Fire risk assessments (FRAs) play a crucial role in protecting waste transfer sites by identifying potential fire hazards and implementing measures to mitigate these risks. We have recently been working at several waste transfer and recycling facilities across the Midlands and thought it would be a good idea to write a blog on the subject.
What is a waste transfer site?
For those not familiar with these premises, a waste transfer site is a facility where waste is temporarily held before being transported to its final disposal or sorting location, such as landfill, a recycling centre or even a waste-to-energy plant. They are hard working facilities where waste is delivered, sorted and prepared to be processed.
Here’s a breakdown of what happens at a waste transfer site:
- Arrival and Weighing: Waste collection trucks arrive at the site and are weighed to record the amount of waste they are carrying.
- Unloading: The waste is unloaded from the collection trucks onto the floor or into a pit/ holding bay.
- Sorting and Compacting: The waste is sorted to remove any recyclable or hazardous materials. It is then compacted to reduce its volume.
- Reloading and Transport: The compacted waste is reloaded onto larger vehicles, such as trucks, trains, or barges, for transport to its final disposal site.
- Waste transfer sites help streamline the waste management process, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly by reducing the number of trips needed to transport waste to its final destination.
As you can imagine, these sites have many potential fire hazards such as lithium-ion batteries, LPG canisters, high fire loading, storage, pumping of fuel, and a risk from arson to mention just a few. Additionally, dust can play a major hazard, particularly in enclosed areas where explosive atmospheres can form.
How does a fire risk assessment improve safety?
Fire risk assessments help to mitigate the risk of fires at waste transfer facilities and recycling plants by:
- Identifying Combustible Materials: FRAs pinpoint the locations of combustible and flammable materials on the site, which helps in managing and storing these materials safely.
- Locating Ignition Sources: They identify potential ignition sources, such as machinery or electrical equipment, and assess their proximity to combustible materials.
- Implementing Controls: Based on the assessment, physical and procedural controls are put in place. This includes fire detection and suppression systems, proper storage practices, and regular maintenance of equipment.
- Emergency Planning: FRAs help in developing comprehensive emergency response plans, ensuring that staff are trained and prepared to act swiftly in case of a fire.
- Regulatory Compliance: Conducting FRAs ensures that waste transfer sites comply with legal and regulatory requirements, which can prevent fines and legal issues.
By systematically addressing these aspects, fire risk assessments significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of fires at waste transfer sites, protecting both the environment and human health.
How can JCH Safety help?
As a trained, competent, and third-party accredited fire risk assessor, I can visit your site and carry out the required fire risk assessment. This involves a detailed document and compliance review, followed by a fire safety tour of the premises. Whilst gathering the required information, I always help clients to see solutions to identified problems. It is always important for us to help clients to improve and achieve their legal responsibilities.
JCH Safety is a small health and safety & fire safety practice based in the West Midlands. Working across Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and the wider Midlands area, I am available to carry out your fire risk assessment. In addition, we offer fire, health, and safety online training.