Use of resource

Use of resource

Another environmental concern is the waste of materials and energy that can occur in day to day activities.

Electricity for heating, lighting and compressed air uses resources and releases pollution during its generation.

Fuel used for heating, running cars or vans and mobile plant is another limited resource which consumes large amounts of energy during its extraction and refining processes.

Water has to be cleaned, piped to site and disposed of; all of which creates more potential pollution.

Oil, spares, paint etc., have all produced pollution in the process of manufacture and they become a waste disposal problem if discarded.

Checklist

Always adhere to the following:

Electricity and heating:

• Keep doors and windows closed in the Winter.
• Switch off machinery or lights when not needed.
• Use energy efficient heating systems.
• Switch off computers and photocopiers when not needed.

Fuel:

• Don’t run engines unnecessarily
• Think about whether journeys are necessary and drive to conserve fuel.

Water:

• Don’t leave taps and hose pipes running.
• Mend leaks quickly, don’t be wasteful.

Compressed air:

• Don’t leave valves open.
• Mend leaks quickly.
• Don’t leave the compressor running when not needed.

Use of environmentally damaging materials:

• Check whether a less toxic material is available.

Handling and storage of materials:

• Have the correct facilities available for handling liquids to prevent spillage and wastage as listed above.
• Provide suitable locations for storage to prevent frost damage or other deterioration.

Burning used engine oil

Burning of used engine oil in small space heaters or boilers can be recommended only for units of approved design. The heating system must meet the regulatory standards for small burners(s) with a net rated thermal input of less than 3MW. The use of waste oil burners must be licensed by the local authority.

Waste Management

One of the major ways that pollution can be reduced is by the careful handling, storage and disposal of all waste materials that occur on sites. Legislation makes it illegal to dispose of waste materials other than to licensed waste carriers and disposal sites. This means that it is necessary to not only know what the waste materials are, but also to have the necessary documentation and licenses.

Handling and storage of waste

Ensure that waste materials are not poured down the drain or onto soils. They should be stored in such a way as to prevent the escape of the material to land, water or air.

They must also be segregated into different types of waste e.g. oil, metals, batteries, used vehicle components. This will prevent any reaction between different materials and assist in disposal.

Disposal of waste

Disposal of waste materials must only be to waste carriers who are licensed to carry those particular waste materials and all the necessary documentation must be completed. The waste carrier is responsible for ensuring that the waste is taken to the correct disposal sites.