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Shire of Kalamunda – Hoarding and Squalor Guideline
Contents 1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1
2.0 Background And Definitions .................................................................................... 1
2.1 Hoarding ......................................................................................................................... 2 2.1.1 Animal Hoarding .............................................................................................................. 2 2.2 Squalor ............................................................................................................................ 3
3.0 Stakeholders ............................................................................................................ 4
4.0 Procedures ............................................................................................................... 5
4.1 Occupational Health And Safety ........................................................................................ 5 4.2 Investigation Procedure .................................................................................................... 7 4.3 Case Management ............................................................................................................ 7 4.1.1 Mental Health Referrals .................................................................................................... 8 4.2 The Clean Up Process ....................................................................................................... 8 4.2.1 Commercial Cleaners ........................................................................................................ 9 4.2.2 Waste Disposal ................................................................................................................ 9
5.0 Legal Provisions ..................................................................................................... 10
6.0 Budgetary Considerations...................................................................................... 12
7.0 Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 12
8.0 Recommendations ................................................................................................. 13
9.0 References ............................................................................................................. 14
Appendix A ............................................................................................................................. 1
Appendix B ............................................................................................................................. 3
Appendix C ............................................................................................................................. 4
Appendix C ............................................................................................................................. 1
Appendix D ............................................................................................................................ 5
Appendix E ............................................................................................................................. 6
Appendix F ............................................................................................................................. 7
Appendix G ............................................................................................................................ 8
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 1
1.0 Introduct ion
The issues of hoarding and squalor present consistently throughout the Shire of Kalamunda. While
complaints of this nature are relatively low in frequency, their complexity, duration and impact can
be considerably high1. Historically, hoarding and squalor complaints within the Shire of Kalamunda
have been seen to span several decades and have impacted the individual involved, as well as their
families, neighbours and the broader community.
Due to the complex nature of hoarding and squalor, conventional complaint resolution practices are
often not applicable and are rarely successful. This document will assess the current situation
regarding hoarding and squalor in Western Australia and explore the options available to
environmental health staff. Whilst Environmental Health Officers are commonly the frontline for
dealing with hoarders, EHO’s don’t necessarily have the skills, or the available resources, to deal
with the mental health aspects that coincide with hoarding disorders.
It should be noted that this document is designed to be applied in conjunction with state
Department of Health guidelines concerning hoarding and squalor. Specifically, this policy aims to
create clear and concise direction to assist decision making and process structure for EHOs dealing
with hoarding and squalor complaints. Safety issues facing staff investigating premises for hoarding
and squalor are also considered.
2.0 Background and Def in i t ions
The need for a policy to direct hoarding and squalor investigations by the Shire of Kalamunda
Health Services was identified in the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2016 proposed
Action 2.1 – Develop a House Unfit Policy. This sits under Kalamunda Advancing - Strategic
Community Plan to 2023 and assists in achieving a number of key strategic priorities, specifically
Strategic Priority 1, Kalamunda Cares: Looking after our people, and Strategic Priority 6,
Kalamunda Leads: Providing good government, as per the following;
Objective 1.1. To be a community that cares for its aged and frail and those less fortunate.
o Strategy 1.1.3. Plan for and provide ongoing support for people with disabilities to feel
included in the community.
Objective 1.7. To create healthy lifestyles and environments for the community.
o Strategy 1.7.1. Develop, implement and review a local Community Health and
Wellbeing Plan.
Objective 6.2. To ensure local laws are upheld.
o Strategy 6.2.1. Develop, implement and monitor all local laws across the Shire to
ensure they are relevant and realistic.
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 2
Objective 6.3. To lead, motivate and enhance the Shire of Kalamunda.
o Strategy 6.3.1. Develop and implement a wide variety of informing strategies and
plans which benefit the community socially, economically and environmentally.
The term ‘House Unfit’ relates to the Health Act 1911 description of a premises that requires
cleaning or repair. The traditional outlook of investigating houses unfit for human habitation, by
focusing on the materials and refuse, is antiquated and does not address the complexities involved,
nor the causes in which these situations arise. Subsequently, long term effective action is rarely
achieved. This issue has been recognised on a state wide level with the Department of Health
releasing the Hoarding and Severe Domestic Squalor Documents ‘A Guideline for Western Australia’
and ‘A Toolkit for Local Government’ in 2014.
2.1 Hoarding
Hoarding is innate in human behaviour, often people place sentimental value on items that might
not necessarily have great monetary value however, hoarding is the extreme end of this behaviour.
