MFB Privacy Policy
Board Policy No: B6000/26
Management Policy No: M
Prepared By: Corporate Secretariat
Title: PRIVACY OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Authorised By: Board 10 July 2006
Issue Date: 1 May 2006
Version Number: 2
1. Purpose: This privacy policy relates to the management of personal information concerning members of the public by the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (‘MFB’).
The MFB collects, uses and discloses this personal information in accordance with its functions set out in the Metropolitan Fire Brigades Act 1958, the Information Privacy Act 2000, the Health Records Act 2001 and other related legislation.
2. Scope: All personal information about members of the public held by the MFB.
3. Refer:
- Metropolitan Fire Brigades Act 1958
- Information Privacy Act 2000
- Health Records Act 2001
4. Responsibility: This policy applies to all management and staff of the MFB.
5. Definitions: N/A
6. Policy:
The MFB – What does it do?
The MFB has functions which are set out in the Metropolitan Fire Brigades Act 1958. Some of its functions include:
- Responding to calls for assistance, including medical emergency response at a fire, accident, explosion, oil or chemical spill or other emergency;
- Carrying out fire investigations to determine the cause of fires;
- Assisting with coronial inquests and police investigations and insurance claims primarily by providing fire investigation reports;
- Involvement in improving fire safety in Victorian buildings;
- Conducting fire safety audits;
- Enforcing building fire safety regulations.
The MFB – What personal information does it handle?
Personal information includes any information that identifies an individual and is connected with a particular individual. It may include sensitive information, such as health information.
Personal information that may be collected, used or disclosed by the MFB includes:
- Names and addresses (or other identifying details) of owners/occupiers affected by property damage caused by fire or persons who make an emergency call;
- Names and addresses (or other identifying details) of persons injured and assisted by the MFB in an emergency response including medical emergency exposure;
- Details of fire investigations, including witness statements;
- Information held pursuant to the Metropolitan Fire Brigades Act 1958, such as names and addresses of owners and occupiers, their addresses, insurance policy number and the insurance premium;
- Details of applicants applying for the modification of building regulations; and
- Contact details of tenants and prospective tenants in connection with properties owned by the MFB.
The MFB and disclosure of personal information
The MFB may give personal information relating to individuals involved in a fire or other emergency to loss adjusters, insurance companies, debt collectors, other service providers, law enforcement agencies such as the Victorian Police, the Building Control Board, the Department of Justice, local councils and other government agencies. Information may be disclosed to agencies and individuals who make a successful application under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
Where data is used or disseminated for statistical purposes, such as projects with the
Australian Bureau of Statistics or fire and related trend analysis by MFB, personal information is removed from the data.
Accuracy and security of information
The MFB takes all reasonable steps to ensure that the accuracy of personal information collected, used and disclosed is correct. It will correct inaccurate information when this is identified. The MFB takes all reasonable steps to ensure that information held in paper or electronic form is safe and secure. The MFB takes all reasonable steps to ensure that personal information is only used by employees or disclosed to others to the extent necessary for it to carry out its functions.
Destruction and de-identification of personal information
The MFB takes all reasonable steps to de-identify or destroy information when it is no longer needed or legally required. The MFB may provide personal information to the Keeper of Public Records, in line with the Public Records Act 1973.
Access to the personal information we hold about members of the public, and the complaints process
If a member of the public wishes to obtain details of personal information the MFB holds about them, or make a complaint in relation to our handling of personal information, they may contact the MFB Privacy Officer on 9662 2311, or write to “Privacy Officer, 456 Albert Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002.” Complaints in relation to personal information will be handled through the MFB’s normal complaint handling process.
7. Documentation: N/A
8. Verification: N/A
THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED