City inspectors wage war on non-compliant traders

22 May 2017

 

A scrap and waste recycling shop was closed down and two panelbeating and spray-painting businesses issued with warning notices after inspectors from the City of Johannesburg’s Environmental Health Department as well as the Emergency Management Services (EMS) raided businesses conducting offensive trade along Marshall Street in City & Suburban on Thursday May 18.

 

The operation targeted the businesses to ensure their compliance with applicable City by-laws.

Chwene Setati, owner of the Chwene Metals and Recycling Plant, the scrap and waste recycling shop that was closed down by the inspectors, was ordered to surrender his business permit after they found his premises dirty and unhygienic.

“He has failed on a number of times to provide us with the building plan. He does not have a fire hosepipe and extinguishers. There is a toxic spill on the floors. There is no tap on the premises. This is a disaster,” said Inspector Audrey Rangata, who was leading the operation.

Rangata said in cases like these inspectors would order the business to cease its operations until such time that the owner attended to all the requirements.

“We may reissue the owner with his permit or order him to reapply,” she said, adding that the City had a responsibility to ensure that businesses operating within its jurisdiction fully complied with regulations and by-laws.

Mintero Panelbeaters, which operates on the corner of Marshall and End streets, was found to be in contravention of the required safety standards. Its employees did not have safety gear and protective clothing, including masks. The premises also did not have changerooms for staff.

The inspectors issued the company with a warning notice, ordering it to attend to the matters within seven days.

Another offensive business issued with a warning notice was a panelbeating shop in Jeppestown that was found to be in contravention of fire regulations.

“Its fire hosepipe has never been serviced in years. It is their responsibility to see to it that this is serviced regularly. The pipe is leaking and is about to fall on the ground,” Rangata said.

Owners of the business were also given seven days to attend to the issue.

She said no person could conduct an offensive trade in Johannesburg without a permit authorising such a business.

“The requirements to conduct any business is compliance. You need to comply by having a permit to operate such a business. Your building must meet specific requirements. The safety of your employees,” she said.