Hoarding refers to the “persistent accumulation of, and lack of ability to relinquish, large numbers
of objects or living animals.2” Clutter, a consequence of hoarding, can mean different things to
different people. Appendix A provides a Clutter Image Rating to assist both residents and Officers
to identify extreme levels of clutter. A level of 4 or greater indicates clutter that may impede a
person’s daily functions and suggests a hoarding problem may be present3.
The characteristics of compulsive hoarders include;
Compulsive acquisition, particularly items of seemingly limited value;
Avoidance behaviours, including an inability to make decisions about items, such as
whether to discard the items;
Poor organisational skills relating to the storage of items;
An impact on daily functioning by spaces being restricted for their normal use such as
cooking facilities, bedding, toilets and showers; and
A reluctance to seek assistance, along with embarrassment or shame, often leading to
social isolation1,4.
2.1.1 Animal Hoarding
Another form of hoarding which exists is that of animal hoarding. This is generally accompanied by
possession hoarding however due to the nature of close proximity with animals a number of other
health concerns arise, such as the accumulation of animal waste and subsequent unsanitary living
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 3
conditions4. Animal hoarding is often conducted by isolated individuals1 and tends to begin as an
act of compassion toward the animals, however false perceptions of the situation by the hoarder
often lead to overcrowding, starvation and general neglect towards the animal’s welfare4.
The complexities of animal hoarding are similar to those found in possession hoarding, and it is
noted that reoffending rates are considerably high with regard to excessive animal possession.
Animal hoarding does not discriminate between age, gender or socio-economic status1,4.
2.2 Squalor
Squalor can be described as “an unsanitary living environment that has arisen from extreme or
prolonged neglect2”. Similar to hoarding, squalor involves the accumulation of items leading to
severe clutter and subsequent inability to use cooking, sleeping, toilet and shower facilities.
However, in addition to hoarding, squalor often involves the accumulation of items that affect the
health of occupants such as rotten food, excrement and other waste items1,4,6.
Severe domestic squalor can affect individuals of any age and can either develop suddenly or over
an extended period of time1. Mental illness often accompanies cases of severe domestic squalor6
and physical disability is also not uncommon1,4.
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 4
Squalor involves a number of risks to both occupants and the surrounding community, such as;
Risks of falls, trips and slips;
Fire hazards;
Occupational Health and Safety risks to service providers, resulting in limited at home
service provision to the occupant;
Odour;
Vermin;
Isolation of the occupant; and
Risk of eviction and homelessness by the occupant2,4.
3 .0 Stakeholders
Dependant on what is found during the initial or subsequent inspections of a house unfit it may
become necessary to involve other agencies to assist in rectifying the issues. Ideally, an
interagency approach should be sought, considering the complexities involved in hoarding and
squalor. This allows shared responsibilities using the combined skills and resources of all
stakeholders involved in a coordinated effort to address the issue7. Historically, the absence of
clear frameworks, both nationally and state wide, have limited effective interagency collaboration1.
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 5
To engage long term participation with relevant stakeholders, a working group should be
established in which a documented service agreement and protocol would be developed1. Effective
taskforces are flexible in nature and contain members from each relevant area, preferably at
managerial level. Meeting frequency is to be determined by the number of cases being
investigated, at this stage quarterly meetings are proposed to retain working relationships and
ensure ongoing collaboration. Roles and responsibilities of task force members should be clearly
communicated at task force meetings1.
Appendix B comprises a list of stakeholders that have been identified for regular attendance at
quarterly meetings. As cases arise, varied stakeholders will be required for the specifics of each
case. Appendix C provides a supplementary list of stakeholders to be invited to meetings on an as
needs basis.
Additionally, a number of agencies provide assistance in this area however there is no ‘one-source’
of information for occupants to consider. Where lists of service providers are provided to some
degree, these are not locally specific. A locally relevant brochure including relevant stakeholders,
services providers and not-for-profit groups would be beneficial to the investigation of hoarding
and squalor cases at the Shire.
4 .0 Procedures
As per standard procedure, all complaints received concerning suspected premises should be
submitted in writing. Verbal complaints would only be considered if an immediate risk to the
occupant and/or public existed. The following identifies investigation procedures once a complaint
has been received.
4.1 Occupational Health and Safety
Hoarding and squalor situations have the potential to be unsafe for staff for a variety of reasons.
