the service is to protect and enhance the environment, protect the health and safety of residents and visitors to the District and to monitor the quality of defined environmental factors. In doing this we will listen to and represent the residents of the District, encourage active participation of all sectors of the community, pursue excellence and innovation and work with others to achieve the communities’ needs and aspirations. The service is based in the Council Offices, Mary Street, Ballycastle, though the nature of the work involves a great deal of Officer time being spent out on site with customers. We believe that our customers expect the level of service to be high. The standards the Department sets itself therefore reflect those required both by our customers and outside governmental and non-governmental organisations. The delivery of quality services to our customers based on simple clear standards of service remains therefore a principal focus of our service provision.

3.1 Alternative Means of Service Provision

At the present time there are only a very small number of private sector companies who are capable of providing the full range of services that would be required by a District Council to deliver a comprehensive Environmental Health Service. No District Council in Northern Ireland has fully privatised its Environmental Health Service. The Department’s dog kennelling service is currently provided by the USPCA, Benvardin Road, Ballymoney.

3.2 Users And Non-Users Research

To provide services that meet the needs and expectations of our customers, the Department encourages its customers to be involved so that views and ideas can be aired and given consideration. Whilst most of the Department’s work is of a statutory nature, customer choice is offered and consultation is undertaken whenever and wherever possible. Rather than rely on one method we intend to consult and survey our customers in a variety of ways. Customer feedback is always sought from any seminars or training courses organised by the Department and we endeavour to survey our customer/members of the public on some aspect of our service at least once per year to identify areas for improvement.

3.3 Benchmarking The Environmental Health Department is involved in a significant amount of benchmarking. The Department is a member of the Northern Group Chief Environmental Health Officers Forum, which consists of ten District Councils. The Forum holds meetings at which current issues are discussed, training needs are assessed, benchmarking data is exchanged and progress on Best Value is analysed. The Local Government Policy Division of the Department of the Environment publishes Best Value Performance Indicator Tables which ranks the 26 District Councils in relation to the service provided for Food Hygiene and Health and Safety. The data for 2009/2010, the most recently published year, is set out in Table 1 over page. Note: EH/1 Departmental Management.

EH/2 Service Delivery. EH/3 Quality controls and review.

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Table 1 : Best Value Performance Indicator Table - Environmental PIS

Council

Food Safety Health and Safety

EH/1 EH/2 EH/3 EH/1 EH/2 EH/3 Antrim

A

A

A

B

B

A

Ards

A

A

A

A

A

A

Armagh

A

B

B

A

A

A

Ballymena

A

A

A

A

A

A

Ballymoney

Banbridge

A

A

A

B

A

A

Belfast

A

A

A

A

A

A

Carrickfergus

A

A

A

B

B

B

Castlereagh

Coleraine

B

A

A

A

A

A

Cookstown

A

A

A

B

A

A

Craigavon

A

A

A

A

A

A

Derry

Down

Dungannon

A

A

A

A

A

A

Fermanagh

A

A

A

A

A

A

Larne

B

B

A

A

B

A

Limavady

A

D

C

C

B

A

Lisburn

B

A

A

C

C

B

Magherafelt

Moyle

B

B

A

B

A

B

Newry & Mourne

A

A

A

A

B

C

Newtownabbey

A

A

A

A

A

A

North Down

B

A

A

C

B

B

Omagh

A

A

A

A

A

A

Strabane

A

A

A

A

B

A

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The Department intends to further develop its benchmarking work, with particular emphasis on identifying best practice within its benchmark partners and analysing how its systems can be improved upon to reflect best practice and determine if a service or services can be delivered in a different way in order to provide best value.

3.4 Training and Development

Staff training needs are identified in conjunction with the Environmental Health Manager on annual basis. These needs are recorded and prioritised within the annual plan. Individual training requirements are considered on merit and with regard to each team member’s mandatory requirement to fulfil a minimum of 20 hours Continued Professional Development each year. Training is provided either corporately in-house or by external facilitation via seminars, workshops or by formal structured courses leading to recognised professional and managerial qualifications. Training needs may arise outside the annual review due to changing workloads, staff movement and legislation. These additional training needs may be accommodated within a Northern Chief Environmental Health Officers Training Plan and/or the NI Training Officers’ Plan.

3.4.1 Proposed Training 2011/2012

Training Topic Officer Continual Professional Development All Officers Conflict Resolution/Personal Protection Martin McHenry Professional Certificate – Training for Trainers

Charlotte Barr

HACCP Jill McWilliams

3.5 Performance Targets 2011/2012

Key departmental objectives and targets are outlined in the Environmental Health Business and Performance Improvement Plan 2011 – 2012. The targets will be further developed through the Northern Group Chief Environmental Health Officers Forum. The performance targets are to be measured, analysed and verified on a monthly or quarterly cycle as appropriate.

3.6.1 Key Tasks for 2011/2012

See the Business & Performance Improvement Plan 2011/2012 in section 14. 3.7 Service Delivery Points 3.7.1 Environmental Health Department Staffing Structure See chart over page

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EENNVVIIRROONNMMEENNTTAALL HHEEAALLTTHH DDEEPPAARRTTMMEENNTT SSTTRRUUCCTTUURREE

HEAD OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & ENFORCEMENT

Peter Mawdsley

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MANAGER

Sharon Bateson

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER

Charlotte Barr

SENIOR

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER HEALTH & SAFETY

Debbie O’Neill

SENIOR

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER

CONSUMER SERVICES

Amber Holmes

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER Jill McWilliams

CLERICAL OFFICERS

Dianne McCook½

Ann McAfee ½

ENVIRONMENTAL

WARDEN Martin McHenry

HOME SAFETY

OFFICER David Adams 1/3

TOBACCO CONTROL OFFICER

Andy Gardner ¼

ENERGY

EFFICIENCY ADVISER

Barbara Gray 1/3

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3.7.2 Contact Information

The service is available during normal working hours with out of hours work being carried out as required. Officers are available at the council offices at: Environmental Health Department Sheskburn House 7 Mary Street Ballycastle BT54 6QH Telephone 028 2076 2225 E-mail [email protected] During these hours officers can also be accessed via direct dial telephone lines, fax or direct access email. The office can contact all field officers by Council supplied mobile phones. Service requests and enquiries can also be made via the Council’s website www.moyle-council.org. Planned out of hours work is carried out as directed by the Head of Environmental Health and Enforcement. Outside normal working hours an officer from the Department can be contacted on the emergency out of hours contact no. 078 8970 7083. This is an emergency contact mechanism for the general public and statutory agencies; for emergency planning purposes and an out of hours contact (and response, where necessary) in relation to dog control, public health and noise nuisances

Officer Telephone E-mail Address Peter Mawdsley Head of Environmental

Health and Enforcement Ext 213 [email protected]

Sharon Bateson Environmental Health

Manager Ext 259 [email protected]

Amber Holmes Senior Environmental

Health Officer Consumer Services

Ext 260 [email protected]

Debbie O’Neill Senior Environmental Health Officer Health & Safety


Charlotte Barr Environmental Health Officer


Jill Mc Williams Environmental Health Officer


Martin Mc Henry

Environmental Warden Ext 211 [email protected]

Dianne Mc Cook

Clerical Officer Ext 208 [email protected]

Ann Mc Afee Clerical Officer Ext 209 [email protected]

David Adams Home Safety Officer 07841970332 [email protected]

Barbara Gray Energy Efficiency Adviser 02827660273 [email protected]

Andy Gardner Tobacco Control Officer 07834101748 [email protected]

