Decision No. 15/2007/QD-BYT on the issuance of "Regulations on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Occupational Health and Environmental Protection Centers at provincial and centrally-administered municipal levels"

CIRCULAR

Guidelines for inspecting clean water, drinking water, and household latrines,

household latrines

__________________

Pursuant to Decree No. 49/2003/NĐ-CP dated May 15, 2003 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Health;

Pursuant to Decision No. 09/2005/QĐ-BYT dated March 11, 2005 of the Minister of Health promulgating the Industry Standard: Clean Water Sanitation Standards;

Pursuant to Decision No. 1329/2002/BYT-QĐ dated April 18, 2002 of the Minister of Health promulgating Drinking Water Sanitation Standards;

Pursuant to Decision No. 08/2005/QĐ-BYT dated March 11, 2005 of the Minister of Health promulgating the Industry Standard: Latrine Sanitation Standards;

The Ministry of Health hereby provides guidelines for inspecting clean water, drinking water, and household latrines as follows.

I. SCOPE OF REGULATION AND APPLICABLE SUBJECTS

1. Inspection Subjects

This Circular guides the inspection of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines including: inspection regimes, inspection contents, and information and reporting systems on clean water, drinking water, and household latrines.

Thông tư này áp dụng đối với tổ chức, cá nhân có liên quan đến hoạt động kinh doanh đối tượng thủy sản nuôi chủ lực trên lãnh thổ Việt Nam.

This Circular applies to organizations, individuals involved in supplying or using clean water, drinking water, and households using latrines.

II. INSPECTION REGIMES

1. Regular Inspection

1.1. Monthly inspections for water plants and centralized water supply stations serving communities of 500 people or more.

1.2. Semi-annual inspections for:

a) Centralized water supply stations serving communities under 500 people;

b) Household water supply methods;

c) Household latrines.

2. Surprise Inspection

Spot inspections shall be conducted in the following cases:

2.1. When commencing exploitation and use of water sources;

2.2. When there is a risk of pollution of exploited water sources;

2.3. Upon request from competent authorities.

3. Scope of Inspection and Sample Collection

3.1. Regular Inspections:

a) Inspect the general hygiene conditions of all water plants, centralized water supply stations, household water supply methods, and household latrines within the jurisdiction;

b) Collect samples of water for testing from all water plants and centralized water supply stations. The ratio of sample collection for household water supply methods is based on plans and actual conditions of each locality.

3.2. Spot Inspections:

Inspect the general hygiene conditions and collect samples of water for testing from water plants, centralized water supply stations, or household water supply methods being inspected.

4. Inspection Authority: As stipulated in Clauses 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 of Part V of this Circular.

III. CONTENTS OF SANITARY INSPECTIONS FOR CLEAN WATER, DRINKING WATER, AND HOUSEHOLD LATRINES

A. For Water Plants and Centralized Water Supply Stations

1. General Hygiene Condition Inspection of Raw Water Sources

1.1. For water plants and centralized water supply stations using underground water sources:

a) Inspection Limits: Within a radius of 330 meters for wells in areas with well-protected aquifers and 350 meters for wells in areas with poorly protected or inadequately protected aquifers, measured from the extraction well (according to Vietnam Standard TCXD-33: 1995).

b) Content of inspection:

- Surrounding fence around the well;

- Construction works (including those of the water plant);

- Sewage pipes, ditches, and drainage channels passing through;

- Livestock, poultry, or other animals;

- Waste, human feces, livestock manure, dead animals.

c) Evaluation Method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 1 attached to this Circular.

1.2. For water plants and centralized water supply stations using river water sources:

a) Inspection Limits: Within a radius of 200 meters upstream from the water intake point, 100 meters downstream from the water intake point, and 100 meters along both banks of the river measured from the highest water level (according to Vietnam Standard TCXD-33: 1995).

b) Content of inspection:

- Warning signs for the protected area;

- Trash barriers;

- Construction works (including those of the water plant);

- Sewage pipes, ditches, and drainage channels discharging into the river;

- Ferry crossings, boat docks, or vessels moored on the river;

- Human bathing, washing, production, and resource extraction activities;

- Aquaculture activities;

- Livestock, poultry, or other animals coming to bathe or drink water.

- Waste, human feces, livestock manure, dead animals.

c) Evaluation Method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 1 attached to this Circular.