Unoccupied premises are vulnerable to squatters who may be volatile due to mental health illness,
drug dependency and/or the stress and fear associated with homelessness. Occupied premises
additionally pose safety risks when dealing with occupants who may be resistant to enforcement
action, further it is reported that more than two thirds of people living in severe domestic squalor
experience mental health illness4.In addition to the safety risks encountered by onsite interactions,
the site itself poses a number of health and safety risks regarding paths of egress, bio-hazardous
waste, disease carrying vectors and other issues arising from the cluttered and squalid nature of
the premises1.
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 6
Initial site visits should always be completed in pairs. Environmental Health Officer’s should request
the assistance of a Ranger if deemed necessary. In cases where notification is provided concerning
alleged criminal activities or hostile behaviour, site inspections in conjunction with the police may
be required.
The initial visit should identify any potential safety issues Officers might face, the state of the
dwelling and the physical and mental health of the occupants (humans and animals alike). See
Appendix D for an Occupational Health and Safety Checklist. The primary concern is ensuring that
the dwelling is structurally secured, has essential services and a clear means of egress. A “man-
down” device should be taken by Officers during site inspections, once a clear understanding of the
risks has been determined the use of this device will be at the Officer’s discretion.
Appropriate personal protection should be worn, which may vary depending on the condition of the
premises. These premises can often be structurally unsound and in need of maintenance,
additionally they may contain filth, excrement and decomposing food. Officers should be prepared
for all scenarios during the initial inspection, the following includes a list of safety equipment that
may be required depending on the condition of the premises;
Steel-cap boots or gum boots;
Hard Hat or bump cap;
Disposable overalls;
Face masks or respirators;
Gloves; and
Shoe Covers.
Once a relationship is established with an
occupant, it is at the Officer’s discretion to attend
future inspections unaccompanied, however the
Customer Service Officer should be notified of the
site visit and an anticipated return time.
Additionally, full details are to be provided in the
Officer’s calendar, including information of the
address and expected duration of the inspection;
the health area whiteboard should also be
competed as per standard procedure.
Vacant premises should never be inspected individually, even for return visits following previous
identification of the premises being unoccupied. This is due to the potential for the premises to be
temporarily occupied by squatters and the subsequent risks involved in encountering these
individuals.
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 7
4.2 Investigation Procedure
Prior to an inspection being conducted, as much information about the site should be collected as
possible. This may involve discussing the situation with the complainant to see if the premises is
occupied, and if so, if the occupant has a known mental or physical health condition and if they are
English speaking. Prior history of the premises should also be considered with relevant databases,
such as Synergy, checked prior to the first inspection. The initial inspection is a key opportunity to
establish a good working relationship with any occupants, therefore it is essential the Officer is
prepared.
The ultimate goal of the investigation is to have the issue resolved, therefore going in with a heavy
hand may not be the most appropriate method in an initial response. Hoarders can often be
reclusive and take time to develop trust1; it is imperative that appropriate verbal and body
language is applied; see Appendix D for a list of ‘dos and don’ts’ concerning officer behaviour7.
When speaking with the occupants, listen to what they have to say and try to learn what their
values are as it might become important as a means of leverage for the clean-up.
In addition to building a working relationship with the occupant, the initial investigation should
distinguish whether the case is a hoarding case or a squalor case. Hoarding presents a far lesser
public health issue than squalor. An inspection form for assessing the dwelling can be found in
Appendix E. Standardised inspection procedures are important to ensure consistent management of
hoarding and squalor cases1, particularly in light of the often lengthy investigations involved.
Photos are essential in the collection of evidence, however in cases of hoarding and squalor it can
often be seen as an intrusion of privacy. Respect the feelings of the occupant, be open about the
process and explain what you are doing. Do not try to underhandedly take photographs and only
take as many as is necessary for evidence collection.
The first inspection is also an important time to identify agencies and stakeholders that may need
to get involved. For example, the Department of Child and Family Services and the RSPCA may
need to be notified if children and/or animals are involved1.
4.3 Case Management
The key case worker should first be identified, either by the receiving officer or the task force. In
most cases this will be the Environmental Health Officer, however if other more pressing matters,
such as the safety of children, are involved, other stakeholders may need to take precedence in the
matter. Regardless of who is assigned to be the key case worker, the Environmental Health Officer
will be responsible for overseeing the functions of the Health Act 1911 in relation to the premises.
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 8
The second step is identifying broader risks to be addressed such as children, animals, mental
health of the occupant, occupational health and safety requirements, fire safety and other matters
that require referral to key stakeholders and the task force2.
Once risks and stakeholders have been identified, the task force should develop an Action Plan for
the premises. This will vary depending on the severity of the hoarding and/or squalor and the level
of cooperation received from the occupant. The action plan must identify the roles and
responsibilities of all parties involved and develop a timeframe for required tasks to be executed1.
