SA AMBULANCE SERVICE

100 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (1 June 2010).

1. What cleaning process and cleaning agents were used by the South Australian Ambulance Service in ambulances and ambulance staff homes following identification of toxic agents in those affected uniforms?

2. Was a remediation report provided following this incident and if so, when and to whom was it provided to?

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Southern Suburbs, Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts): I am advised:

1. SA Ambulance Service facilitated the cleaning of all stations and ambulance vehicles, as well as the homes of some affected staff.

There have been two state-wide cleans undertaken. The first of these included a number of strategies and used vinegar and hot water, and commercially available cleaning products.

A second state-wide clean is being undertaken in accordance with independent, expert advice obtained from Health Safety Environment (HSE).

The process for the clean includes:

(a) Clean air conditioners—filters, vents and ducting.

(b) Clean all surfaces, including furniture, with a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner.

(c) Clean carpets and soft furnishings with hot water and detergent. Water to be changed between rooms and disposed off-site or to sewer.

(d) Wash all hard surfaces with water and a pH=7 detergent that has no sensitiser effects. Change water and cleaning rags between surfaces/rooms and dispose of water off-site or to sewer.

(e) Rinse all surfaces with plain water twice. Dispose of used rags and water off-site.

2. HSE was engaged to conduct a review of the cleaning process. The HSE report was posted on the SA Ambulance Service intranet on 10 February 2009, and is available to all staff.