SQA carried out a detailed audit of all the qualifications currently delivered by Albion Environmental Ltd on 5th April 2006. We received an extremely positive report, which is a compliment to the staff who have invested a lot of time and effort to ensure we deliver a quality service.

Under the heading “Internal Assessment”, Dr. Jennifer McQuaid-Cook was pleased to note- “Good Structure & increased use of e-mail, making systems more efficient”

Also under the heading “General Feedback”, she noted “This centre has developed very commendable systems of information provision to candidates methods of tracking candidate work and in-house recording systems. There is on-going development of efficiencies across all activities”

And finally under the heading “Good Practice”, she was pleased to note-

“There is a creative approach to enhancing both learning and applicability in the workplace through underpinning knowledge exercises.”

“Overall, this is an efficient, progressive centre”.

If you wish to see a complete copy of the report or wish to talk to any of our existing candidates please do not hesitate to contact us.

Albion Environmental Ltd continues to successfully gain work and accepted a project from Ross and Cromarty Enterprises (RACE) to write a proposal for a study into the type, quantity and cost of commercial waste disposal in the Wester Ross area in April this year. The project covered many areas including commercial, farming, household and fishery waste. A member of our team visited the Wester Ross area and conducted a survey of the waste produced by the hotels which meant more accurate data.

Albion Environmental Ltd is pleased to provide support Waste Recycling Group to cover office and sampling work for their monitoring team. Our experienced team who have extensive knowledge of environmental monitoring and PPC permit requirements, are working alongside the existing team to ensure work commitments are met. If you require assistance or require support for your environmental monitoring please do not hesitate to contact us.

From 1999, SI257 (CDG) and more recently SI568 The Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road and Use of Pressurised Receptacles Act 2004 (CDG/TPR) embraced the ADR directives, the latest of which is ADR 2005.

These require companies that load, handle, transport, pack or fill receptacles in all but limited quantities as defined by these Regulations to appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser. (DGSA) It states: "Each undertaking, the activities of which include the carriage, or the related packing, loading, filling or unloading, of dangerous goods by road shall appoint one of more safety advisors for the carriage of dangerous goods, responsible for helping to prevent the risks inherent in such activities with regards to person, property and the environment." (1.8.3.1 ADR 2005).

What is not immediately clear from the above statement is that these regulations can apply to any person who allows dangerous goods to be carried by road, not just the transport operator. This could include anyone who consigns any shipments such as freight forwarders, warehousemen, manufacturers producing goods that will be collected from their factory or waste transfer operations.

The regulations also make it a legal requirement that any persons whose duties concern the carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road shall have received training in the requirements governing the carriage of such goods appropriate to their duties. (1.3.1 & 1.4.1 ADR 2005).

This is a very broad requirement that encompasses personnel employed by the road vehicle operator & the consignor and may include:

– Forklift truck drivers.

– Warehousemen/labourers who load or unload dangerous goods.

– Staff in freight forwarding or shipping agency offices.

– Staff working on waste transfer facilities that handle dangerous goods (such as Asbestos, lead acid batteries, waste oils, LPG Cylinders & clinical wastes etc).

– Drivers of vehicles up to 3.5t GVW are also included.

If you require any advice or training with regard to any of these matters Albion Environmental Ltd can assist you by:

– Conducting an initial audit to see if the regulations apply.

– Providing you with the services of a suitably qualified DGSA.

– Carrying out training for your staff.

Albion are currently submitting a Waste Management Licence (WML) application for an extension to the current recycling operation for GR Service Company, Falkirk. In addition to this Albion Environmental Ltd is providing site procedures and training one candidate for their WAMITAB COTC qualification. GR Service Company wish to expand their recycling facility in Falkirk in order to double the area capacity for the site. This will involve the submittal of a new WML application and the surrender of the original licence.