1.3. For water plants and centralized water supply stations using water from reservoirs:

a) Inspection Limits: Within a radius of 300 meters from the water intake point.

b) Content of inspection:

- Warning signs for the protected area;

- Trash barriers;

- Construction works (including those of the water plant);

- Sewage pipes, ditches, and drainage channels discharging into the reservoir;

- Vessels moored on the reservoir;

- Human bathing, washing, and tourism activities;

- Aquaculture activities;

- Livestock, poultry, or other animals coming to bathe or drink water.

- Waste, human feces, livestock manure, dead animals.

c) Evaluation Method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 1 attached to this Circular.

2. Inspection of Water Treatment Processes Includes:

2.1. Initial water storage tanks or ponds;

2.2. Iron and manganese removal units;

2.3. Coagulation and sedimentation tanks;

2.4. Filtration tanks;

2.5. Disinfection systems (tanks);

2.6. Post-treatment storage tanks;

2.7. Chemicals for water treatment (type, name, origin, storage conditions, expiration date, usage method, quantity stored);

2.8. Chemical preparation units;

2.9. Chemical storage warehouses;

2.10. Safety equipment in case of accidents (for water plants);

2.11. Water quality control units;

2.12. Review of water quality test results from the plant from the previous inspection period to the current time and related water quality records.

3. Water Quality Inspection

3.1. For water plants and centralized water supply stations serving communities of 500 people or more:

a) Number of samples and sampling locations: Follow the Drinking Water Sanitation Standards issued together with Decision No. 1329/2002/BYT-QĐ dated April 18, 2002 of the Minister of Health.

b) Sampling techniques and sample preservation according to Vietnam Standard TCVN 5992-1995.

c) Physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters tested and evaluated according to the Drinking Water Sanitation Standards issued together with Decision No. 1329/2002/BYT-QĐ dated April 18, 2002 of the Minister of Health.

3.2. For centralized water supply stations serving communities under 500 people:

a) Number of samples and sampling locations: Collect at least two water samples for testing (each sample includes physical and chemical, and microbiological parameters) at the following locations:

- One sample of treated water at the water supply station;

- One random sample of water from the tap of one household at the end of the water distribution network;

b) Sampling techniques and sample preservation according to Vietnam Standard TCVN 5992-1995;

c) The physical, chemical, and microbiological indicators are tested and evaluated according to the clean water hygiene standards issued together with Decision No. 09/2005/QĐ-BYT dated March 11, 2005, of the Minister of Health.

B. For household water supply forms

1. General sanitation inspection

1.1. For open channels and flowing water:

a) Inspection range: Within a distance of 100 meters from the water source upstream.

b) Content of inspection:

- Human activities such as bathing, washing, and resource production;

- Sewer pipes, canals, drainage ditches;

- Aquaculture activities;

- Livestock and poultry or other types of animals coming to bathe and drink water;

- Waste, human feces, livestock manure, animal carcasses;

- Water conveyance tools;

- Water storage and scooping tools.

c) Evaluation method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular..

1.2. For dug wells:

a) Inspection range: Within a distance of 10 meters from the center of the well.

b) Content of inspection:

- Well cover;

- Well wall;

- Well shaft (well body);

- Well yard;

- Water drawing tools;

- Drainage ditch and sewage discharge point;

- Latrines, animal shelters;

- Garbage dump and other pollution sources.

c) Evaluation method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular..

1.3. For drilled wells with a water depth of 25 meters or more:

a) Inspection contents include:

- Well mouth;

- Well yard;

- Water drawing tools.

b) Evaluation method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular..

1.4. For drilled wells with a water depth less than 25 meters:

a) Inspection contents include:

- Well mouth;

- Well yard;

- Water drawing tools;

- Drainage ditch and sewage discharge point.

b) Evaluation method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular..

1.5. For rainwater storage tanks:

a) Inspection contents include:

- Water collection surface and conveyance channel;

- Trash box or filter;

- Tank cover;

- Tank wall.

- Water drawing tools.

b) Evaluation method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular..

1.6. For other water supply methods such as tanks, jars, and pots:

a) Inspection contents include:

- Well cover;

- Water storage containers;

- Sanitation status inside the storage containers.

b) Evaluation method: According to the risk scoring method specified in Appendix 2 issued together with this Circular..

2. From the date this Circular takes effect, Decision No. 90/2003/QD-BBCVT dated May 15, 2003 of the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications on the issuance of regulations regarding the issuance of commemorative postage stamps ceases to be effective.Water quality testing

2.1. Number of samples and sampling locations: Take one water sample for testing at the following locations:

a) For dug wells: take it inside the well;

b) For drilled wells: take it at the pump outlet or the outlet of the storage tank (if available);

c) For rainwater storage tanks: take it at the tank outlet or inside the tank if there is no outlet;

d) For other water storage containers: take it inside the container; households with water treatment systems should take the treated water.

