Environmental Precautions

General

This section provides general information which can help to reduce the environmental impacts from the 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. These gases and fumes can be minimized by following the guidelines in this section, which reduces the impact on the environment.

Solvents

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

Refrigerant

Discharge and replacement of these materials from air conditioning units should only be carried out using the correct equipment.

Checklist

  • Keep lids on containers of solvents;
  • Only use the minimum quantity;
  • Consider alternative materials;
  • Minimize over-spray when painting.
  • Use the correct equipment for collecting refrigerants;
  • Don't burn garbage or materiel on site.

Discharges to water

Oil, petrol/gasoline, solvent, acids, hydraulic oil, antifreeze and other such substances should never be poured down the drain and every precaution must be taken to prevent spillage reaching the drains.

Handling of such materials must take place well away from the drains and preferably in an area with a curb 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.

Checklist

Always adhere to the following disposal and spillage prevention instructions:

  • 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.
  • Store liquids in a walled area.
  • Make sure that taps on liquid containers are secure and cannot be accidentally 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.

Spill kits

Special materials are available to absorb a number of different substances. They can be in granular form, ready to use and bought in convenient containers for storage. Disposal of used spill-absorbing material is dealt with in 'Waste Management' section.

Land contamination

Oils, fuels and solvents, etc. can contaminate any soil that they are allowed to contact. Such materials should never be disposed of by pouring onto soil and every precaution must be taken to prevent spillage reaching soil. Waste materials stored on open ground could also leak, or have polluting substances washed off them that would contaminate the land. Always store these materials in suitable robust containers.

Checklist

Always adhere to the following:

  • Don't pour or spill anything onto the soil or bare ground.
  • Don't store waste materials on bare ground, see 'Spillage prevention' list.

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. This means that it is necessary to not only know what the waste materials are, but also to have the necessary documentation and to know local regulations that apply.

Handling and storage of waste

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 authorized to carry those particular waste materials and have all the necessary documentation. The waste carrier is responsible for ensuring that the waste is taken to the correct disposal sites.