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3.8 Estimate Of Working Hours Available (Sheskburn House based staff only)

2011/2012 ESTIMATE OF WORKING HOURS AVAILABLE

Detail PM SB AH DON CB JMCW

GH

MMH S/T DMC AMA S/T Total

Total Available

1924

1924

1924

1924

1924

1613

629

1924

13786

962

962

1924

15392

Statutory Holidays

303.4

303.4

303.4

303.4

251.6

214.6

37

303.4

2020.2

151.7

151.7

303.4

2316.2

Total Worked

1620.6

1620.6

1620.6

1620.6

1672.4

1398.4

592

1620.6

11765.8

810.3

810.3

1620.6

13075.8

Efficiency 85%

1377.5

1377.5

1377.5

1377.5

1421.5

1188.6

503.2

1377.5

10000.9

688.8

688.8

1377.6

11114.4

Paid Overtime

16

16

16

16

16

16

0

120

216

16

16

32

248

Total

1393.5

1393.5

1393.5

1393.5

1437.5

1204.6

503.2

1497.5

10216.9

704.8

704.8

1409.6

11553.9

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3.9 Summary of Resource Demand

2011/2012 SUMMARY OF RESOURCE DEMAND

FC HS CP EH EP LR

AD Total

Inspection

1320.25

450.35

107.9

764.5

476.8

1125

0

4244.8

Other tasks

727.5

749.5

225

115

36.5

89

1245

3187.5

Training & Officer Development

100

100

70

80

100

80

170

700

Clerical

390

150

100

180

240

1080

390

2530

Management Control

210

160

120

320

230

160

120

1320

Total

2747.75

1609.85

622.9

1459.5

1083.3

2534

1925

11982.3

3.10 Resource Shortfall

There is a shortfall of 428.4 hours between the Environmental Health service resource demand planned for 2011-2012 and the estimate of available working hours. This equates to almost ¼ the full time equivalent of a member of staff. A considerable back log of food and health and safety inspections has built up due to insufficient staff resources in these functions over a number of years and but is hoped that the backlog can be addressed during 2011/2012. Transfer of the corporate health and safety function to another Council Department has increased resources in the health and safety function however a major accident investigation has virtually negated any benefit to date. The need for additional resources in the food and consumer protection functions is being addressed with the appointment of an Environmental Health Officer to replace the Technical Assistant on retirement and reallocation of officer duties. Much of the Environmental Health Department’s work is reactive by nature and therefore many of the figures detailed in this plan, particularly for complaint work, are estimates based on the workload of the previous two years. Tasks times are based on an average expected time spend and will vary from case to case. Every attempt will be made to meet all the demands before the Department. Opportunities for time saving will be made where possible through continually improving efficiency and combining different activity inspection work. As resources are limited as shortfalls emerge throughout the year, the demands on the service will be prioritised.

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3.11 Outlook To 2011

The Department will be faced with several new pieces of legislation, which will have an impact on resources. These include the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill, Dogs (Amendment) and Welfare of Animals legislation, High Hedges Bill, Sunbeds Bill and further tobacco control legislation. The possible introduction of the ‘Food Hygiene Rating Scheme’ and the transfer of responsibility for the investigation of infectious disease notifications from Northern Group Systems to Council will also have significant implications in relation to resources. The publication of the HELANI strategic plan 2009-2011, the Public Health Pilot with the cluster councils and an increased emphasis on fuel poverty work continue to have an impact on resources. Future funding for fuel poverty, home safety and tobacco control work is uncertain and should such funding be withdrawn there will be a further negative impact upon the resources of the Department.

4.0 LIAISON WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS

The Environmental Health Department is linked to other Council Departments as per the Council organisational structure. These internal liaisons are augmented by direct contact with other external agencies and other Councils particularly those within the Northern Group area.

District Councils within the Northern Group area participate, at chief officer level, in the Northern Chief Environmental Health Officer’s Forum together with representatives from Northern Group Systems. This Forum ensures a consistent approach to the Environmental Health functions across the 10 District Councils comprising the Northern Group area. The Forum has a Food Sub Group; Health, Safety and Licensing Sub Group; Consumer Protection Sub Group and an Environmental Protection Sub Group. Each sub group comprises of specialist representatives from each of the 10 District Councils, a Principal EHO and Senior EHO from Northern Group Systems (NGS). Specialist support to the District Councils is available from Northern Group Systems through the Principal EHOs and their staff. Province-wide all District Councils and Groups participate in the Chief Environmental Health Officers Group which formed liaison groups to deal with many areas relevant to the specific core functions of the Environmental Health Department. These groups interact with various Government Departments and Agencies to ensure a consistent approach to the environmental health functions province-wide. Representation on bodies such as LACORS etc. and monitoring by FSA, HELA etc. ensures consistency across the UK. An example of an all Ireland approach is where the Food Safety Promotion Board addresses communicable disease control on an all Ireland basis involving, amongst others, the NHSSB, NGS and District Councils.

A schematic illustration of the above liaison is shown on the next page.

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4.1 Liaison with Other Organisations Chart

* See next page for glossary of terms

External FSA,DRD ,HPA , LACORS DARD, NEELB, Public Analyst, PH Lab, Private Sector Labs/test houses, PHA,QUB, PSNI,NITAP, NIHE,HSE, HELA,NSCA, CIEH,FCB, PH Medicine, Community Groups, NIO, RoSPA, DTI Consumer Safety Unit, Legal Representatives University of Ulster

Internal Chief Executive Corporate Services Building Control Tourism/Leisure Technical Services Development

NG Councils

Antrim B.C. Ballymena B.C. Ballymoney B.C. Carrickfergus B.C. Cookstown D.C. Coleraine B.C. Larne B.C. Magherafelt D.C. Newtownabbey B.C.

Moyle District Council

NG CEHO’s Forum

Forum Sub Groups

NGS (Environmental Health)

CEHOG

Belfast C.C. EGEHC SGEHC WGEHC

NI Food Liaison Group

LACORS

FSA

DARD

DRD/EHS

LARnet

Public Analyst, PHLS

FSPB

CDSC

PH Labs

JSG

Training Officers Group

Radiation Monitoring Group

HSCOG

DHSSPS

Local Authorities UK and/or European

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Liaison with Other Organisations Chart – Key to Abbreviations CDSC Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre

CEHOG Chief Environmental Health Officers Group

CIEH Chartered Institute of Environmental Health

DARD Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

DHSS&PS Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

DOE Department of the Environment

DTI Department of Trade and Industry

EHS Environment and Heritage Service

EGEHC Eastern Group Environmental Health Committee

FCB Fisheries Conservancy Board

FSA Food Standards Agency

FSPB Food Safety Promotion Board

HELA Health and Safety Executive/Local Authority Enforcement Liaison

Committee

HPA Health Promotion Agency

HSE Health and Safety Executive

JSG Joint Supervisory Group

LACORS Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services

LARnet Local Authority Radiation Monitoring Network

NEELB North Eastern Education and Library Board

PHA Public Health Agency

NIO Northern Ireland Office

NIFLG Northern Ireland Food Liaison Group

NIHE Northern Ireland Housing Executive

NITAB Northern Ireland Tenants Action Project

NGS Northern Group Systems

NSCA National Society for Clean Air

PH Labs Public Health Laboratory

PSNI Police Service for Northern Ireland

RoSPA Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

SGEHC Southern Group Environmental Health Committee

WGEHC Western Group Environmental Health Committee

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5.0 QUALITY 5.1 Quality Assessment

To ensure a consistent approach by all staff, regular monitoring will be carried out by the Environmental Health Manager. This is achieved using a combination of accompanied visits and examination of files, correspondence, computer records and workload distribution. A monthly team meeting is held with all staff to review how planned targets are being met. A minute record is kept of the meetings and is available for audit.