Lastly, regardless of the method applied to clean up the premises, relapse prevention strategies
should be identified and put in place with the cooperation of the occupant1. An ongoing relationship
should be maintained with the occupants to ensure the relapse prevention strategies are being
adhered to and are effective.
4.1.1 Mental Health Referrals
A number of mental health service providers (E.g. support and alternative accommodation
providers) are not accessible without the occupant first obtaining a referral from their General
Practitioner (GP). A number of factors make it difficult for an occupant to obtain a referral. These
include; the GP being unaware of the living conditions at the occupant’s home and the occupant
appearing otherwise mentally sound but not divulging details about their inability to maintain their
home environment due to shame and taboos surrounding mental health conditions. Appendix F
provides a template for the referring officer to provide the occupant to take to their GP.
4.2 The Clean Up Process
While other agencies and stakeholders may have roles in the overall issue resolution, the
Environmental Health Officer’s primary goal is to oversee the clean-up of the site. It is important
however that broader considerations are applied, as experience has shown that a lack of
interagency collaboration often limits the effectiveness of remediation1.
When attempting to get the property cleaned up setting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable,
relative, and timely) goals in conjunction with the occupants of the dwelling can be an effective
means of beginning the process. Including the occupants in the decision making process ensures
that they find the goals set to be reasonable and engages them in the process. For the clean-up it
may be beneficial to write up a plan that includes a sequential list of the tasks required, starting
with the most urgent items and then moving onto the less important items. If the occupants
support the plan, encourage them to sign it and provide them with a copy as this has been found
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 9
to improve results in achieving compliance. This document however is not a legal document, rather
it is an informal agreement that the occupant feels obliged to follow, and the occupant is within
their rights to refuse a signature. This is a separate document to the overall action plan, which
addresses all considerations for the site, not just the clean-up process.
During the follow up, Officers need to find the right balance between enforcement and support. It
is important that Officer’s support the person and provide positive feedback for the progress
they’ve made and keep positive about the process of cleaning up. However, Officers ultimately
need to ensure that the property gets back to within a reasonable standard and should the
occupants not be willing to cooperate enforcement may be required. At no stage should the officer
make guarantees about any action either they, or the Shire, will, or will not, take in relation to the
matter.
There is a fine balance between building working relationships with residents to support them to
make required changes, and providing the occupant with a false sense of friendship and trust that
the Officer is ‘on their side’. It must be understood by the Officer from the onset that enforcement
action may eventually be necessary and subsequently, a professional approach should be
maintained at all times. Providing customer service in an enforcement setting is often a unique
situation compared to traditional customer service in other arenas. In this case it should involve;
using appropriate language, keeping pre-arranged appointment times, respecting the resident’s
specific needs, and working to mutually agreed timeframes and plans wherever possible.
4.2.1 Commercial Cleaners
In many instances the occupant will not have the resources or ability to clean up their property
themselves. Should the property owner have suitable funds, there are commercial cleaners
available for this task (Appendix G). Alternatively, the Shire may seek to utilise the services of
these cleaners on behalf of the occupant where it is not financially viable to do so themselves.
Legal and budgetary considerations regarding this option are discussed below.
4.2.2 Waste Disposal
Within the Shire of Kalamunda, residents have access to 3 skip bins a year and can pay for
additional bins if required. This service provides an effective means to remove materials from the
site, however it cannot accept putrescible waste. In special instances, arrangements may be made
with Waste Services to remove additional waste.
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 10
5.0 Legal Provisions
Enforcement options available to address hoarding or squalor include;
Health Act 1911
o S142 – Nuisances;
o S135 – Unfit for Human Habitation;
o S132 – Repair or Remove;
o S139 – Clean and Repair;
o S140 - Local Government may act in default of the owner; and
o S371 – Local Government may recover costs as a charge against the land.
Local Government Act 1995
o S3.25 – Remove disused materials; and
o S3.26 – Local Government may act in default of the owner.
Shire of Kalamunda Health Local Laws 2011
o 3.4 – Dwelling House Maintenance
At the time of writing this policy, the Public Health Bill is in parliamentary review. While the
provisions for responding the hoarding and squalor do not change significantly under the proposed
legislation, these considerations will need to be identified at the time the Public Health Bill is
enacted.
Figure 1 indicates the workflow relating to these enforcement provisions. It should however be
noted that enforcement should not be applied as a first approach and consideration should be
given to the causes of hoarding and squalor and likelihood of reoccurrence following enforcement
action. The aim is to address the issue, rather than to apply penalties on the occupant.
