Definition:
The identification, monitoring and evaluation of health risks, nuisances and hazards and instituting remedial and preventative measures.
This function includes:
- The identification, monitoring and evaluation of health risks, nuisances and hazards.
- Taking action in terms of the Health Act, 1977 (Act 63 of 1977) to ensure that corrective and preventative measures are implemented.
- Provide inputs towards environmental impact assessments on health related issues.
- The prevention or reduction of any condition on any premises that may be hazardous to the health or welfare of people.
- Law enforcement.
- Educating communities of the Cape Winelands on communicable diseases.
Premises:
- Abattoirs
- Intensive animal keeping
- Offensive trades
- Crematoria
- Medical waste generators
- Medical centres
- Hospitals
- Pharmacies
- Old age homes
- Places of care
- Veterinarians
- Public places
- Places of gathering
- Cemeteries
- Sports fields
- Public facilities
- Public conveniences
- State and parastatal premises
- Schools
- Public service facilities (E.g. Municipal buildings, Police stations & Post office)
- Educational Institutions
- Crèches
- Private schools
- Tertiary educational institutions
- Business Premises
- Industrial Premises
Health Input Regarding Local Municipal Functions
Although certain functions have been listed as local municipal functions, the nature of the application requires an input regarding health related issues and these functions includes the following:
Land-Use Planning
Ordinance 15 of 1985, Ordinance to regulate Land Use Planning and to provide for matters incidental thereto, stipulates that a number of departments must give input on amended land-use, one of which is Municipal Health Services.
All applications for changes in land-use planning received by the local municipality are also forwarded to the Municipal Health Services Section of District Municipalities for inputs on health related issues.
Building Control
The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977(Act 103 of 1977) in sections 7 and 10 refer to health as well as safety and thus requires an input on issues relating to health.
Municipal Health Services provide an input towards all building plan applications received by category B municipalities.
Municipal Health Services at the Cape Winelands District Municipality also provides a full building control service in the District managerial area.
Business Licensing
In terms of the Businesses Act, 1991 (Act 71 of 1991) businesses listed in Annexure 1, Items 1 and 2 must apply for a business licence. In section 2(4) (a) of the Act health and safety is given as a reason for the refusal of the issuing of a business license. The nature of these types of businesses makes it imperative that an input regarding health related issues be obtained in the consideration of such applications.