Page 26 - BOSS Today Issue 45

BOSS Today #45 DOWN TO BUSINESS – BEING GOOD NEIGHBOURS

BEING GOOD

NEIGHBOURS

How to take action against the risk of environmental pollution.

pillages and other incidents involving Foul water drains carry contaminated Special care should be taken during
Schemicals can be costly, both water (sewage/trade effluent) safely delivery, particularly when loading
directly and indirectly. Indirect costs to a sewage treatment works. and unloading particularly hazardous
include business interruption, loss of Surface or clean water drains substances, to avoid risk of spillage
business due to damaged reputation, should only carry uncontaminated and accidents. It is important to
legal fees, and increased insurance rainwater because they lead directly identify risks so they can be minimised,
premiums. Direct costs can run into to streams, rivers or soakaways. ensuring drain covers and spill kits are
hundreds of thousands of pounds, if Produce a comprehensive drainage always available in high risk areas.
not more. If the Environment Agency plan of your site that accurately
(EA) of the Health and Safety Executive identifies all drains. Foul water
(HSE) become involved, they can drains should be painted RED and
charge for their presence, expensive surface water drains BLUE. STORAGE
specialist clear-up contractors Poor storage of oils and chemicals
could be required and fines may be represents a major risk to the
imposed (the average fine against a environment. Locating storage facilities
company in 2017/18 was £147,575). HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT away from watercourses will minimise
The action points below, we hope, Since legal waste storage and disposal the risk during deliveries and dispensing.
will be useful for you in protecting is an essential pollution prevention When storing chemicals with
yourself and the environment. measure, disposals of certain hazardous multiple containers/drums, ensure
wastes (oily wastes, solvents) have that the bund capacity is 110% of the
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION particular legal requirements and their volume of the largest container or
Make your site right and protect movement must be accompanied by 25% of the total volume stored.
the environment by putting into a consignment note. Segregate and
practice these action points for the label wastes for recycling and separate
following areas and activities: hazardous waste from general waste.
Do not mix or dilute hazardous wastes. TRADE EFFLUENTS
Liquid effluents can be produced
by commercial or industrial
SITE DRAINAGE processes and require special
A good knowledge of all the DELIVERY AND HANDLING OF WASTE MATERIALS consideration for their disposal.
drainage systems on your site is such as oil and solvents, is Trade effluents are polluting
fundamental to prevent pollution. always a high-risk activity. and must not be discharged to the

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