Additionally, consideration must be applied to the displacement of the occupant; Section 135
Notices rendering the House Unfit for Habitation should only be issued once due consideration has
been provided to alternative accommodation options for the occupant.
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 11
Figure 1 – Work Flow Processes: House Unfit Enforcement5
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 12
6.0 Budgetary Considerat ions
In order to act in default of the owner in relation to Section 140 of the Health Act 1911 and S3.26
of the Local Government Act 1995 it is important that available funds are in place to do so.
Currently, this is not considered in budget planning. Clean up costs can range from minor amounts
of several thousand dollars to up to tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands of dollars if
severe. A standard clean-up of a property that does not require extensive repairs is in the range of
$10 000. Additionally, accommodation options should be considered for the occupant during the
time the works are carried out.
While it is noted that it can take some time for the local government to recoup clean-up costs,
consideration should be applied in light of both the welfare of the occupant and impacts on
surrounding residents. Decision making should also consider the likelihood of relapse and the level
of ongoing support available to the occupant following the clean-up.
7.0 Conclusion
Hoarding and squalor complaints are complex and often require an interagency approach, however
there is limited framework in place to do this. The focus of the officer should be to address the
health and safety issues to both the occupants and surrounding community. This document
identifies measures in which Officers can address these concerns however it should be noted that
the response provided will vary dependant on the level of participation and cooperation of the
occupant. Ultimately, if an occupant is not cooperative, enforcement action may need to be
considered, dependant on the risks involved. A best practice model involves officer support and
encouragement, alongside stakeholder input, to address site concerns using mutually agreed
timeframes and actions.
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 13
8.0 Recommendat ions
1. Establish a budget for Shire initiated clean and repair works at the budget review;
$4,000 to be included in the health budget and $4,000 to address fire safety concerns.
2. Develop a task force with relevant stakeholders to meet quarterly, or more frequently,
as relevant situations arise.
3. Ensure staff are provided with relevant Occupational Health and Safety information,
training and personal protective equipment.
4. Ensure staff are equipped with consistent tools, checklists and inspection documentation
and trained on appropriate customer service provision in this context.
5. Provide mental health awareness training for Environmental Health Officers.
6. Develop a locally relevant brochure detailing service providers that assist occupants of
Hoarding and Squalor.
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 14
9 .0 References
1. Department of Health and Ageing, SA, A Foot in the Door: Stepping towards solutions to resolve incidents of severe domestic squalor in South Australia, 2013.
2. Department of Health, Victoria, Responding to Hoarding and Squalor – Key Messages, 2013.
3. International OCD Foundation: Hoarding Centre, Clutter Image Rating, Boston MA, 2013.
4. Department of Health WA, Hoarding and Severe Domestic Squalor – A Guideline for Western Australia, 2014.
5. Environmental Health Australia, Environmental Health Best Practice Manual, 2012.
6. Lee, SM, Lewis, M, Leighton, D, Harris, B, Long, B, Macfarlane, S, Neuropsychological characteristics of people living in squalor, International Psychogeriatrics, 2014.
7. Department of Health WA, Hoarding and Severe Domestic Squalor – A Toolkit for Local Government, 2014
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 3
Appendix B
Core Stakeholder Group – Quarterly Meeting Attendance
Agency/Department Contact Details Situations in which to refer
360 Health and Community Cindy Gorton Tel: 92798225, Mobile: 0417 789 162 Email: [email protected]
Partners in Recovery. Strategic advice and information concerning the pilot MoU in development.
Building Department Shire of Kalamunda Building Services. CSO – ext. 942
Invite relevant district Officer/s.
When concerned about the structural integrity of the
dwelling.
Department of Health WA Kelly Crossley – Acting Principal Advisor (Applied Environmental Health)
Tel: 9388 4954, Email: [email protected]
Advice concerning state wide initiatives and reports of other
stakeholder activities.
Health Services Coordinator: Cassandra Collyer/Kerry Staples, ext. 962
Develops minutes and agendas for meetings and invites all
required members. Chairs meetings.
Occupational Health and Safety Dawn Veltman - Occupational Safety and Health Coordinator ext. 818
Considerations for staff entering and inspection the property. Training requests.
Rangers Cameron Smith, Senior Ranger, ext. 848
Other Officers may be required depending on experience with case.
Unregistered animals, Animal Hoarding & Fire Risks.
