Waste management and recycling

Hazards and issues related to the incorrect management or neglect of correct waste management are extensive, they include;

• Harmful substances – when dealing with waste and recycling the following can include, cleaning solutions, varnishes, bleach, paint, batteries, pesticides, and garden products such as weed killer.
• Biological agents – human waste, used needles, syringes and drugs.
• Rodent infestations
• Animal waste, such as pet litter, hutches , hay and straw

Exposure can be made in a number of ways including;

• Inhalation
• Skin penetration through pricks and cuts
• Skin contact
• Ingestion

Employers are responsible for taking measures to minimise and control exposure to the hazards. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH 2002) contains the main relevant legal requirements. Employers must assess the risk from harmful substances; this includes reducing the risk at the source by either promoting usage of schemes such as hazardous waste return and needle return schemes.

Most hazards and risks are hugely reduced by using simple measures to control waste.

Waste Carrier's Licensing

If a business, such as Bath Property Maintenance Ltd, carries any form of waste, including their own, then they need to register for a license. Businesses can register as waste carriers on gov.uk. Registering as a lower tier carrier allows you to carry your own waste, registering as an upper tier waste carrier is required for businesses that carry the waste of others. By law, all businesses that carry the waste of others are required to fill out a waste transfer note for each load of waste transferred.

As an example, for an electrical job where the waste generated includes only the packaging of materials that the contractor purchased themselves, then only a lower tier license is required. But if the electrical work involves replacing wires, the existing waste wiring removed requires an upper tier license to transport it.

COSHH

COSHH requires employers to take general steps to manage and assess employee’s exposure to hazardous substances, such as;

• Identify which employees may be at risk and how
• Monitor and review the risk and who may be at risk regularly
• Implement measures to control the risk

Training

Employers must state clear instructions, and provide adequate training for the following;

• Details of the hazards and risks they may face
• Guides for good personal hygiene
• The companies procedures for dealing with contamination and incidents
• The companies procedures for reporting incidents

New employees must receive induction training in the company’s policies and existing employees must have regular refresher training and be made aware of any changes or additions to the company's policies.

Hygeine

A good standard of personal hygiene is very important for employees, facilities must be provided to employees such as;

• Protective clothing
• Adequate washing facilities where appropriate
• Company procedures for when gross contaminations occurs