The Council’s complaints procedure has been widely published. Information leaflets are available explaining how to make a complaint about any aspect of the Council’s performance. This information is also available on the Council’s website www.moyle-council.org.

6.0 REVIEW 6.1 Review Against the Service Plan

Review of performance against the objectives and targets outlined in this plan will be carried out as follows:

Monthly review as per the above team meetings. Quarterly management review. Production of an annual report showing variance analysis with the

Environmental Health Service Plan and the Business and Improvement Plan.

6.2 Identification of any variation from the Service Plan

Should any review indicate that a major variance from the planned work programme is likely to occur, or is occurring the reasons for the shortfall will be investigated and a report, if necessary, brought to Council. That report will outline the reasons for the variance and seek Council approval for alteration of planned work, redirection of existing Departmental resources or request for provision of additional resources.

6.3 Areas of Improvement

Any shortfall, whether on quantity or quality, identified by the review of this plan will be documented and remedial measures outlined in an improvement plan

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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH FUNCTIONS

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7.0 FOOD SERVICE 7.1 Introduction

The Food Standards Agency was set up in April 2000 to protect people’s health and

protect the interest of consumers in relation to food. The Agency has a key role of

overseeing district councils’ food enforcement activities. The Agency has stated that it will

be proactive in setting and monitoring standards and auditing district councils’ enforcement

activities to ensure their activities are effective and undertaken on a more consistent basis.

The Agency regards service plans as an important part of the process to ensure national

priorities and standards are addressed and delivered locally. It is intended that service

plans will also have the effect of:

Focusing debate on key delivery issues

Providing an essential link with financial planning

Setting objectives for the future and identifying major issues that cross service

boundaries and

Providing a means of managing performance and making performance indicators

Moyle District Council’s service plan has been drawn up in accordance with guidance

given in the Food Standards Agency’s Framework Agreement on Local Authority Food

Law Enforcement and has been produced in co-operation with Northern Group Systems

and the other constituent councils of the Northern Group area.

The plan has been presented to and its contents agreed by Moyle District Council as

required by the Food Standards Agency.

7.2 Service Aims And Objectives

Aims

To protect consumers of food by ensuring that all food manufactured, prepared or supplied within the District: complies with the food safety requirements and is of the nature, substance and quality

demanded; and is of an acceptable quality and composition and is accurately labelled, presented and

advertised. To protect and promote the health of the public through health education, consumer awareness and participation in multi-disciplinary health promotion initiatives.

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Objectives To inspect all food hygiene premises, as per the recommended frequencies based on

risk assessments, assess food handling practices, identify hazards and take appropriate action to remedy problems identified.

To inspect all food standards premises, as per recommended frequencies based on risk assessment, to ensure that legal requirements are met in relation to the quality, composition, labelling and advertising of food.

To carry out a proactive and reactive food sampling programme for microbiological examination.

To undertake a proactive and reactive food sampling programme for chemical analysis.

To investigate complaints relating to food, food premises and practices. To investigate all incidences of food borne illnesses as notified by NHSSB or

members of the public. To respond to all food hazard warnings in accordance with Code of Practice issued

under the Food Safety (NI) Order 1991. To undertake all home authority responsibilities with respect to food produced within

the District. To provide advice as necessary on food safety related issues. To undertake health promotion/education activities.

All powers concerning the delivery of the food service except the institution of legal proceedings have been delegated to the Head of Environmental Health and the Environmental Health Manager. Powers have been further delegated to individual officers depending on their seniority and competence. Specialist Services The Council avails of the following services:

NGS Links to Organisation Specialist support Monitoring Food NIFLG of Sampling on complex issues Role Co-ordinating Regimes Role

Other specialist services are:- Public Health Laboratory Virology Laboratory at R.V.H. Antrim Area Hospital Laboratory Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Public Analyst Private Laboratories Public Health Agency North Eastern Education and Library Board Food Standards Agency Department of Environment Department of Health & Social Services

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Access to specialist advice is also available from the following: Collindale Campden & Chorleywood Health Promotion Agency Council Solicitors University of Ulster

Other departments within the Council provide services as and when required.

7.3 Scope of the Food Service

The Department is responsible for the enforcement of the Food Safety (NI) Order 1991, approved Codes of Practice and ancillary legislation made there under. This will be achieved by the following:

Inspections Response work Sampling Service Management Service Promotion

To make efficient use of resources food inspections are carried out where practical in combination with other statutory inspection work, for example, health and safety inspections.

7.4 Demands of the Food Service

The District has 374 food premises currently open for which the authority has food enforcement responsibility. They fall into the following usage categories:

O.C.D. Code No. of Premises Percentage %

A – Producers 0 0

B – Slaughterhouses 0 0

C – Manufacturers/Processors 18 5

D – Packers 0 0

E – Importers/Exporters 0 0

F – Distributors (including

wholesalers and transporters) 4 1

G – Retailers 79 21

H – Restaurants and Other Caterers 270 72

I – Materials and Articles

Manufacturers and Suppliers 0 0

J – Manufacture mainly selling by

retail 3 1

TOTAL: 374 100

24

Premises Producing Food of Animal Origin

There is 1 premises enforced and approved under Regulation (EC) 853/2004. This is a fishery products premises are inspected within the normal programme of inspections.

Home Authority Premises

The Council acts as home authority for 15 premises. Current Issues

Current issues that are liable to impact on the demands of the service in the forthcoming year are:

FSA Authority/LAEMS Introduction of Food Hygiene Rating System Lammas Fair Armoy Road Race Glens festival Investing for Health 2 Potential Premises Producing Food of Animal Origin

These issues necessitate a higher percentage time spend and officer expertise. 7.5 Enforcement Policy

Council adopted an enforcement policy based on Chief Environmental Health Officers N.I. Group approved framework to ensure consistency of enforcement across the province. Food businesses and the general public are given the opportunity of consulting our policies at any reasonable time and the documents will soon be made available on the council website. Council has formally adopted the Enforcement Concordat which has been drawn up by Government and lays down the key principles of good enforcement policy and practice which should be followed by central and local government enforcement authorities.

7.6 Food Premises Inspections

Council intends to carry out food hygiene and food standards inspections for compliance with the Food Safety (NI) Order 1991 at a minimum frequency as determined by the risk assessment scoring schemes contained in the Orders Code of Practice and other centrally issued re-scheduled inspection programmes. In addition the Council intends to inspect, approve, register and licence relevant premises.

Council intends to carry out food hygiene and food standards activities in accordance with the following approved policies:

Home Authority Principle Food Hygiene Enforcement Policy Food Standards Enforcement Policy Enforcement Concordat

25

During the year 2011/2012 the planned number of inspections is as follows:

Food Hygiene Inspections

Risk Category Frequency No of Premises

No of tasks

Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

A B C D E Unrated

6 months

12 months

18 months

24 months

36 months

6

31

122

74

46

95

12

31

59

36

21

48

6

4

3

2.5

2.0

3

72

124

177

90

42

144

TOTAL: 649

Food Hygiene Revisits

Risk Category

Frequency No of Premises

No of tasks

Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

A B C D E Unrated

100%

90%

60%

25%

15%

60%

6

31

122

74

46

95

12

28

35

9

3

29

2.0

1.75

1.50

1.25

1.25

1.50

24

49

52.5

11.25

3.75

43.5

NOTE: Frequency = Percentage of No of inspections. TOTAL: 184 Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

Introduction of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme in the District of Moyle is subject to availability of grant funding from the Food Standards Agency. If the scheme is introduced considerable time spend (approximately 335 hours) will be required to carryout the necessary premises file and database checks; to prepare businesses through mail shots, seminars, drop-in sessions and additional visits. This time spend will be off set by back filling of staff through grant funding.

