Tool Box Talk (Environmental Awareness)

 Topic:         Environmental Awareness

Introduction

            The purpose of this toolbox talk is to educate awareness of environmental issues such as pollution and waste management with respect to construction site. The aim is that everyone will understand their responsibility and follow practices to legal requirements and protect the environment.

Background 

Construction work generates a lot of waste, including hazardous waste and it also has an impact on the environment in some way, whether it’s positive or negative. Work activity can lead to air pollution, land pollution and water pollution, there are laws in place to protect the environment and they are strictly enforced.

Some plant and animal life are also protected by law such as some species of birds and bats. Examples of plants include some types of moss, lichen and orchids, while trees can have TPO’s Tree Preservation Orders.

What you need to know?

1. You need to know the arrangements for managing waste on the site (location of bins / bins, segregation, hazardous waste, etc.).

2. Only registered waste carriers can collect waste from site, all parties involved have a duty of care.

3. You need to know the procedure for dealing with spills and environmental emergencies.

4. You must know what you can and cannot do regarding any protected plants / animals, this information will be provided during inductions, risk assessments and work instructions.

What you need to do? 

1. Always put waste in the waste bins, don’t let it accumulate anywhere or elsewhere.

2. Take the extra few seconds and put waste in the rights bins (don’t mix it).

3. If you are involved in the collection of waste, you must receive waste transfer Standing orders (policy notes if hazardous waste) and only use registered waste vehicles.

4. If bins are full or they are not being used appropriately – report it to the person in charge of the work or site management. Full bins can increase vermin such as rats.

5. If refueling, ensure that spill / drip trays / plant nappies are in place.

6. Store liquids on bunds. Drip trays must be emptied regularly in accordance with site arrangements (waste oil / fuel waste collection points).

7. Clean spills up immediately using the appropriate spill kit and deposit used materials in accordance with site arrangements.

8. Report any shortfall in the arrangements and any incidents or concerns regarding waste management, the presence of protected species or pollution.

What have you learned?

1.  What are the key points regarding waste management?

2.  Name some of the measures required regarding the storage and use of liquids.