The `ozone layer' shields plants, us and other animals from harmful UV radiation.
The chemicals that were used in refrigeration units and propellants for aerosols, and a number of other substances,
are thought to be destroying the ozone layer high up in the earth's stratosphere.
Unfortunately, even if there were no more releases of ozone depleting substances, the chemicals already released will
continue causing damage for many more years to come.
A number of gases such as CO and methane are suspected of creating the greenhouse effect. They form an insulating
layer around the earth's atmosphere, preventing heat from escaping into space.
This trapping of heat energy causes what is sometimes referred to as `global warming', and could result in
extreme weather conditions in many parts of the world.
Destruction of tropical rain forests may also be affecting our climate. These forests have a major effect in
determining our weather patterns.
The use of fertilisers may lead to high levels of pollution in rivers if not properly controlled. The pollution of
rivers may not only kill fish and water plant life living there, but the insects, birds and other animals feeding
in the surrounding area.
Legislation Overview
The main piece of legislation covering industrial pollution
control is the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990.
The EPA covers a wide scope of environmental issues, including
waste management; controls for industry with the potential to
create significant pollutants; nuisance from noise, dust and
odours; litter control and the control of stray dogs.
Industry with the greatest potential for pollution is strictly
regulated under the EPA. These are known as Part A processes.
Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) applies to these processes
so that pollution to air, land and water is all properly
controlled. This is now being superseded by the Pollution
Prevention & Control Act of 1999 and the PPC Regulations 2000.
Certain industries with the potential to pollute the air will
be covered by Integrated Pollution Control and are known as
Part A processes. These are regulated by the Environment Agency
or the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.
The EPA specifies other industries, where the major pollution
risk is from emissions to air. These are known as Part B
processes and include certain metal degreasing operations and
inks and coatings manufacture etc..
The Environment Act 1995 allows the government to set air
quality standards for specific pollutants such as ozone, carbon
monoxide, benzene, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and
volatile organic compounds (VOC's).
Emissions of smoke, grit and dust from other processes (such as
furnaces) may come under the control of the Local Authorities
through the Clean Air Act 1993.
WASTE
All business and industrial premises produce waste controlled by
legislation.
Waste containers must be labelled correctly to identify the type
and hazard of waste in a container.
Waste should be stored in clearly designated areas. Liquid waste
must be stored in bunded areas in case of spillage.
Different types of waste should be well segregated. It is legally
required for all waste to be controlled by paperwork. There are
basically two types of paperwork systems, which cover controlled
waste and special waste. Copies of all documentation should be
kept for the required number of years.
Duty of Care Regulations cover all waste movements and require
everyone in the waste chain to ensure that proper care is taken
to prevent environmental damage.
WATER
Not even detergents from washing vehicles should go to surface
water drains. This could lead to serious damage to the river
or lake where the effluent runs into.
It is important to know where waste water goes. Failure to do
so may lead to a spillage or overflow contaminating drinking
water or a local river.
Do not use drains as a disposal route for materials. Drains
should be colour coded RED for foul sewers and BLUE for
surface and storm water.
NUISANCE LEGISLATION
The EPA also covers the control of certain nuisances.
Nuisances controlled include: smoke nuisance, fumes or
gases, dust, escape of steam, odour and noise. In most
cases the Local Authority will be responsible for
enforcing nuisance legislation.
The Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993 covers noise
emissions from roads, loudspeakers and audible intruder
alarms. The Local Authority is responsible for enforcement
of the Act.
Storage, Handling & Disposal
HANDLING
Always make sure that a pallet or container is safe to move
before attempting to handle it.
Always make use of the proper equipment for moving containers
and chemicals (e.g. fork lift trucks, drum handlers etc.).
If there is a spillage, you must:
Identify the material spilt.
Use the correct personal protective & spill control equipment.
Take action to prevent further release of the material.
Prevent the spillage spreading or entering drains.
Take appropriate measures to clean up the spillage.
Inform the site emergency response team and/or the emergency services for larger spills.
Make sure you fully understand the site procedures for dealing with spillages.
STORAGE
All bulk chemical storage areas should be bunded or be in a
containment area. This should ensure that any spillages or
leaks remain within the containment area, reducing the risk
of environmental damage.
Never store chemicals on open ground. If there is a leak it
may go undetected for some time and could leach through the
soil where it could contaminate the ground water.
Chemicals should not be stored on or near drains. Leaks will
quickly enter the drainage system before they are noticed.
Racking and other storage areas should be inspected regularly,
to make sure that containers are in good condition, that there
are no leaks and that the racking has not been damaged.
SEGREGATION
Certain chemicals require segregation because they pose specific
safety or environmental risks. These include explosives,
flammable liquids and oxidising and reducing agents.
DISPOSAL
All waste should be placed in the proper containers.
The containers must be immediately labelled in accordance with
the Chemicals Hazard Information & Packaging (CHIP) Regulations
as well as the Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations.
The waste should be stored in a secure, segregated area and
volumes should not exceed those permitted by your site.
Energy & The Environment
Electricity generation from the burning of gas and oil produces
CO. A relatively small site can use enough electricity and gas
to result in the release of hundreds of tonnes of CO.
CO is also produced from the energy you use at home for heating
and lighting and as one of the waste products from burning diesel
and petrol.
Inefficient use of office machines costs British business up to
approximately £400 million in electricity each year.
Laser printers and photocopiers are especially big energy users,
because keeping them warmed-up takes a lot of energy.
You can help to save electricity by switching off lights when not
needed, making sure doors and windows are shut to keep heat in
and turning heating down rather than opening windows when it gets
too hot.
Remember that saving energy helps the environment and saves money.
Benefits
Reduction of waste decreases the impact on the environment, as
less waste is disposed of to landfill sites or incinerated.
There will also be a reduced impact on the environment through
using less resources.
Savings may also be achieved by minimising water consumption.
This would give an environmental benefit by minimising wastage
of a precious resource whilst at the same time reducing the
water going into the effluent system or drain.
Recycling is increasingly being driven by legislation. Many
towns, cities and villages now have recycling centres for paper,
glass and cans. Your input into these recycling schemes is very
important.
It is important that wastes for recycling are properly segregated.
An office paper recycling scheme can be ruined if, for example,
just one person puts plastic or sellotape into the 'paper bin'.
and methane are suspected of creating the greenhouse effect. They form an insulating
layer around the earth's atmosphere, preventing heat from escaping into space.