Public Health
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Public Health FAQ for the community
Personal actions are essential to protect public health, reducing the risks from pests, environmental hazards, and diseases.
Public health pests such as rats, pigeons and cockroaches, spread diseases and increase allergies and asthma. Effective pest management involves reducing waste, disposing of it properly, and removing pest breeding sites and food sources.
Please note that the City of Playford does not provide pest control services for private properties.
Rainwater can carry impurities like dust, pollutants, and microorganisms picked up from the atmosphere and environment. Proper maintenance of rainwater systems can help minimise risks and improve water safety for household use.
Asbestos is a heat-resistant mineral once widely used in construction. Many older homes may still contain asbestos, which presents serious health risks if disturbed. Inhalation of its fibres can lead to lung cancer and mesothelioma, so it must be safely removed and disposed. Advice on safe removal of asbestos is available at asbestos.sa.gov.au.
Mosquitoes can transmit diseases like Ross River Virus and Japanese Encephalitis, leading to serious health issues. Their bites can also cause allergic reactions and skin irritations. It is important to prevent mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water around your home, such as in containers or gutters. Additionally, covering up with long sleeves, pants, and using insect repellent can help protect you from bites.
Sharps, including syringes and needles, must be safely disposed of in a rigid-walled container, not regular household bins. For safe removal from public areas, contact the City of Playford at 8256 0333.
Playford residents can dispose of containers of needles at the sharps bin in the northern carpark of the City of Playford Operations Centre, 12 Bishopstone Road, Davoren Park.
The SA Health Needle and Syringe Program provides a range of services including the provision of sterile needles and syringes, sharps disposal containers and disposal facilities, information, education and referral for people who inject drugs.
Hoarding involves acquiring and struggling to discard items that others may see as unnecessary. Recognised as a psychiatric condition since 2013, it differs from simple messiness or collecting. Hoarding affects not only individuals but also their families, friends, and communities. Squalor describes a living space that is cluttered, filthy, and neglected. Both hoarding and squalor can lead to unsafe environments for household inhabitants and visitors.
For further information and assistance:
Severe domestic squalor | SA Health
Mental health services | SA Health
Older persons mental health services | SA Health
Geriatric Evaluation and Management Units | SA Health
Access Australian aged care information and services | My Aged Care
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Hoarding and Squalor Support Services | Catholic Healthcare
Clandestine drug laboratories (clan labs) pose significant public health risks due to hazardous chemicals used in drug manufacturing. Residues from drug production can linger on surfaces, exposing occupants to harmful substances and professional remediation is essential.
If a clandestine drug lab is found, police will investigate, seize evidence, and notify public health authorities to address any risks. Do not touch or attempt to shut down a clan lab. Instead, call triple zero (000) so trained experts can safely handle and dismantle it, as attempting to do so yourself can be dangerous or even fatal.
Clandestine drug laboratories | SA Health
A clandestine drug laboratory was detected on my property — what happens now? | SA
Home swimming pools and spas, if not maintained correctly, can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, viruses, and algae. Regular cleaning, filtration, and chemical treatment are essential to ensure safe water and prevent hazards.
Mites, fleas and lice are public health pests that bite or infest humans, causing itching, discomfort and sometimes disease. Scabies mites burrow into the skin, while fleas and lice spread through close contact, soft furnishings, and clothing. These pests are often carried by animals like rodents, pets, and wildlife. They thrive in crowded or unclean conditions, making hygiene and pest control essential for prevention.
Call 08 8256 0333
Email eho@playford.sa.gov.au
Public Health FAQ for Businesses
Certain hazards are associated with specific industries. Public health guidelines, standards and regulations are in place to manage these risks.
Hairdressing, beauty, piercing, and tattooing services involve close physical contact with clients, as well as the use of tools and products that can cause injuries or infections. Guidelines have been developed to help prevent the spread of diseases and ensure the safety of both clients and staff.
City of Playford Environmental Health Officers conduct routine inspections to assess risks and business' compliance with guidelines. All businesses offering hair, beauty, or skin penetration services must notify the council.
Cooling towers and warm water systems are classified as high-risk manufactured water systems (HRMWS) and must be registered with the City of Playford. HRMWS must undergo regular maintenance and treatment to minimise the risk of disease caused by Legionella.
All recreational and therapeutic pools, spas and waterparks open to the public must be managed by someone with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience. The owner and operator are responsible for ensuring the pool water quality complies with the standards set out in the Public Health (General) Regulations 2013.
For businesses that supply non-mains drinking water to the public, they must:
- Adhere to the Safe Drinking Water Act 2011
- Register with SA Health to be a water supplier
- Develop and implement a risk management plan
Note: This does not apply to domestic use of rainwater tanks or other private supplies.
Call 08 8256 0333
Email eho@playford.sa.gov.au