In recent years, there has been increased attention to pollution control. Lack of control leads to harm to people and to the environment. Operatives can ensure that they don’t contribute to pollution of the environment.
Source of pollution
- Pollution can affect the air, land or water courses.
- Smoke, fumes, dust, exhaust emissions and vapours all pollute the air.
- Uncontrolled use of chemicals, oils, fuels, and other harmful substances can contaminate the land.
- In some cases, land pollutants can enter water courses and pollute domestic water many miles away.
- Excessive noise levels are also regarded as a form of pollution.
- Work with asbestos, lead and radiation are other sources of pollution for which strict control measures must be in place.
Control of pollution
- Always take care when working with harmful substances, and dispose of used containers in the proper manner.
- Store bulk quantities of substances such as diesel, oils, greases, etc. on hard standing to avoid seepage of leaks and spills into the ground.
- If practical, create a bund wall around the hard standing to prevent spillage reaching the surrounding land.
- Try to avoid running plant powered by internal combustion engines inside buildings or in enclosed spaces – allow exhaust emissions to disperse.
- Do not leave plant engines running when they are not being used.
- Electrically powered plant and equipment is more environmentally friendly.
- Engine driven plant and equipment should be regularly serviced to stop or reduce leakage of oils and other fluids.
- Place drip trays under engine powered plant where necessary to avoid contamination of the land and water courses.
- Keep noise levels from work activities to a minimum where possible.
- If you are aware of any leak or spillage of any substance which you believe could result in pollution, inform your supervisor immediately.