26

Food Standards Inspections

Risk Category


No of tasks Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

A B C Unrated

12 months

24 months

60 months

1

77

149

147

1

67

56

48

5

3

2

2

5

201

112

96

TOTAL: 428

Food Standards Revisits

Risk Category


No of tasks

Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

A B C Unrated

100%

25%

10%

10%

1

77

149

147

1

16

5

5

1.75

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.75

20

6.25

6.25

NOTE: Frequency = Percentage of No of inspections TOTAL: 34.25 Additional time spends for food hygiene and food standards for more specialist/complex premises and legal proceedings: Council may seek additional specialist services from Northern Group Systems for specialist or complex processes to ensure competent inspections are carried out. Other expertise to assist with such activities may be obtained from outside agencies as outlined in paragraph 2.2.1 “Organisational Structure”.

Category No of Premises

Additional Time Spend

Total No of Hours

Premises producing food of animal origin Legal Proceedings

1

10 hrs/premises/ year

10

15

TOTAL: 25

27

7.7 Food Complaints and other tasks

No of Complaints / Inspections

Complaint / Inspection Type

Task Time (Hrs)

Total Hours

2

12

Complaints re premises Inspection of new premises

5.0

4.0

10

48

TOTAL: 58

The Council intends to continue to fully implement the approved the food complaints, policy and procedure. The likely demands on the service are based on trends in the past two years, as detailed below.

No of Complaints Task Time (Hrs) Total Hours

4

5.0

20

Home Authority Principle Moyle District Council has formally adopted the Home Authority Principle and in our role acting as a home or originating authority, place special emphasis on the legality of food originating within Moyle District Council area. Relevant businesses are encouraged to participate in and formally accept the Home Authority Principle. In addition to the resources in paragraph 7.6 it is estimated that the following additional resource is required.

No of Home Authority Premises Task Time (Hrs) Total Hours

15

3.0

45

Advice to Business and General Public

Council intends to provide advice to businesses in line with the approved Enforcement Concordat policy. The likely demands on the service are based on trends in the past two years as detailed below.

No of Advisory Visits/Enquiries Task Time (Hrs) Total Hours 30 Business 5 Public

1.0

0.25

30

2.5

28

The following training initiatives are planned during 2011/2012.

Course No of Courses

Teaching Time (Hrs)

Prep/Admin Time (Hrs)

Total Hours

CIEH Level 2 Food Safety in Catering* CIEH Level 2 Food Safety in Catering Refresher* CIEH Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering* Allergy Awareness Training General Hygiene Talks Cook It Group Training Butchers Seminar Food Standards Seminars (Naturally North Coast)

12

3

2

6

2

2

1

1

6

3

18

2

2

36

2

1

1

1

5

1.5

3

18

2

2

84

12

46

21

10

108

4

3

SUB TOTAL: 288 - CIEH Course Teaching time* - 202 TOTAL: 86

*Teaching time for CIEH Level 2 & 3 courses not included in resource demand as courses are self financing and taught in officer’s own time.

Food Inspection and Sampling The Council implements the approved chemical and microbiological sampling policies in accordance with the Northern Ireland Food Liaison Group document – Food Sampling Policies and Associated Guidance November 1998.

The Council implements its enforcement policies and the enforcement concordat where sample results are not considered to be satisfactory.

The Council has appointed a Public Analyst to carry out analysis of food samples procured from within the Council area. The Public Health Laboratory at Belfast City Hospital will carry out examination of food samples procured from within the Council area. The sampling programme incorporates participation in FSA, PHLS and CIEH sampling initiatives as they arise.

Microbiological Sampling Programme

No of Food Samples

No of Drinking Water Samples

Task Time (Hrs)

Total Hours

91

52

0.5

71.5

29

NOTE: Swabs may be taken in special circumstances, e.g. investigation of food poisoning outbreaks, and under guidance from the Public Health Laboratory. Swabs and reactive samples taken as part of a food poisoning investigation or in relation to a food complaint are included in the above total microbiological sample numbers.

Formal/Informal Sampling for Analysis Programme

A sampling programme has been drawn up by the Lead Officer Consumer Services. This is based on a target level of 1.5 samples/1000 populations and will focus on informal rather than formal samples. This sampling rate is lower than that recommended but reflects both the size of the authority and the low number of food manufacturers.

No of Samples Task Time (Hrs) Total Hours Formal Samples 6 Informal Samples 18

1.0

0.5

6

9

For reactive sampling the number of complaint samples for both examination and analysis is estimated as detailed below.

No of Reactive Samples

Task Time (Hrs) Total Hours

2

1.0

2

Sample Delivery Task Time (Hrs) Total Hours

15

3.5

52.5

Other Sampling

The department also samples private water supplies used in 7 businesses on behalf of the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

No of Sampling Events

Task Time (Hrs) Total Hours

12

2

24

30

Control and Investigation of Food Poisoning Outbreaks and Food Related Infectious Disease The Council will investigate all food poisoning outbreaks and food related infectious disease in accordance with the NHSSB, NGS (Environmental Health) and Northern Chief Officers Forum procedures in outbreak control and sporadic food borne illness. It is difficult to predict the demand on resources arising from outbreaks. Trends over the past two years throughout the Northern Group of Councils would indicate a time spend of 50 hours per investigation. This may increase appreciably depending on the scale of the outbreak and any enforcement action arising. In the event of a major outbreak this will be regarded as an emergency and resources will be redirected to enable a full investigation to be carried out.

The Council will investigate all notifications of infectious disease, received from the Northern Health and Social Services Board (NHSSB), within one working day of receipt. Environmental health officers within the Department are authorised by the NHSSB for the investigation of notifications. Investigation of outbreaks of food related infectious disease is conducted in liaison with the Consultant in Communicable Disease Control (CCDC) of the PHA, and in accordance with the existing Outbreak Control Plans and protocols.

Outbreak Investigation

No of Cases Task Time (Hrs) Total Hours

1

50.0

50

Sporadic Investigation No of Cases Task Time (Hrs) Total Hours

2

4.0

8

Infectious Disease Notification

No of Cases Task Time (Hrs) Total Hours

18

4.0

72

Food Safety Incidents The likely demands on the service based on trends in the past two years are detailed below.

(a) Food Alerts

No of Food Alert Notifications For

Action

Task Time (Hours) Total Hours

6

7.0

42

31

No of Alerts For Information

Task Time (Hours) Total Hours

40

0.25

10

(b) Voluntary Surrender/Unsound Food

No of Tasks Task Time (Hours) Total Hours

1

3.0

3

Food Safety and Standards Promotion

The following promotional activities will be undertaken:

Food Safety Week 20hrs Christmas Promotions (Cooking Turkey Leaflets) 5hrs Press Releases 4hrs Health Fair 7hrs

The effectiveness of the promotions will be assessed using, e.g. the evaluation methodology available for Food Safety Week, response levels to competitions and follow-up surveys of representative samples of those involved. Liaison 100 hours has been estimated for liaising with other organisations.

