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1.
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As an ECO, what are the penalties if I fail to comply with the provisions of the Environmental Public Health (Registration of Environmental Control Officers) Regulations?
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Under the Environmental Public Health (Registration of Environmental Control Officers) Regulations, failure to comply with Regulations 6(5) will render you liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $1,000 and $2,000 for a second or subsequent conviction. If the contravention is with respect to Regulation 5(1), you will be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $5,000 and $10,000 for a second or subsequent conviction. You may also be liable for suspension and de-registration. (In the case of a SO who is also registered as an ECO, the same penalty applies but his SO status will not be affected.)
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2.
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What is the minimum qualification required to qualify for the ECO training course?
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To be eligible for the course, a candidate must possess one of the following qualifications:
(i) a degree from an approved institution or
(ii) a professional diploma and one year working experience in Environmental Engineering, pest control, estate management , environmental health or
(iii) a technician diploma and two years working experience in Environmental Engineering, pest control, estate management, environmental health or
(iv) Safety Officer registered with the Ministry of Manpower.
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3.
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What is the role of an ECO?
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The role of an ECO is basically to look out for conditions/ situations in construction sites which cause environmental health problems or are likely to cause environmental health problems. He should report these conditions/ situations to the contractor together with recommendations on remedial measures to be taken to prevent recurrence. The main areas where the ECO should pay attention to are as follows:
(i) disease-bearing insects and rodents
(ii) proper disposal of construction waste/ marine clay
(iii) noise, air and dust pollution
(iv) earth littering
(v) siltation of drains
(vi) food hygiene in canteens
(vii) any other environmental health matters
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4.
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In the past, construction sites have been functioning without Environmental Control Officers (ECO), why is there a need to have ECOs now?
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The number of complaints from residents living close to construction sites have increased over the years - complaints of noise, dust, mosquitoes and other nuisances. These complaints arise in most cases because contractors do not pay enough attention to proper housekeeping and managing the environment of the worksite. With the ECO scheme in place, a dedicated person trained in environmental health will be able to assist contractors in keeping the construction sites clean and sanitary.
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5.
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Would doubling up as an ECO affect the SO?s performance as the SO already has a number of other job responsibilities on hand?
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No, because there is synergy between the work of an SO and ECO. For this reason, MOM has approved to SO doubling up as an ECO. This arrangement has also been practised in developed countries such as USA, UK and Japan. However, the decision for a SO to double up as an ECO rests with the SO.
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