Swan Mental Health Services Andrew Alison - Acting Clinical Nurse Specialist/Team Leader
Tel: 93475700, Mobile: 0414339471,
Email: [email protected] Christine Lee, Email: [email protected]
Concerns over the mental health of the occupants.
Advice on available services - a number of services require
mental health referral before the occupant can utilise these services. (Invite both on list).
Uniting Care West Reni Luckhose (Mental Health/Housing Consultant)
Tel: 9220 1288, Email: [email protected]
When there are private rental issues and the occupant may
become homeless.
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 4
Appendix C
Supplementary Stakeholders (Invite as Required)
Agency/Department Contact Details Situations in which to refer
Anglicare WA WA Head Office, Tel: 9263 2000 When the occupants are struggling to live independently.
Only for occupants with two or more dependent children.
Department of Child Protection
and Family Support
Crisis Care Line: (08) 9223 1111 Midland office (08) 9274 9411
http://www.dcp.wa.gov.au/Pages/Home.aspx
Concerns for the welfare of any children living in an unfit
house.
Department of Environmental
Regulation
Tel: (08) 6467 5000
Email address: [email protected]
If there is the potential for site to be considered a
contaminated site due to chemical or asbestos contamination.
Department of Housing Contact: Daniel Stewart 9350 3256 Email: [email protected]
When the occupants live in state housing and the property is subject to a state of disrepair or hoarding/squalor.
HACC Kerry Fryers (Coordinator) ext. 701 Eileen Moore ext. 723
Assistance for people who are frail, older or have a disability. Can’t get involved until post-clean up stage due to OSH risk.
Legal Aid – Social Inclusion Telephone InfoLine: 1300 650 579
Open Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, Tel: 9261 6222
When people require assistance resolving civil law issues
Mould Specialists Yellow Pages Where the Shire may need to involve an expert for advice
concerning mould remediation (especially for verification).
Occupational Health and Safety Internally: Dawn Veltman ext. 818 Externally: Worksafe http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/WorkSafe/
Considerations for staff entering and inspection the property. OHS Training requests.
Office of the Public Advocate 1300 858 455 or (08) 9278 7300
http://www.publicadvocate.wa.gov.au/
When the person has a legal guardian who looks after their
welfare and finances.
Perth Home Care Services WA Head Office: 9204 7800
Email: [email protected]
Assistance with household chores, cooking etc.
Police 40 Strelitzia Ave, Forrestfield, Tel: 9359 1033 Counter service open hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm
Joint visits may be required for office safety. Other matters may require reporting to police (E.g. clandestine labs).
RSPCA Tel: 9209 9300, Email: [email protected]
Report Cruelty: 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589)
Animal welfare concerns or other animal associated issues.
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 1
Appendix C Home Safety – Squalor & Hoarding - RISK ASSESSMENT
Address: Contact Name:
Contact phone no: Written by:
Date of initial assessment: In consultation with:
Hazards
Likelihood
Potential Risk Consequence
Risk Level (Inherent)
Risk Treatment Risk Level (Residual)
Internal Environment
Building Structure □ Floors
□ Stairs □ Ceilings
□ Walls
□ Roof
□ Slips, trips, falls □ Hit by falling object
□ Other
□ Refer to building owner/manager □ Do not enter the premises
□ Find a safe area in which to work with the client in the short term
Utilities
□ Water □ Sewer
□ Gas □ Electricity
□ Slips and trips
□ Infectious disease □ Fire (from candle use)
□ Other
□ Refer to building owner/manager
□ Discourage use of candles, provide torches/lights to workers
□ Open windows and doors for light
Fire hazard – Combustible
materials
□ Entrapment
□ Burns □ Death
□ Smoke Inhalation
□ Ensure clear escape route
□ Relocate belongings away from heaters and stoves
□ Ensure fire alarms are working
Poor lighting
□ Slips, trips and falls □ Eye strain/headaches
□ Other
□ Open windows and doors for light □ Provide torches/portable light to
staff
Extreme Clutter
□ Slips, trips and falls
□ Entrapment
□ Hit by falling object □ Other
□ Relocate belongings to clear a space
in which to work
□ Do not enter areas where there is no escape route
Flooring – uneven, worn, slippery,
loose
□ Slips, trips, falls □ Other
□ Identify and be aware of unsafe floor areas
□ Contact building owner/manager for maintenance as appropriate
□ Relocate obvious hazards such as
