Environmental precautions

ENVIRONMENTAL PRECAUTIONS

General

This section provides general information which if observed, can help reduce environmental damage caused by activities carried out in workshops.

Emissions to air

Many of the activities that are carried out in workshops emit gases and fumes which contribute to global warming, depletion of the ozone layer and/or the formation of photochemical smog at ground level. By considering how the workshop activities are carried out, these gases and fumes can be minimised, thus reducing the impact on the environment.

Exhaust fumes

Running car engines is an essential part of workshop activities and exhaust fumes need to be ventilated to atmosphere. However, the amount of time engines are running and the position of the vehicle should be carefully considered at all times, to reduce the release of poisonous gases and minimise the inconvenience to people living nearby.

Solvents

Some of the cleaning agents used are solvent based and will evaporate to atmosphere if used carelessly, or if cans are left unsealed. All solvent containers should be firmly closed when not being used and solvent should be used sparingly. Suitable alternative methods may be available to replace some of the commonly used solvents. Similarly, many paints are solvent based and the spray should be minimised to reduce solvent emissions.

Refrigerant

It is illegal to release any refrigerants into the atmosphere. Discharge and replacement of these materials from air conditioning units should only be carried out using the correct equipment.

Checklist

Always adhere to the following:

Engines:

• Don’t leave engines running unnecessarily.
• Minimise testing times and check where the exhaust fumes are being blown.

Materials:

• Keep lids on containers of solvents.
• Only use the minimum quantity.
• Consider alternative materials.
• Minimise over-spray when painting.

Gases:

• Use the correct equipment for collecting refrigerants.
• Don’t burn rubbish on site.

Discharges to water

Most sites will have two systems for discharging water: storm drains and foul drains. Storm drains should only receive clean water, foul drains will take dirty water.

The foul drain will accept many of the normal waste waters such as washing water, detergents and domestic type wastes but oil, petrol, solvent, acids, hydraulic oil, antifreeze and other such substances should never be poured down the drain. If in any doubt, consult the Water Authority responsible for your locality first.

Every precaution must be taken to prevent spillage of oil, fuel, solvents etc. reaching the drains. All handling of such materials must take place well away from the drains and preferably in an area with a kerb or wall around it, to prevent discharge into the drain. If a spillage occurs, it should be soaked up immediately. Having a spill kit available will make this easier.

Additional precautions

Check whether the surface water drains are connected to an oil/water separator, this could reduce the pollution if an incident was to occur. Oil/water separators do need regular maintenance to ensure effectiveness.

Checklist

Always adhere to the following:

Disposal:

• Never pour anything down a drain without first checking that it is environmentally safe to do so, and that it does not contravene any local regulations or bye-laws.
• Have oil traps emptied regularly.

Spillage prevention:

• Store liquids in a walled area.
• Make sure that taps on liquid containers are secure and cannot be accidently turned on.
• Protect bulk storage tanks from vandalism by locking the valves.
• Transfer liquids from one container to another in an area away from open drains.
• Ensure lids are replaced securely on containers.
• Have spill kits available near to points of storage and handling of liquids.