7.8 Training, Administration and Management Control

Total Hours

Training & Officer Development 100

Clerical 390

Management Control 210

TOTAL: 700

32

7.9 Summary of Food Service Resource Demand

Summary of Food Service Resource Demand Reference Task Hours

7.6 Food Hygiene Inspections 649 Food Hygiene Revisits 184 Food Standards Inspections 428 Food Standards Revisits 34.25 Complex Premises and Legal Proceedings 25

7.7 Food Complaints and other tasks 78 Home Authority Principle 45 Advice to Businesses and Public 32.5 Training Initiatives 86 Microbiological Sampling 71.5 Formal and Informal Sampling 15 Reactive Sampling 2 Sample Delivery 52.5 Other Sampling 24 Outbreak and Sporadic Outbreak Investigation 58 Infectious Disease Notification 72 Food Alerts 52 Unsound Food 3 Food Safety and Standards Promotion 36 Liaison 100

7.8 Training & Officer Development 100 Clerical 390 Management Control 210

TOTAL 2747.75

33

8.0 HEALTH & SAFETY SERVICE

8.1 Aims and Objective

Aims

To protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of employees and others against risks arising from work activities in premises for which Moyle District Council are the enforcing authority.

Objectives

To prioritise inspections and effectively target resources at high risk health and safety

premises as per the recommended frequencies based on the assessment of risk as well as targeting priority issue

To investigate notifiable accidents, dangerous occurrences and reportable diseases, according to priority, to determine if a breach of statute has occurred and to take appropriate action

To carry out proactive and reactive bathing water microbiological sampling programme To investigate all complaints relating to health and safety practices and premises To follow the spirit of the Lead Authority partnership principle with respect to premises

whose head office is located in the District To provide advice as necessary on health and safety issues To focus on specific workplace health and safety priority issues to allow contributions to

the strategic direction for health and safety in N.I. To work in partnership and fully engage stakeholders, including small businesses. To act as Health & Safety advisor to Council and it’s committees To maintain staff competency

8.2 Scope of the Health and Safety Service

The department is responsible for the enforcement of the Health and Safety at Work (N.I.) Order 1978, Approved Codes of Practice and ancillary legislation made thereunder. This will be achieved by the following:

Inspections Reactive work Sampling Service Management Service Promotion To make efficient use of resources, health and safety inspections are carried out where practical in combination with other statutory inspection work such as consumer safety and food safety inspections.

8.3 Demands of the Health and Safety Service

The District has 628 premises currently open for which the authority has health and safety enforcement responsibility. See table 1 for premises profile by usage category and table 2 for premises profile by risk category.

34

Table 1 – Health & Safety Premises Profile by category of use

HSWO Category No. of Premises Percentage %

Retail Shops 129 22

Wholesale shops, warehouses and fuel storage depots

10 1.5

Offices 41 7

Catering, restaurants and bars 120 20.5

Hotels, camp sites and other short stay accommodation

179 30

Residential care and child care 8 1.5

Leisure and cultural services 74 12.5

Consumer services 30 5

TOTAL: 591 100

Table 2 – Health & Safety Premises Profile by category of use

Risk Category Minimum Inspection Frequency

No. of Premises

Percentage %

A – High Risk 12 months 14 2.5

B1 – Intermediate Risk 24 months 46 8



B4 – Intermediate Risk 60 months 75 12.5

C – Low risk Alternative intervention Strategies

104 17.5

Unrated Unrated 234 39.5

TOTAL: 591 100 8.4 Health and Safety Inspections

The Department intends to carry out routine health and safety inspections for compliance with the Health and Safety (N.I.) Order 1978 at a minimum inspection frequency as determined by the risk assessment contained within HELA Guidance Circular LAC 67/1(rev.3)

All health and safety activities will be carried out in accordance with the Departments Enforcement Policy and the Enforcement Concordat.

Due to limited resources planned health and safety inspections will be carried out in higher risk premises only. Health & Safety issues in certain premises can be addressed during routine food hygiene inspections while others will be targeted using initiatives which focus on priority issues. The HSENI/ Local Council Planning and Development Group identified

35

safe maintenance as a key priority for joint working in 2011/12. The aim of the safe maintenance campaign is to raise awareness of the risks and associated risk management techniques and improve levels of compliance with statutory obligations associated with maintenance work, and in particular Isolation, work at heights and exposure to asbestos. From April 2011 onwards, 50% of normal inspection / investigation activities will raise the issue of maintenance safety and any relevant maintenance topic area.

The following priority issues will also be addressed during inspections as appropriate:

Musculoskeletal Disorders Work related stress Workplace transport Slips and trips Vulnerable workers Disease reduction including Legionella Noise Risk Assessment

Priority issue initiatives may also take the form of mail shots, organised training seminars and targeted inspections. Businesses within the district will continue to be consulted on their health and safety needs. This health and safety service plan may be reassessed in view of responses and deviated from as necessary to meet local demands. During 2011/2012 the Department intends to complete desktop risk assessments of all unrated health & safety premises in accordance with HELA Guidance Circular LAC 67/1(rev.3) to ensure that all premises are included in the programme of routine inspections During the year 2011/2012 the planned number of inspections is as follows: Health and Safety Inspections

Risk Category


No of tasks

Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

A B1 B2 Unrated

12 months

18 months

24 months

14

46

76

234

14

34

25

20

4.5

3.75

3.75

3.75

63

127.5

93.75

75

TOTAL: 359.25

36

Health and Safety Revisits

Risk Category


No of tasks

Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

A B1 B2 Unrated

100%

80%

60%

60%

14

46

76

234

14

27

15

12

1.5

1

1

1

21

27

15

12

NOTE: Frequency = Percentage of No of inspections TOTAL: 75 Alternative Enforcement Strategies (AES) Certain low risk premises will not receive a health and safety inspection during 2011/2012 but instead will be subject to an alternative enforcement strategy. Low risk (i.e. risk category B3, B4, and C) churches, church halls, guest houses, bed and breakfasts and self catering premises will be sent a health & safety information pack tailored to their business activities which will assist them to assess their level of compliance with legal requirements and where they may require further information or assistance.

Risk Category

No of targeted premises

No of tasks Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

B3 1 1 0.1 0.1 B4 28 28 0.1 2.8 C 52 52 0.1 5.2

Unrated 80 80 0.1 8 TOTAL : 161 TOTAL: 16.1

8.5 Accident Investigations and other Tasks

Accident Investigations, Complaints and Hazard Warnings

Tasks No. of Tasks

Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

Accident Investigations 5 3 15

Hazard Warning High Risk 1 2.5 2.5

Hazard Warning Low Risk 1 1 1

Complaints/service requests 20 1.5 30

Firework Event Inspection & Licences

4 4 16

TOTAL: 64.5

37

Advice to Business/Public and provision of training

Tasks No. of Tasks

Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

Enquiries 25 0.5 12.5

Promotional initiative on safe maintenance in the workplace for European Safety Week

1 8 8

Safe Maintenance Seminar 1 18 18

Butchers Safety Seminar 1 7 7

TOTAL: 45.5

Course No of Courses

Teaching Time (Hrs)

Prep/Admin Time (Hrs)

Total Hours

CIEH Level 2 Award in Health & Safety in the Workplace* CIEH Level 3 Award in Health & Safety in the Workplace*

1

1

6

18

3

4

9

22

SUB TOTAL: 31 - CIEH Course Teaching time* - 24 TOTAL: 7

*Teaching time for CIEH Level 2 & 3 courses not included in resource demand as courses are self financing and taught in officer’s own time.

Microbiological Sampling The Council intends to continue routinely sample recreational waters such as swimming pools, spa’s and jacuzzi’s.