mats □ Clean up simple lip hazards
□ Work in a floor safe area
Unstable
steps/stairs
□ Slips, trips and falls
□ Falls from heights
□ Hit by falling object □ Other
□ Use an alternative entrance if
available
□ Contact building owner/manager for maintenance
□ Do not use unstable internal stairs
Poor ventilation □ Respiratory irritation
□ Headaches/dizziness □ Infectious disease
□ Open windows and doors
□ Use extractor fans where working and available
Electrical- overloaded, faulty
□ Fire □ Contact with electricity □ Other
□ Remove overloaded power boards, double adapters and replace with safe system
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 2
□ Use portable Residual Currency Device (RCD) before using electrical
appliances □ Refer to building owner/manager for
wiring problems
General disrepair,
wear and tear
□ Slips, trips and falls
□ Hit by falling object
□ Injury from protruding objects
□ Relocate items causing obvious
hazards
□ Work in a designated “safe” work area
General level of cleanliness
□ Exposure/contact with biological factors
□ Respiratory irritation
□ Other
□ Determine if a forensic clean is a viable option
□ Clean small areas first
□ Carry portable stool for clean seating in any are of the
house/property
External
Environment Overgrowth of
plant material –
moss, lichens, grass
□ Slips, trips and falls
□ Respiratory irritation □ Other
□ Use alternative access route if
available □ Wear non slip closed in shoes
□ Contact other agencies to organise
property maintenance as appropriate
Accumulation of excess
refuse/garbage/
objects
□ Slips, trips and falls □ Hit by object
□ Entrapment
□ Contact/exposure to biological factors
□ Relocate obvious hazards limiting access
□ Contact property owner/manager
Human/Biological
Vermin
□ Bites, stings □ Exposure to biological
factors □ Slips, trips, falls
□ Determine need for contracted pest control
□ Eliminate source of infestation □ Baits, traps, extermination
□ Liaise with property owner/manager
Pests – lice, cockroaches,
maggots, spiders
□ Bites, stings □ Skin irritation
□ Exposure/contact with biological factors
□ Determine need for contracted pest control
□ Eliminate source of infestation □ Baits, traps, extermination
□ Liaise with property owner/manager
Hoarding of animals – hair,
fleas, faeces, urine
□ Allergic reactions □ Bites/stings
□ Slips, trips and falls □ Skin irritation
□ Exposure/contact with biological factors
□ Contact Rangers to assist □ Contract RSPCA to assist with caring
for the animals
Smoke □ Allergic reactions
□ Respiratory irritation □ Passive smoking
□ Ask the client not to smoke whilst
workers are present □ Open windows and doors
Odour □ Respiratory irritation
□ Headache/dizziness
□ Open windows and doors
□ Work in ventilated area □ Remove source of odour as
appropriate
Mould/fungi □ Allergic reactions
□ Respiratory irritation
□ Exposure/contact with biological factors
□ Open windows and doors
□ Work in ventilated area
□ Remove source of mould/fungi as appropriate
Decomposing food □ Exposure/contact with biological factors
□ Remove source as appropriate
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 3
Human faeces and urine
□ Slips, trips and falls □ Exposure/contact with
biological factors
□ Consider forensic clean as appropriate
Sharps □ Needlestick injury
□ Exposure/contact with biological factors
□ Provide sharps disposal unit
□ do not handle clothing/laundry with risk of entangled sharps
Chemical
Inappropriate storage
□ Explosion
□ Contact with harmful substance
□ Contact waste supervisor for
removal/relocation
Dangerous goods □ Explosion
□ Contact with harmful substance
□ Weapons if present must be locked
away □ Contact waste supervisor for
removal/relocation
Hazardous
substances
□ Respiratory irritation
□ Skin irritation
□ Allergic reactions □ Contact with harmful
substance
□ Do not handle unknown substances
□ Ensure all substances used by
workers area clearly labelled in original containers
□ Provide SDS for any hazardous substances to be used
□ Wear PPE as listed in SDS □ Contact waste supervisor for
removal/relocation
Person
Person known to be violent/
uncooperative
□ Workplace violence
□ Threatening behaviours
□ Two workers (minimum) to attend
at all times
Occupational Safety and Health solution:
STEP 1 – Determine the most likely consequence of the risk. STEP 2 – Determine the phrase which best describes the likelihood of the consequence happening.
STEP 3 – Line up the likelihood and the consequence on the risk level chart & you have identified to determine the risk level.
STEP 4 – Use the risk level to determine the appropriate actions to take in addressing the risk.
