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2020.06.30
1 Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the use
of disinfectant vehicles: (OQ.180/2020)
Following the report in the Jersey Evening Post of 24th June 2020 regarding 3 disinfectant vehicles with a capacity to cover 2,400 square metres in one hour with disinfectant, will the Minister confirm which areas it is proposed will be disinfected with these devices and identify who has control over the decision to take such action?
Deputy K.C. Lewis of St. Lawrence (The Minister for Infrastructure):
The article referred to by the Deputy that appeared in the J.E.P. (Jersey Evening Post) business section on Wednesday, 24th June, related to a private cleaning company and its commercial operational capabilities, not G.H.E. (Growth, Housing and Environment). One of the disinfecting machines mentioned in the article has been purchased by G.H.E. from this company so that the department has the capability of carrying out disinfecting work efficiently should it be required. I am pleased to confirm that at present the actions taken to contain the virus within the Island have been effective and that there are no plans for the widespread use of this machine in the areas of the Island that are administered by G.H.E.
[9:45]
Should the situation change, the operational decision on when and where any such work was to be carried out on or on behalf of G.H.E. would be taken by G.H.E. head of technical support services, having consulted with the teams supporting the Minister for Health and Social Services, Environmental Protection and Jersey Water. Risk assessments and method statements, including environmental impact considerations, have been addressed to ensure staff safety, public and environmental safety.
4.1.1 Deputy R.J. Ward :
What analysis on the long-term and short-term effects has been taken on the respiratory health of people should large spraying of disinfectant happen? In addition, on the flora and fauna, even of urban areas, which have significant biospheres, mini ones, within their areas.
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
A full safety rundown has been carried out. As mentioned previously, this is a very diluted form of bleach that is used, 0.1 per cent sodium hydrochloride, which is in fact a bleach but a very, very weak solution. We are not at present using any of this equipment. Some of our playground equipment has been cleaned prior to reopening, which was done manually with a soft cloth, and I believe anyone who is a parent will know the trade name Milton. It is a very weak disinfectant solution used for sanitising baby equipment and such like. Very, very weak and absolutely safe.