Environmental Health - Department of Environmental Health
Environmental Health
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Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering is that branch of engineering which is concerned with: the protection of human population from the effects of adverse environmental conditions; the protection of the environment from potentially deleterious effects of human activities; and the improvement of environmental quality for human health and well-being.
The Environmental Health Engineering section oversees the environmental health aspects of building development, ensuring that projects meet established health and safety standards. This includes reviewing environmental impact studies, technical reports, and pollution control measures, as well as inspecting completed developments for compliance. The team prepares engineering reports, conducts research and data analysis, and inspects pollution control systems. They also review and approve swimming pool and spa designs, carry out routine inspections, and provide expert advice to the Chief Environmental Health Officer on environmental engineering matters.
Environmental Health Laboratory
The Environmental Health Laboratory (EHL) provides analytical services in support of the Department of Environmental Health in its mandate of monitoring and controlling environmental conditions that may adversely affect human health. It assists Environmental Health personnel with the carrying out of audits or investigations, collecting samples, analysis and the provision of data and recommendations. The EHL strives to ensure that such information obtained is accurate, precise, legally defensible and produced in a timely fashion.
Food Hygiene Safety
Food Safety refers to the handling, processing, preparing and storing of food in a way to best reduce the risk of individuals becoming sick from foodborne illnesses.In the Cayman Islands, food safety is primarily the responsibility of the Department of Environmental Health (DEH). The DEH Food Safety team is responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of the Food Safety and Surveillance programme.
It employs Environmental Health Officers (EHO) with specific responsibility to ensure that food businesses operate in a safe and hygienic way.
Port Health
The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has responsibility for the Port Health Surveillance aimed at inspecting/monitoring/enforcing vessels and aircraft as well as food establishments that are associated with the operations at the ports of entry in accordance with local and international health regulations.
The Port Health and Quarantine Officer is the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) assigned to conduct these inspections to ensure satisfactory sanitary conditions are followed to prevent the importation of disease and ensure all food safety standards for imported foods.
Rodent Control
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Providing guidance and support in rodent control and prevention
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Reducing the risk of blood-borne diseases and infections in barbershops, tattoo and cosmetology establishments
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Preventing the accumulation of refuse that can attract insects or vermin
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Ensuring proper wastewater management and sewage disposal
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Promoting adequate ventilation, whether natural or artificial
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Supporting the safe delivery and storage of potable water
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Helping to prevent overcrowding in residential facilities where practical
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Maintaining public sanitary conveniences to promote a clean, healthy environment
District Sanitation/Surveillance
The District Sanitation/Surveillance section is one of the key components of the Department of Environmental Health (DEH). Activities under this section are performed by Environmental Health Officers (District) who are responsible for the vigilance, monitoring, inspections, surveillance and reinforcement of the Public Health Act and DEH guidelines.
The Environmental Health Officers (District) identify and ensure that environmental related issues that may be prejudicial to health are prevented or addressed in a timely manner in order to ensure a safe environment in the Cayman Islands.
