Many in the industry will be aware of the increasing incidents of major fires in the waste management industry. This will only get worse as companies strive to avoid landfill tax and retain more and more waste on site.

In the past few months there have been a number of fires occurring in the UK’s waste industry facilities. These fires have had a significant impact on the operation of these businesses.
 
The most recent accidents include:

21st January 2013 – fire at a waste plant in Renfrewshire.
More than 60 fire fighters were deployed to the WRC Recycling building in Floors Street, Johnstone. Fire caused major travel disruption. Nobody was killed or injured. Some local people were asked to leave their homes until the blaze was brought under control. Trains from Glasgow to Ayr, Ardrossan and Largs were disrupted after heat caused damage to cables. Services returned to normal in the afternoon.

27th December 2012 – Oran Environmental
A total of 24 fire fighters, three ground appliances and one aerial platform have remained on site. The fire broke out in a warehouse containing clothing, mattresses and waste paper. Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service said no-one was injured during the incident. The local authority has also sought to reassure the public that there are no health risks related to the dissipating plume of smoke from the site.
30 September 2012 – Fire at Southampton recycling plant.
Piles of domestic waste have been on fire at Willments shipyard in Hazel Road, on the Itchen riverside for four days. According to Fire service – no one was injured.

19 September 2012 – Huge fire at waste disposal firm in Sheffield
Dozens of fire-fighters have tackled a fire involving several tonnes of refuse at a waste disposal firm in South Yorkshire. The staff was evacuated. The fire service said no-one had been injured.
 
Albion has dedicated and experienced staff who specialise in carrying out fire risk assessments and also providing a range of fire related training such as fire awareness, use of extinguishers and fire warden courses. For a no obligation visit please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our industry continues to grasp the mantle of challenges to improve our Health, Safety and Environmental performance against a backdrop where the HSE report that the injury rate is considerably higher than other industries including construction and the EA conducted 335 successful prosecutions in 2011 with the highest fine being £170,000 and the longest custodial sentence being 27 months. With over a dozen deaths caused by waste industry activities and significant facility fires on a very frequent basis it is evident the the best practice found in our industry must be adopted as common practice.

As reported across the industry media outlets the HSE will be providing a particular focus on MRF operations in 2013 and with the MRF Code of Practice and Quality Action Plan likely to be enshrined in permitting regulations there is no time like the present to get ahead and review where you are and where you need to be.

Albion Environmental is offering a FREE one day environmental permit health check across the UK designed to offer an independent review of your permit and working plan against observed and developed practice. Our industry seasoned experts will provide you with a synopsis of any variations observed and recommendations towards best practice for future action. This service usually costs in excess of £500 and is available free for a limited time only.

For further information please contact us

Albion Environmental is an established provider of specialist consultancy advice & support along with provider of recognised training for health, safety and environmental topics to the UK waste industry and beyond since 2002.
 

Albion has worked hard to develop courses specific to the waste and resource management industry. We are pleased to provide information on the following courses for operational staff –

Environmental

Introduction to Waste Management Legislation Course                         

Household waste recycling centre (HWRC) Operators Course               

CPC Approved Driving in the Waste Industry Legislation course            

Health and safety

Working safely in the waste sector  (REHIS Joint approval pending)

We are pleased to provide information on the following courses for supervisory staff –

Environmental

Working with Waste Management Legislation Course (REHIS Joint approval pending)

Health and safety

Managing safely in the waste sector (REHIS Joint approval pending)

Training and Development

Tool box talk trainers course  (REHIS Joint approval pending)

Planning and delivering learning sessions to groups – SQA approved qualification

We have a full range of other courses specific to the industry and we would be pleased to prepare a training package for your staff. We are also happy to prepare bespoke courses on your behalf if you require.

If you require any further information or see attached Albion Training courses, Please do not hesitate to get in contact