National Norms and Standards relating to Environmental Health

that all possible health impacts of an activity are considered in decision making for environmentalauthorisation.8. Building plans inspectionsa) Inspection of building plans for housing projects or building extensions and provide health commentwith regards to lighting and ventilation, sanitation, water supply and waste.SECTION 25: COMPLIANCE ENFORCEMENT1. EHPs must investigate any non conformances in relation to requirements relating to premises andtake appropriate action.2. In case of other non conformances an EHP should issue compliance notice to the person in charge orthe offender in terms of the National Health Act 61 of 2003, or the relevant Municipal By-laws,prescribing the nature of the offence and the corrective action that should be taken within aprescribed time period.3. If non conformances still exist upon follow up inspection, an EHP may issue a warning notice, withcompliance period, if deemed necessary or serve spot fine or a notice to appear in court. Spot finesand notices issued to appear in court shall be followed up by the EHP until the matter is resolved. Ifnon conformances still prevails, despite compliance notices and legal action taken, the municipalitymay exercise any remedial measures to remove the nuisance and recover the costs thereof from theowner.4. The severity of the health and safety risks should always be considered when environmental healthcompliance enforcement is exercised. “Zero tolerance” approach in extreme health and safety risksand any other risks so deserving in the opinion of the EHP, shall be exercised e.g. illegal dumping ofhealth care risk, where if the offender is caught red handed, can be fined and instructed to removethe dump immediately without being given any compliance.5. EHPs should cooperate and collaborate with other pollution control agencies, such as the “GreenScorpions” in enforcement of environmental law.DOH. Norms and standards for environmental health in South Africa Feb 2013 77