Consequence
Likelihood
Insignificant
1
Minor
2
Major
3
Critical
4
Extreme
5
Almost Certain
A
H
H
E
E
E
Likely B
M
H
H
E
E
Possible C
L
M
H
E
E
Unlikely D
L
L
M
H
E
Rare E
L
L
M
H
H
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 4
E = Extreme Risk: Immediate action required by EM or Executive Management
H = High Risk: Senior management attention needed
M = Medium Risk: Managed by specific monitoring or response procedures L = Low Risk: Manage by routine procedures, unlikely to need specific application of resources
Matrix used to determine perceived level of risk There is a hierarchy or preferred order of control, ranging from the most effective to the least effective.
These controls are not mutually exclusive. There may be occasions when more than one control must be
used to reduce a risk.
Hierarchy of Controls Example
Elimination Remove the hazard
Substitution / Isolation Substituting or replacing a hazard or hazardous work practice with a less hazardous one, Installing barriers or fences.
Engineering Re-design or install equipment, modifying tools or equipment.
Administrative Training, signage, rostering,
Implementing and documenting safe working procedures for all hazardous tasks.
Personal Protective Equipment Use PPE (PPE should only be considered when other control measures are not practicable or to increase a person's protection as an additional
measure).
Level Description Examples Frequency
A Almost Certain Expected to occur in most
circumstances.
More than once per year
B Likely Will probably occur in most
circumstances.
At least once per year
C Possible Should occur at some time. At least once in three years.
D Unlikely Could occur at some time. At least once in ten years.
E Rare May occur, only in exceptional circumstances.
Less than once in fifteen years.
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 6
Appendix E
Hoarding Assessment Form Name: _____________ Address: ___________ Assessing Officer: ___________ Date: __________
Accessibility % of floor space clear inaccessible for walking or use
0%-29% 0
29%-59% 1
60%-89% 2
89%-100% 3
Accumulation of Refuse or Garbage
None 0
Little 1
Moderate 2
A Lot 3
Accumulation of Items of Little Obvious Value In general, is there evidence of accumulation of items that most people would consider useless or should be thrown away?
None 0
Little 1
Moderate 2
A Lot 3
Cleanliness of Floors and Carpet
Clean 0
Mildly Dirty 1
Very Dirty 2
Filthy 3
Cleanliness of Walls, Furniture Surfaces and Window Sills
Clean 0
Mildly Dirty 1
Very Dirty 2
Filthy 3
Cleanliness of Bathroom and Toilet
Clean 0
Mildly Dirty 1
Very Dirty 2
Filthy 3
Kitchen and Food Oven, surfaces and cupboards clean? Amount of refuse and garbage over surfaces or floor? Putrid food?
Clean 0
Mildly Dirty 1
Very Dirty 2
Filthy 3
Odour
None 0
Unpleasant 1
Moderate 2
Unbearable 3
Vermin
None 0
Few 1
Moderate 2
Infestation 3
Sleeping Area
Clean 0
Mildly Unclean 1
Moderate 2
Unbearable 3
Total
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 7
Appendix F
Enquiries: < Contact Number >
Our Ref: < Our Ref > Your Ref: < Your Ref >
< Date >
< Address 1> < Address 2>
< Address 3> < Address 4>
< Address 5>
Dear General Practitioner,
Request for Mental Health Referral
I write to advise that the Shire of Kalamunda Health Services have recently been assisting <Name>
concerning the living conditions at their residence.
An inspection by an Environmental Health Officer has identified that the premises poses a significant risk to the occupant’s health by way of the following; <list issues: E.g.
mould/clutter/hoarding/squalor/rubbish/pests/animals/uncleanliness/not weatherproofed etc.>
The Shire has recommended <Name> arrange an appointment with you so that an assessment can be made
regarding their physical and mental health in light of their current circumstances.
Please note that the Shire has contacted various service providers on behalf of the occupant however we
have been advised that without a mental health referral crucial services cannot be accessed. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.
If you require any further information please contact Environmental Health Officer <Officer Name> on
<Number>.
Yours sincerely
< Officer Name >
< Job Title >
Shire of Kalamunda Hoarding and Squalor Guideline 8
Appendix G
Commercial Cleaners Squalor
1. Linked Cleaning Services
Contact: Ashley – 0413 739 844
Website: http://www.linkedcleaningservices.com.au/our-services/hoarding/
2. Discrete Cleaners
Contact: 0433 053 422
Website: http://discretecleaners.com.au/
3. National Trauma and Crime Scene Cleaning
Contact: 0488 007 675
Website: http://www.ntcsc.com.au/
Hoarding
4. Sorted Space
Contact: Dayna Howard – 0407 719 808 Website: http://www.sortedspace.com.au/