Number of Water Samples

Task Time (hrs) Total Hours

65 0.5 32.5

TOTAL: 32.5 Legal Proceedings

Task No. of tasks

Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

Legal Proceedings 1 600 600

TOTAL: 600

38


Total Hours


Clerical 150


TOTAL: 410 8.1 Summary of Health & Safety Service Resource Demand

Summary of Health & Safety Service Resource Demand Reference Task Hours

8.4 Health & Safety Inspections 359.25 Health & Safety Revisits 75 Alternative Enforcement Strategy 16.1

8.5 Accident Investigation, Complaints and Hazard Warnings

64.5

Advice to Business/Public and provision of training

52.5

Microbiological Sampling 32.5 Legal Proceedings 600


TOTAL 1609.85

39

9.0 CONSUMER PROTECTION SERVICE 9.1 Aims and Objective

Aims To protect the consumer against the risk of injury from all unsafe goods by ensuring that those which are manufactured, supplied and/or utilised within the District are safe, fit for use, of genuine quality and correctly labelled. To protect and promote the safety of the public through home safety education, consumer awareness and participation in home safety and health promotion activities. Objectives To introduce and maintain a planned inspection programme for high risk premises

manufacturing, distributing or selling goods within the district. To investigate all complaints relating to the safety of consumer goods. To provide advice as necessary on issues relating to the safety of goods. To respond to all hazard warnings relating to the safety of goods. To undertake special surveys as directed by Northern Group Systems or as

deemed necessary. To undertake home safety and health promotion activities. 9.2 Scope of the Consumer Protection Service The department is responsible for the enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and regulations made thereunder. The Department is also responsible for the enforcement of a range of consumer safety regulations which implement the safety provisions of various European Community Directives. This will be achieved by the following: Inspections Reactive work Sampling Service Management Service Promotion To make efficient use of resources, consumer protection inspections are carried out where practical in combination with other statutory inspection work such as health and safety and food safety inspections. 9.3 Consumer Protection Inspections During 2010/2011 the Department intends to complete desktop risk assessments of consumer protection premises in order to update the computer system premises database. A programme of routine inspections will be developed in order to check for compliance with the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and associated legislation. These programmed inspections will be carried out at a minimum frequency as determined by the risk scoring scheme contained in the Northern Group Chief Officers Forum documented procedure No.9 – Premises Risk Assessment. All consumer protection activities will be carried out in accordance with the Departments Enforcement Policy, the Enforcement Concordat and the Home Authority Principle.

1

40

During the year 2011/2012 the planned number of inspections is as follows: Consumer Protection Inspections

Due to limited resources planned consumer protection inspections will be carried out in higher risk premises only.

No of tasks Task Time (hrs) Total Hours

5 4 20

TOTAL: 20

Consumer Protection Surveys/Initiatives

Consumer protection issues in premises will also be targeted using product specific surveys and initiatives. The surveys and initiatives planned for 2011 -2012.

Product/Survey

No of tasks

Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

Buoyancy Aids 10 0.5 5 Lammas Fair 20 0.3 6 Baby Products/Cosmetic Products/Nickel Jewellery

7 1.5 10.5

Children/Young Persons Protection from Tobacco (test purchasing)

17

1.2

20.4

Fireworks Labelling 3 1 3 Toys 10 2 20 Furniture 3 3 9 General Products 4 1.5 6 TOTAL: 79.9

Co-ordinated Surveys and Sampling

Additional co-ordinated surveys among the Northern Group of councils, as well as regional and national campaigns will be participated in as appropriate as they arise.

Consumer Protection Revisits

Risk Category/Activity

No. of tasks

Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

Revisits

8

1

8

TOTAL: 8

41

9.4 Consumer Protection Complaints and other tasks

Complaints and Hazard Warnings

Tasks No. of Tasks Task Time (hrs) Total Hours

Hazard Warnings 12 2 24

Complaints 1 8 8

TOTAL: 32

Specialist/Complex Activities

Tasks

No. of Tasks Task Time (hrs) Total Hours

Enquiries 5 0.5 2.5

Home Accident Prevention Meetings

12 3 36

Home Accident Prevention Projects

2 15 30

Other Meetings 10 2.25 22.5

Health Promotion Events

5 15 75

Fireworks Talks 2 3.5 7

Legal Proceedings 1 10 10

TOTAL: 183

Consumer Protection Sampling The Council intends to continue to fully implement the approved sampling procedure. Such sampling includes: Product specific surveys National survey samples Test purchase of suspect consumer good Test purchase of goods subject to complaint

Number of Tasks Task Time hrs) Total Hours

10 1 10

TOTAL: 10

42


Total Hours

Training & Officer Development

70

Clerical 100


TOTAL: 290 9.6 Summary of Consumer Protection Service Resource Demand

Summary of Consumer Protection Service Resource Demand Reference Task Hours

9.3 Consumer Protection Inspections 20 Consumer Protection Survey/Initiatives 79.9 Consumer Protection Revisits 8

9.4 Complaints and Hazard Warnings 32 Specialist/Complex Activities 183 Consumer Protection Sampling 10


TOTAL 622.9

43

10.0 GENERAL ENVIORNMENTAL HEALTH SERVICE 10.1 Aims and Objective

Aims To inspect the District in order to protect it’s inhabitants against public health nuisances. To fulfil the departments obligations pertaining to the privately rented sectors. Objectives To investigate all Public Health Nuisances arising in the District. To respond to consultations from the DoE Planning Service Scope of the General Environmental Health Service General Environmental Health works covers a range of legislation, such as: Public Health Nuisances Housing Regulation Harassment/Illegal Eviction

10.2 General Environmental Health Inspections & Assessments

The nature of the work in this area is reactive by nature and therefore the figures shown below are estimates. During the year 2011/2012 the planned number of inspections & assessments is as follows: General Environmental Health Inspections & Assessments

Activity No. of tasks

Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

Complaint Investigation 87 2 174 Private Tenancies Order 12 9 108 Harassment/Eviction 1 10 10 Planning Applications 160 0.5 80 Special Planning 40 6 240 Smoking Order 400 0.25 100

TOTAL: 712 General Environmental Health ReInspections


Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

Complaint Investigation 44 0.75 33 Private Tenancies Order 6 0.75 4.5 Smoking Order 30 0.5 15

TOTAL: 52.5

44

10.3 Sampling and Other tasks The Council intends to continue to monitor the quality of private and public water supplies in response to requests and/or complaints received. Samples will be taken for microbiological and/or chemical analysis as appropriate.

Task Type No. of tasks

Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

Water sampling 52 1 52 Property Certificates 180 0.1 18 Exhumations 0 4 0 Enquiries 100 0.25 25 Legal Proceedings 1 20 20

TOTAL: 115 10.4 Training, Administration and Management Control

Total Hours


Clerical 180


TOTAL: 580 10.5 Summary of General Environmental Health Service Resource Demand

Summary of General Environmental Health Service Resource Demand Reference Task Hours

10.2 General Environmental Health Inspections and Assessments

712

General Environmental Health ReInspections 52.5 10.3 Sampling and other Tasks 115 10.4 Training & Officer Development 80

Clerical 180 Management Control 320

TOTAL 1459.5

45

11.0 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SERVICE


Aims To safeguard the public against the effects of environmental pollution whether in water, air, land or noise. Objectives To investigate all complaints from commercial, industrial and domestic premises. To monitor air quality in the District. To authorise and monitor all Part C processes under the Pollution Prevention and

Control Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003. To provide advice on all environmental protection matters to all sections of the

community. To investigate incidences of fly-tipping.