2.2. Sampling technique and sample preservation: According to Vietnam Standard TCVN 5992-1995.

Evaluation method: The physical, chemical, and microbiological indicators are tested and evaluated according to the clean water hygiene standards issued together with Decision No. 09/2005/QĐ-BYT dated March 11, 2005, of the Minister of Health.

3. Inspection of the water treatment area's sanitation status (if applicable)

Inspect the general sanitation status of the existing household water treatment areas such as: rainwater collection racks; filtration tanks; materials inside the filtration tanks; water storage and drawing containers after treatment.

C. For household latrines

1. Inspection contents include:

1.1. Location of the latrine construction;

1.2. Surrounding sanitation of the latrine;

1.3. Number of septic tanks, condition of septic tanks, part where the lid of the septic tank meets the tank wall for self-contained latrines and flush toilets or the holding chamber for two-compartment latrines;

1.4. Effluent from the septic tank for self-contained latrines or the fecal outlet for two-compartment latrines;

1.5. Floor of the latrine;

1.6. Toilet seat, flush mechanism for self-contained latrines and flush toilets; cover of the toilet hole for two-compartment latrines and submersible latrines with vent pipe;

1.7. Flush water, flush water storage container;

1.8. Absorbent material for two-compartment latrines and submersible latrines with vent pipe;

1.9. Dirty paper storage container;

1.10. Vent pipe;

1.11. Flies and insects in the latrine;

1.12. Odor;

1.13. Latrine cover.

2. Evaluation method: According to the checklist method specified in Models 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Appendix 3 issued together with this Circular.

IV. INFORMATION AND REPORTING REGIME

1.Information Reporting System

1.1. The results of the clean drinking water, household water, and latrine inspections are reported to:

a) The inspected entity;

b) The competent state management agency;

1.2. The results of self-inspection of drinking water hygiene by water plants and centralized water supply stations serving communities of 500 people or more must be reported to the Provincial Preventive Health Center (hereinafter referred to as the Provincial Preventive Health Center) where the water plant or centralized water supply station is located.

1.3. The results of self-inspection of clean water hygiene by centralized water supply stations serving communities under 500 people must be reported to the District Preventive Health Center (hereinafter referred to as the District Preventive Health Center) where the centralized water supply station is located.

The training institution is responsible for submitting reports on the results of each course to the Construction Department of the locality where its headquarters is located and where the training takes place for monitoring and management (according to the model in Appendix 11 of this Circular);

2.1. Closing date: The report data is calculated up to the last day of the reporting period, specifically as follows:

a) Monthly reports are calculated from the 1st to the last day of the month;

b) Six-monthly reports are calculated from January 1 to June 30 each year;

c) Annual reports are calculated from January 1st to December 31st of each year.

2.2. Report submission deadline:

a) Deadline for submitting periodic monthly reports:

- No later than five working days after the closing date, the Provincial Preventive Health Center sends the report to the Ministry of Health (National Preventive Medicine Department), and simultaneously sends one copy to the Provincial Health Department, and one copy to the specialized institute responsible for the region for reporting.

b) Deadline for submitting periodic six-month and annual reports:

- No later than five working days after the closing date, the Commune Health Station (hereinafter referred to as the Commune Health Station) sends the periodic report to the District Preventive Health Center, and simultaneously sends one copy to the District Health Department for reporting;

- No later than ten working days after the closing date, the District Preventive Health Center sends the report to the Provincial Preventive Health Center, and simultaneously sends one copy to the District Health Department for reporting;

- No later than fifteen working days after the closing date, the Provincial Preventive Health Center sends the report to the Ministry of Health (National Preventive Medicine Department), and simultaneously sends one copy to the Provincial Health Department, and one copy to the specialized institute responsible for the region for reporting;

- Not later than twenty working days from the date of closing the books, the Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Hygiene, the West Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, the Pasteur Institute of Nha Trang, and the Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Public Health shall submit reports to the Ministry of Health (Vietnam Preventive Medicine Department).

c) Time for submitting urgent reports:

Submit reports by telephone within twenty-four hours and in writing within seventy-two hours from the time an urgent issue arises. In cases where reports are required by superiors, they shall be submitted strictly according to the deadlines set by the superiors.

