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Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

NTER Container Accommodation FAQs

 

What is the issue?

In November 2007, some Australian Government staff identified a strong smell in some of the shipping containers used to house Northern Territory Emergency Response staff in remote Indigenous communities.

At that time, a defect in the containers’ septic system was thought to be the cause of the fumes and action was taken to fix this problem.

On 25 March 2008, the supplier of the containers advised FaHCSIA that the odour may have been caused by formaldehyde used in the construction of the containers' furniture. The supplier advised that ventilation of the containers should resolve the issue.

FaHCSIA requested a copy of a report commissioned by the supplier about the odour. It was received on 10 April 2008.

The report found high levels of formaldehyde were present in an accommodation container tested at the supplier's storage yards.

On the same day FaHCSIA received the report from Royal Wolf, all Australian Government staff residing or visiting the container accommodation were evacuated to alternate accommodation.

Can I receive a copy of the report?

The report is available on the FaHCSIA internet website.

What should I do if I lived in or visited a shipping container as part of the Northern Territory Emergency Response?

If you have lived in or visited a shipping container and have concerns about your health, you can contact FaHCSIA’s Occupational Health and Safety team to register your name and discuss your situation.  You will be kept informed about any future developments in regard to this issue.

You can also keep up to date with the latest information on the FaHCSIA website.

How many communities have these containers?

Twenty four communities across the Top End of the Northern Territory used shipping containers as accommodation for NTER staff.

Why were these containers used?

Due to the lack of available accommodation in communities and the need to provide accommodation within a short time frame and the need to provide accommodation that complied with cyclone regulations, shipping container style accommodation was purchased, refitted and deployed in the Top End of the Northern Territory. 

What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colourless gas with an irritating odour. It is used in the production of glues for wood products, pulp, paper, glass wool and rock wool. It is also found in some plastics, coatings, paints and varnishes, and in textile finishing.

Further information on formaldehyde can be found by visiting the National Industrial Chemical Notification and Assessment Scheme website.

Is formaldehyde harmful?

The Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer has provided advice that long term health affects from the level and type of formaldehyde exposure in the shipping containers used as accommodation for the Northern Territory Emergency Response is unlikely. 

Formaldehyde can affect people through inhalation, skin contact and swallowing.  Breathing formaldehyde vapour can result in irritation of nerves in the eyes and nose, which may cause burning, stinging or itching sensations, a sore throat, teary eyes, blocked sinuses, runny nose, and sneezing.

If I am worried about exposure to formaldehyde, can I talk to someone?

For health advice and information, you can contact:

NT Health Direct – 1800 186 026

For Counselling support, you can contact:

Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24 hour service)
MensLine – 1300 789 978 (24 hour service)

What will happen to the rollout of NTER measures such as Income Management and Community Clean Up (CCU)?

FaHCSIA will work with relevant government agencies to ensure necessary steps are taken to continue the roll-out of NTER measures.