11.2 Scope of the Environmental Protection Service

Environmental Protection work covers a range of legislation and duties, such as: Industrial Pollution Control Radiation Monitoring Air Quality Monitoring Pollution Control Complaints

11.3 Environmental Protection Inspections & Assessments

The nature of much of the work in this area is reactive and therefore the figures for the response work shown are estimates. During the year 2011/2012 the planned number of inspections & assessments is shown over page:

46

Environmental Protection Inspections & Assessments

Activity No. of tasks Task Time

(hrs) Total Hours

Waste Complaint (fly tipping) 32 0.75 24 Abandoned Vehicles 3 0.8 2.4 Art 66 Dilapidated Buildings 2 4 8 Domestic Noise Complaints 40 1 40 Commercial/Industrial/Recreational Noise Complaints

6

4

24

Air Pollution Complaints 2 0.5 1 Air Quality Monitoring 12 7 84 Air Quality Application and Reports 4 7 28 IPC Non-Petrol Premises Process Applications

1

45

45

IPC Petrol Premises Process Applications

0

10

0

IPC Non-Petrol Premises Inspection

2

10

20

IPC Petrol Premises Inspection 3

2

6

Litter Order Complaints 24 0.6 14.4 Dog Foul/Litter patrols 180 0.75 135 Special Litter & Fouling Patrols 10 2 20 Other EP Complaints 3 1 3

TOTAL:

454.8

Environmental Protection Reinspections & Assessments

Activity No. of tasks Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

Abandoned Vehicles 2 0.5 1 Art 66 Dilapidated Buildings 3 1 3 Domestic Noise Complaints 10 1.10 11 Commercial Noise Complaints

3 2 6

Air Pollution Complaints 1 0.5 0.5 Other EP Complaints 1 0.5 0.5

TOTAL:

22

47

11.4 Sampling and Other tasks

Task Type

No. of tasks

Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

Litter Campaigns 1 2.5 2.5 Radiation Monitoring 6 1.5 9 Chimney Height 0 4 0 Health Promotion 1 3 3 Enquiries 40 0.25 10 Legal Proceedings 1 12 12 TOTAL: 36.5


Total Hours


Clerical 240


TOTAL: 570 11.6 Summary of Environmental Protection Service Resource Demand

Summary of Environmental Protection Service Resource Demand Reference Task Hours

11.3 Environmental Protection Inspections and Assessments

454.8

Environmental Protection ReInspections and Assessments

22

11.4 Sampling and other Tasks 36.5 11.5 Training & Officer Development 100


TOTAL

1083.3

48

12.0 LICENSING & REGULATORY SERVICE


Aims To ensure the safety and protection of the public from specified activities that are subject to licensing, registration and inspection. Objectives To licence dogs, register breeding establishments, deal with stray and unwanted

dogs and investigate all dog attack complaints. To enforce Council Byelaws To inspect and licence street traders, caravan sites, petrol filling stations. To register premises in respect of cosmetic piercing, semi permanent skin

colouring, acupuncture and electrolysis treatments. To process firework applications and monitor events as deemed necessary

12.2 Scope of the Licensing & Regulatory Service Licensing & Regulatory work covers a range of legislation such as:

Dogs (NI) Order 1983 Moyle District Council Byelaws Street Trading Act (NI) 2001 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (NI) Order 1985 Caravan Act (NI) 1963 Petroleum Consolidation Act (NI) 1929

12.3 Licensing & Regulatory Inspections

During the year 2011/2012 the planned number of inspections & assessments is shown overpage:

49

Licensing & Regulatory Inspections & Assessments

Activity

No. of tasks Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

Petroleum Licence 7 3 21 LGMPO-Closing Orders 0 2 0 Byelaw Registration 5 1 5 Street Trading 228 1.0 228 Alcohol Byelaws Signage 4 6.5 26 Poisons/pesticides 4 1 4 Misc Byelaws 2 2 4 Caravan Sites 14 1.5 21 Stray Dogs 80 2 160 Unwanted Dogs 30 1 30 Dog Attacks on Persons 10 2.5 25 Dog Attacks on Livestock 4 2.5 10 Dangerous Dogs 1 5 5 Breeding Establishments 0 2 0 Dog Licensing 1700 0.20 340 General Patrols 150 1 150 Misc Dogs 15 1.5 22.5 TOTAL: 1051.5

Licensing & Regulatory Reinspections


Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

LCMPO-Closing Orders - 0.75 - Byelaw Registration 2 0.75 1.5 Street Trading 80 0.75 60 Misc Byelaws 1 1 1 Caravan Sites 5 1 5 Dog Attacks 6 1 6 Breeding Establishments - 1 -

TOTAL: 73.5

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12.4 Other tasks

Task Type No. of tasks Task Time hrs) Total

Hours Enquiries 200 0.25 50 Vet Examination 3 3 9 Health Promotion 3 3 9 Kennel Club - 5 - Legal Proceedings Dogs 2 7 14 Legal Proceedings other 1 7 7


Total Hours


Clerical 1080


TOTAL: 1320 12.6 Summary of Licensing & Regulatory Service Resource Demand

Summary of Licensing & Regulatory Service Resource Demand Reference Task Hours

12.3 Licensing & Regulatory Inspections and Assessments

1051.5

Licensing & Regulatory ReInspections 73.5 12.4 Other Tasks 89 12.5 Training & Officer Development 80


TOTAL

2534

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13.0 ADMINISTRATIVE, CORPORATE AND OTHER DUTIES

Activity/Task No of Officers

No of tasks

Task Time (hrs)

Total Hours

EHD Team Meetings 8 24 1 192 Student Training - - 1.5 - Corporate Plan 1 1 15 15 EH Plan 1 1 30 30 Strategic Management Team

1 24 2 48

Council and Committee meetings

1 20 3.5 70

Policy Development 1 3 10 30 Service Review 2 1 10 20 HS Working Group 3 12 1.5 54 Corporate Health & Safety 1 - - 50 Life saving equipment checks

1 36 10 360

Playground safety checks 1 12 14 168 Represent MDC at External Events

1 4 3 12

NCEHOF Sub Group 5 4 5 100 NCEHO Forum Meeting 1 12 5 60 CEHOG Meeting 1 6 5 30 Misc Corporate Meetings 1 6 1 6


Total Hours


Clerical 390


TOTAL: 680

13.2 Summary of Administrative & Corporate Duties Service Resource Demand

Summary of Administrative & Corporate duties Resource Demand Reference Task Hours

13.0 Administrative, Corporate and other duties 1245 13.1 Training & Officer Development 170


TOTAL 1925

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14.0

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

BUSINESS & PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PLAN

2011 - 2012

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MISSION STATEMENT

The aim of the Department is to provide a best value, comprehensive Environmental Health Service in a sustainable, efficient and effective manner. The purpose of the service is to protect and enhance the environment, protect the health and safety of residents and visitors to the

District and to monitor the quality of defined environmental factors.

All aspects of environmental health will be addressed including public health, food safety, health and safety, environmental protection, licensing and regulation.

Items marked * denote improvements

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CORPORATE THEME DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVE (all sections) MEASUREMENT Being a well-run Council

1. To ensure quality and monitor the performance and development of

officers, line managers will:- (a) Undertake at least 1 joint visit with each officer in the section per year (b) Evaluate at least 4 files involving visits or investigations for each

officer in the section per year.