2.3. Content of the report:

a) Health stations at commune level shall submit reports in accordance with the contents specified in Model No. 1 of Appendix 4 issued together with this Circular;

b) Centers for Preventive Medicine at district level shall submit reports in accordance with the contents specified in Model No. 2 of Appendix 4 issued together with this Circular;

c) Centers for Preventive Medicine at provincial level shall submit reports in accordance with the contents specified in Models No. 3 and No. 4 of Appendix 4 issued together with this Circular;

d) The Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Hygiene, the West Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, the Pasteur Institute of Nha Trang, and the Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Public Health shall submit reports in accordance with the contents specified in Model No. 5 of Appendix 4 issued together with this Circular.

V. IMPLEMENTATION

1. The Vietnam Preventive Medicine Department shall be responsible for:

1.1. Directing, urging, guiding, and inspecting activities related to the inspection of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines nationwide.

1.2. Organizing the development, revision, supplementation, and submission to competent authorities for issuance of guiding documents, standards, and technical regulations related to the inspection of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines.

1.3. Summarizing annual reports on the inspection of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines from localities to report to the leadership of the Ministry of Health.

2. The Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Hygiene, the West Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, the Pasteur Institute of Nha Trang, and the Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Public Health shall be responsible for:

2.1. Summarizing, analyzing, and reporting the situation of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines in provinces under their jurisdiction to develop plans for technical support.

2.2. Studying and proposing technical solutions for the inspection of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines; solutions to ensure the safety of water sources and household latrines.

2.3. Guiding localities on technical aspects of the inspection of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines.

2.4. Conducting inspections of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines when natural disasters, catastrophes, epidemics occur, or upon request.

3. The Provincial Health Departments shall be responsible for:

3.1. Directing subordinate units to conduct inspections of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines in the province or city.

3.2. Ensuring human resources, equipment, and budget allocation (in the annual budget) for the implementation of inspections of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines in the province or city.

4The Center for Preventive Medicine at provincial level shall be responsible for:

4.1. Regularly and urgently inspecting the general hygiene status, taking samples of water, conducting tests, and evaluating results for water plants and centralized water supply stations serving communities of 500 people or more in the province or city.

4.2. Cooperating with Centers for Preventive Medicine at district level to urgently inspect the hygiene status, take samples of water, conduct tests, and evaluate results for centralized water supply stations serving communities of less than 500 people, various forms of household water supply, and household latrines in the province or city.

4.3. Preparing annual plans and budgets for implementing activities related to the inspection of clean water, drinking water, and household latrines and submitting them for approval by competent authorities.

5. The Department of Health at district level shall be responsible for:

Directing health stations at commune level to inspect the general hygiene status of various forms of household water supply and household latrines within their management area.

The Center for Preventive Medicine at district level shall be responsible for:

6.1. Regularly and urgently inspecting the general hygiene status, taking samples of water, conducting tests, or sending samples to higher levels for testing and evaluating results for centralized water supply stations serving communities of less than 500 people.

6.2. Regularly taking samples of water, conducting tests, or sending samples to higher levels for testing and evaluating results for various forms of household water supply within their management area.

6.3. Cooperating with health stations at commune level to urgently inspect the hygiene status of household latrines within their management area.

6.4. Annually preparing plans and budgets for organizing the implementation of activities related to the inspection of clean water and household latrines and submitting them for approval by competent authorities.

7. The health station at commune level shall be responsible for:

7.1. Regularly and urgently inspecting the general hygiene status of various forms of household water supply within their management area.

7.2. Regularly and urgently inspecting the hygiene status of household latrines within the commune, ward, or town.

7.3. Annually preparing plans and budgets for organizing the implementation of activities related to the inspection of the general hygiene status of various forms of household water supply and household latrines and submitting them for approval by competent authorities.

8. Water plants and water supply stations shall be responsible for:

8.1. Ensuring the provision of clean water and drinking water meeting the standards stipulated in Decision No. 09/2005/QD-BYT dated March 11, 2005, of the Minister of Health on the issuance of Industry Standards: Clean Water Sanitation Standards and Decision No. 1329/2002/BYT-QD dated April 18, 2002, of the Minister of Health on the issuance of Drinking Water Sanitation Standards.

8.2. Self-inspecting water quality regularly every week to ensure that the provided water meets the prescribed quality standards.

VI. IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

This Circular shall take effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette.

During the implementation process, if there are any difficulties, units are requested to report to the Ministry of Health (Vietnam Preventive Medicine Department) for consideration and resolution./.