Environmental awareness & waste control Flashcards
What should your site and employer do for you?
1) Develop procedures for avoiding nuisance and pollution and for protecting wildlife and heritage and tell everyone involved.
2) Provide means to safely store, distribute and use materials to avoid damage and pollution.
3) Provide means to segregate and dispose of waste correctly.
4) Explain any specific environmental issues at site induction.
5) Provide information on emergency response procedures and provide the resources (such as spill kits) for immediate action.
6) Identify and colour code site drainage as foul water drains (red) or surface water drains (blue) and combined systems (red ‘C’).
What should you do for your site and employer?
1) Turn off plant, equipment and taps when not in use.
2) Reuse materials where possible.
3) Where possible, avoid or control the creation of dust, chemical pollution and noise.
4) Avoid creating waste and dispose of waste correctly.
5) Know where the spill kit is, how to use it and report any incidents.
6) Show respect and consideration for neighbours of the site and members of the public.
7) Report any environmental concerns you may have about pollution, the protection of wildlife, historic buildings and archaeological finds.
The person in charge of the site has contractual and legal responsibilities to make sure of the following:
1) The client’s environmental requirements are carried out and met.
Environmental planning conditions are met.
2) A named individual is appointed with responsibility for environmental issues.
3) Environmental damage and nuisance are prevented during and after construction.
4) Information is provided to all site staff on factors affecting wildlife, areas of historical and archaeological importance, and other special protection orders that may be in force on the site (such as tree preservation orders).
5) Harmful substances (such as chemicals and fuels) are stored and handled correctly to prevent spillage or pollution.
6) Employees have the resources available and are trained on how to use pollution response equipment (for example, spill kits and booms).
7) Waste materials are properly segregated to support recycling and avoid pollution.
8) Waste is correctly handled and companies who transport, treat or dispose of the waste are registered and licensed.
9) Accurate records and documentation are kept for all activities regarding transfer, treatment and disposal of waste.
You should be given instructions, training and advice during and after site induction so you understand the following:
1) The site’s environmental rules (such as how to dispose of your waste).
2) What damage your work can have on the surrounding environment.
3) What procedures and controls are in place to avoid waste, nuisance and pollution.
4) What you need to do as an individual.
5) What to do in an emergency (for example, correct use of a spill kit).
6) Who to report any environmental concerns or issues to, and how.
7) That you should stop work and seek advice if you uncover archaeological objects, disturb wildlife or damage protected historic buildings or monuments.
To avoid creating pollution you should always adhere to the following:
1) Follow the instructions in the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) assessment and any site rules when using any substance, particularly with regard to storage and disposal.
2) Keep the lids on tins of paints, adhesives and solvents when not in use.
3) Keep oils, fuels and chemicals within bunded areas when not in use.
4) Prevent spillages by careful handling and pouring of harmful liquids.
5) Keep harmful substances at least 10 m away from features such as watercourses, drains and ditches.
What should you keep in mind when refuelling?
1) A drip tray or absorbent mat must be used.
2) Refuelling must take place at least 10 m from watercourses or drains.
If you are aware that an environmental incident or spill has occurred then act quickly and follow these simple steps:
1) Stop contamination with corrective actions.
2) Contain contamination using spill kits.
3) Notify your supervisor or employer.
Then,
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Do not switch plant or equipment on. Remove sources of heat and sparks.
Cover drains or inspection chambers to stop the substance from entering unprotected drainage systems.
Check the spill has not reached any nearby drains, inspection chambers, watercourses, ditches, ponds or other sensitive areas.
Dispose of all contaminated materials (such as absorbent granules, soil or cleaning cloths) used to contain the spill in the correct hazardous waste skip.
What are some of the hazardous types of waste that should never be mixed with other waste?
1) Asbestos.
2) Batteries.
3) Used spill kits.
4) Fluorescent light tubes.
5) Waste solvents (such as white spirit, oil and bitumen-based paints).
6) Epoxy resins and mastics.
Construction activities can impact the environment in the following ways:
1) Disturbing birds, bats, badgers and other protected species.
2) Removing or damaging habitats through vegetation clearance.
3) Disturbing aquatic wildlife and impacting water quality.
4) Disturbing wildlife through noise and vibration.
5) Damaging trees and hedgerows.
What are some of your controls and responsibilities when working on historic buildings, or near to or on archaeological and heritage sites?
1) Having an archaeologist on-site during excavation work.
2) Careful recording during dismantling activities to allow replication in reconstruction.
3) Providing extra protection to existing buildings to avoid accidental damage from vehicles and plant.
4) Specific processes to follow if you uncover previously unknown architectural details, decoration or items within buildings.
