Operational Issues

FACT Train Shetland runs Chartered Institution of Wastes Management Waste Awareness courses.
FACT Over 90 people in Shetland have obtained Waste Awareness certificates.
FACT One litre of oil can pollute one million litres of fresh water.
FACT Absence from work due to sickness or accidents costs organisations up to 10% of its payroll costs.
FACT 38% of all major injuries are due to slips and trips often due to mis-storage and mis-use of materials.

Is there a risk from the use and storage of particular materials eg oil, chemicals or foodstuffs?

Risk assessment and appropriate measures are a vital part of maintaining a safe and clean environment.  Have you fully risk assessed everything and wherever possible limited the chemical and storage risks? Use bunded pallets and fuel stores where appropriate.

Are there health and safety implications associated with the use of resources, operation or processes or generation and handling of waste?

Are you fully health and safety compliant and are all your staff trained and regularly updated on what they are required to do?

Are these issues an integral part of the induction package for all staff ?

Unless your staff's training is up-to-date, accidents will happen which will impact on the environment.  Induction of staff at all levels needs to clearly examine these areas.

Have you identified a member of staff to be your "green champion"?

It is important to have a named member of staff who will check on such things as energy usage and will report back monthly to the senior management on issues within your building.

Have you all necessary licences, transfer notes, permits and permissions?

If you are in doubt of what permissions you would need please contact Waste Services (tel: 01595 744800, email waste@shetland.gov.uk).

Who is responsible in your office for waste disposal and storage?

You should have a named person whose duty it is to check this.

If you have liquid stored is the bunding adequate?

Your bund should not be porous and should be able to take 110% of the volume you have in store. Check that after rainfall water has accumulated in the bund. If not, the bund is leaking.

Do not overfill containers

Is everything clearly labelled with details of contents?

Separation and storage can only work well if labelling is clear and only as good as your staff.

Where appropriate is everything locked away?

Accidental damage can occur unless care is taken – it could be vandalism which results in pollution.

Are all drains appropriately mapped or colour coded and maintained?

Blue for surface and red for foul is appropriate.  Site drains should be regularly checked and cleaned.

Are your cleaning operations carried out in contained areas?

Large volumes of polluted water can be created which need suitable drainage and control to the foul sewer.  All staff should be aware of where and how to wash materials suitably.  

Before demolition or construction work is carried out is all environmental risk minimised?

All tanks and pipe work should be empty before work begins.  Cement and temporary fuel stores area real risk if not properly stored. Full risk assessments should be carried out.

Is a staff member responsible for training refresher courses for all staff and for ensuring notices are current?

You are only as good as your staff.

Are all staff aware of emergency plans and telephone numbers?

More than fire can occur.  If it did could you react?

Have you checked that no nuisance is caused at any time of day or at any season from your site?

Smoke, noise (including of deliveries), odour and dust should all be mitigated.

Are all drivers trained?

Driver training can reduce fuel usage and wear and tear on vehicles. For information on efficient driving please see the Energy Saving Trust website.

Keep your site tidy

Ensure your site is kept tidy and free from litter and redundant equipment. Ensure all surplus materials are removed from site.

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