The Environmental Health Section is divided into two teams. If you wish to make contact telephone (01325) 388799 or e mail customerservices@darlington.gov.uk
The Pollution team and the Commercial team deal with the enforcement of a broad range of environmental health legislation. Their work includes:
Air Pollution - Including air quality, radiation and asbestos. Inspection of Authorised Processes, monitoring and analysis of air quality in the area, investigation of complaints such as open burning, odour nuisance etc.
Contaminated Land - Implementation of the Council's Strategy, investigation of all sites, maintenance of historical land use register, provision of advice on developments, investigation of complaints and monitoring of closed landfill sites.
Environmental Advice - Provision of advice to the public, on Planning applications, and respond to consultations from the Environment Agency.
Food Safety - Inspection of all food premises for compliance with food hygiene requirements. Investigation of complaints about food and food premises and providing advice to food businesses. Conducting food sampling surveys and responding to food alerts issued by the Food Standards Agency.
Health & Safety at Work - Inspection of Commercial premises for compliance with workplace safety. Investigation of accidents, complaints about workplace conditions and providing information and advice to business. We work in partnership with the HSE, who are the enforcing authority for industrial and agricultural workplaces in the area.
Noise - Investigation of complaints, provision of advice and monitoring.
Pest Control - Investigation of complaints, treatment and enforcement action.
Public Health/Nuisance - Investigation of complaints regarding rubbish or blocked drainage associated with business premises, filthy and verminous premises, contaminated watercourses and other public nuisances. Enforcement of Smoke-free premises and Smoke-free Vehicles Legislation
Visits to businesses – may be arranged or unannounced and for a variety of reasons:
Carrying out planned inspections to monitor levels of compliance with legislation
Responding to requests for advice and information
Investigation of complaints
Investigation of food poisoning
Investigating workplace accidents
Taking samples of food, environment, drinking water etc
All Officers carry a certificate of appointment that includes their name, job title and photograph. You should ask an Officer who is not known to you to produce this identification before allowing them into your premises.
A career as an Environmental Health Officer
If you are interested in Environmental Health as a career and would like further information with regards to the qualifications needed and potential routes to becoming an Environmental Health Officer refer to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health's website
To develop a career in Environmental Health you need to undertake an accredited course that is recognised by the Environmental health Officers registration Board, together with a 48 week work experience placement. Local authorities may offer placements to students.