Statistical information

Being a well-run Council

2. Complete identified training needs for all staff.

Provision of training


3. To achieve net expenditure within the agreed target.

Year end accounts

Delivering Exceptional Services

4. To further develop the Environmental Health section of the Council’s

Website.

Enhanced website


5. To deliver the agreed actions in the Northern Investing for Health

action plan relevant to Moyle District Council

End of year report

Providing Leadership for Moyle

6. To co-ordinate information for Council Emergency Response Plan.

Updated Emergency Response Plan


7. To reply to letters within target response time where applicable.


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CORPORATE THEME DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVE (all sections) MEASUREMENT Delivering Exceptional Services

8. To distribute the Environmental Health Newsletter to businesses twice per year

Distribution of newsletter


9. To work towards a clear desk office environment. 10.To reduce the amount of paper used and stored with the Department.

11. To make better use of software capabilities to reduce administrative

time spend.

Introduction of new systems

CORPORATE THEME DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVE (Food Safety) MEASUREMENT Delivering Exceptional Services

12. To carry out planned Food Safety inspections to the following minimum

levels and eliminate back log of outstanding inspections Food Hygiene - High Risk 90%* Food Hygiene – Low Risk 80%* Food Standards 75% *

Statistical analysis


13. To carry out planned Food Safety sampling programmes to the

following minimum levels Microbiological samples 95% Chemical samples 95%



14. To assess the demand for CIEH Level 2 Food Safety in Catering; Level 3 in Supervising Food Safety in Catering and refresher Courses. Deliver courses as appropriate

Completion of courses

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CORPORATE THEME DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVE (Food Safety) MEASUREMENT Delivering Exceptional Services

15. To raise food safety awareness via the following initiatives linked to

National Food Safety Week (June 2010) –

a. Press release b. Run a competition

Completion of initiatives


16. To deliver a seminar to butchers in the District focusing on food

hygiene (e.coli, cleaning) and food standards (labeling) issues.

Completion of seminar


17. In conjunction with the Council ‘Naturally North Coast’ initiative, raise awareness of food standards among catering businesses.

Completion of seminar/initiative


18. To raise awareness of food allergies among catering and certain retail businesses through delivery of a series of seminars

Completion of seminars


19. To prepare food businesses for the introduction of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

Provision of information


20. To respond to at least 95% of food complaints within the target response time


CORPORATE THEME DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVE (Health & Safety) MEASUREMENT Delivering Exceptional Services

21. To carry out planned Health & Safety inspections to the following

minimum levels:

Health & Safety at work – 60% for premises rated A-B2 *


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CORPORATE THEME DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVE (Health & Safety) MEASUREMENT Delivering Exceptional Services

22. To respond to 90% of requests for service, hazard warnings, reports of

accidents diseases or dangerous occurrences within target response times.*

Statistical Analysis


23. To implement the HELANI Strategy as per sub-group workplan for the

year 09-11 to a level of 100%*

Completion of work plan


24. To promote safe maintenance in the workplace during European Safety

Week

Completion of initiative


25. To assess the demand for Level 2 Award in Health & Safety in the

workplace and Level 3 Award in Health & Safety in the workplace courses and provide if sufficient interest

Completion of course as appropriate


26. To deliver a seminar to butchers in the District focusing on various aspects of health and safety.

Completion of seminar

CORPORATE THEME DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVE (Consumer Protection) MEASUREMENT Delivering Exceptional Services

27. To complete desktop risk assessments of consumer protection

Premises. Develop a programme of routine inspections and carry out planned Consumer Safety inspections to the following minimum levels:

Consumer Safety - 80% for premises rated High*

Completion of desktop assessment & statistical analysis


28. To respond to at least 95% of consumer protection complaints within

the target response time.

Statistical Information

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29. To undertake an initiative regarding tobacco sales and volatile solvent

to young persons and children including test purchasing in relevant premises in Moyle District.



30. To carry out consumer protection surveys/inspections in relation to the

following products : buoyancy aids, cosmetics, nickel jewellery, baby products, fireworks labeling, toys, furniture and general products.

Completion of surveys/inspections


31. To undertake additional co-ordinated surveys among the Northern Group of councils, as well as regional and national campaigns as they arise.

No. of surveys carried out


32. To co-ordinate and oversee the administration of the grant awarded by

Investing for Health in relation to the Home Safety check scheme.

33. To co-ordinate and oversee the administration of the grant awarded by Investing for Health in relation to the Home Safe event and Streetwise including organisation of the event.

Implementation of schemes and organistaion of events


34. To participate in the Hazard House initiative

Participation in initiative


35. To hold the post of Secretary to the Moyle Home Accident Prevention

Group and to facilitate, organise and assist with Home Accident Prevention Initiatives.

No. of initiatives organised


36. To raise awareness of the no smoking message through initiatives linked to ‘No Smoking Day’


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37. To organise Firework Safety seminars for secondary schools in the

district.

Completion of seminars

CORPORATE THEME DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVE (Environmental Protection) MEASUREMENT Delivering Exceptional Services

38. To ensure that all relevant processes are issued with permits under

the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations (NI) 2003.



39. Ensure that inspection rates for authorised/permitted processes issued under relevant pollution control legislation to at least 90% of target level.



40. To respond to at least 95% of environmental protection complaints within the target response time.



41. To increase the number of fixed penalties issued under the Litter (N.I.) Order 1994 by 20%*



42. To raise awareness and promote the anti litter message aimed at reducing the incidence of littering and dog fouling throughout the District.

Completion of promotional activities.


43. To monitor bonfires throughout the district and if necessary implement measures aimed at reducing the impact on air quality and visual amenity.

Complete review & implementation of relevant measures


44. To raise awareness of noise pollution through promotional activities

linked to ‘Noise Action Week’


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CORPORATE THEME DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVE (Environmental Protection) MEASUREMENT Delivering Exceptional Services

45. Sustain the number of valid days air quality monitoring at 95%. 46. Complete and submit Air Quality Grant application. 47. Complete Air Quality Detailed Report for District.

48. To promote use of air quality trailer in schools; assess demand and provide as required.

No. of valid days air quality monitoring Completion of application Completion of report Completion of initiative as required


49. To improve the physical and visual amenity of the District through

appropriate use of powers under Article 66 of the Pollution Control and Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.

Improvements to targeted properties

CORPORATE THEME DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVE (Environmental Health) MEASUREMENT Delivering Exceptional Services

50. To respond to at least 95% of public health complaints within the

target response time.



51. To carry out a customer satisfaction survey of persons making complaints under environmental health legislation during the year.

Completion and analysis of findings

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CORPORATE THEME DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVE (Licensing & Regulatory) MEASUREMENT Delivering Exceptional Services

52. To respond to at least 95% of property certificates within the target response time.



53. To increase the number of licensed dogs in the District by 5%

% increase in number of dogs licensed


54. To process 90% of licence applications and renewals for Petroleum Licences within agreed target.



55. To monitor the level of street trading in the District on a quarterly

basis to ensure 85% of traders identified are appropriately licensed.

56. To monitor the level of street trading at community events throughout the district and report to Council.

% Traders Licensed


57. To participate in the ‘Heart of the Glens’ Festival 2011 promoting responsible dog ownership.

Participation


58. To carry out an initiative with schools on responsible dog ownership,

welfare and littering in conjunction with Dogs Trust



59. To promote Council’s dog micro chipping service and increase the % of licensed dogs in the District microchipped to 25%*

% of licensed dogs microchipped


60. To complete the review of current caravan licensing condition

Completion of review

Documents

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY … plan .pdfPage 1 of 61 Environmental Health Department ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY PLAN 2011/2012