The Consultation Summary for the Discussion Papers Air-handling and water systems review Part 1 and 2 summarises community, government and industry stakeholder responses to the Department of Health’s two-part consultation on the public health risks associated WA systems. This report includes the next steps to update the regulations for air handling and water distribution systems. The Minister has approved the creation of regulations. Refer to the regulation review program for further updates. 

EHD has developed three new documents providing information on COVID-19 and ventilation.
Information on COVID-19 and building ventilation is aimed at business and industry and is located on the Department of Health corporate website.
Information on COVID-19 and ventilation at home and Information on COVID-19 and air purifiers/cleaners are directed at the general public and are published on HealthyWA.

A few Local Governments have expressed their interest in undertaking food sampling from temporary food premises that only operate over the weekend. Clearance must be obtained from the Food Unit prior to collecting food samples during the weekend for drop off at PathWest. Prior to collecting food samples during the weekend for drop off at PathWest, clearance must be obtained from the Food Unit.
This will enable PathWest to organise for weekend staff and to ensure the samples are processed within the required timeframe.
Contact the Food Unit at foodsafety@health.wa.gov.au for further information.

The Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) and the State Health Incident Coordination Centre (SHICC) have merged to streamline the COVID-19 response within the Department of Health. The SHICC Public Health Bulletins (formally PHEOC Bulletins) provide a summary of new COVID-19 public health information including announcements, new and changed Directions and resources and links to further information sources.  The Bulletin is published and circulated weekly, if you are not on the mailing list send your details to PHEOC@health.wa.gov.au.

The Emergency Response Unit within the Environmental Health Directorate (EHD) is developing a number of specific resources for local governments in regards to emergency recovery. One of these resources is a “Safer homes after an emergency” fact sheet. The fact sheet has been developed to provide “snap shot” guidance on key Environmental hazards after a natural disaster.
The EHD encourages Local Governments to print this resource in preparation for any emergency events that may occur. The resource can then be easily distributed to affected residents, especially in the event of a power outage.
 If you have not already received a PDF printable version of the fact sheet via email, please  don’t hesitate to request a copy or send a query here ERU@health.wa.gov.au.
The Environmental health risks during and after a bushfire webpage provides a comprehensive list of public and environmental health hazards that may occur in and around a property and the general community following a substantial bushfire. HealthyWA also provides a webpage of information useful for the community After a bushfire – hazards on your property (healthywa.wa.gov.au).
 

Heatwaves have become a serious public health issue, causing more deaths in Australia in the past 200 years, than any other natural hazard. The Department of Health's State Hazard Plan outlines the State’s strategies for the control of the emergency response in the management of a heatwave emergency. With the likelihood of more hot weather to come, the community should be reminded of how to stay safe during hot weather. Refer to the heat webpage on the HealthyWA website for information on the health effects of heat, heat stress, protecting yourself during hot weather and keeping pets safe.

The conference aims to enhance knowledge in the diverse range of issues that are dealt with by Environmental Health Practitioners, and allow delegates networking opportunities during the breaks and social functions. More information including registration details can be found on the conference website.