NW-CWM Project Services
UCLan's CWM Centre provides the following services.
Details of other services will be published shortly.
Environmental Audits
 You
will be very familiar with the needs and requirements of your core
business activities, but there are often ‘little extras’
that can sometimes create particular headaches. The ‘environment’
is often viewed as one such area, which is perhaps unfortunate as
taking a proactive approach to the environment can deliver real
benefits to the performance of your company.
Knowing where to begin is often the most
difficult part of adopting any new initiative, therefore in order
to kick start the process, the Centre for Waste Management can undertake
an Environmental Audit for you. This will look at the systems, procedures
and paperwork in place within your company. You will be provided
with a comprehensive report and a simple ‘Action Plan’
that will help you to make best use of the resources available to
you. For example, the use of materials may be an area where alternatives
and savings may be made, whilst you may be surprised by the actual
cost of the waste you produce.
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Asbestos Survey/Register/Strategy
"The duty isn’t to remove but to manage"
Asbestos is classified as hazardous due to
its carcinogenic properties (H7) and the fact that it contains microscopic
fibres. These fibres are respirable into the very fine passageways
in the lungs, where they can lodge and penetrate the tissue; remaining
their indefinitely, giving rise to Asbestosis and Mesothelioma (lung
cancer).
The principal use of asbestos is in buildings
and employers, employees, company owners and building contractors
should be aware that all buildings constructed or modified prior
to 1999 may contain asbestos.
The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations
(CAW, 2002) places an explicit responsibility on duty holders of
all non-domestic premises. This means that those who own or are
responsible for the maintenance of a building (i.e. the duty holder)
have a specific duty to identify, understand and manage the health
issues involved with asbestos containing materials (known as ACMs).
In these regulations those responsible for
workplace premises will be required to:
- Find out whether asbestos is present in their buildings, where
it is located and what condition it is in (i.e. conduct a survey)
- Assume that materials contain asbestos unless they can be sure
they do not (i.e. either have lab tests conducted or presume the
material to contain asbestos)
- Record their findings in a register
- Assess the risks from these materials
- Prepare, implement and monitor plans to manage the risks from
such asbestos (i.e. an asbestos management plan and strategy)
- Provide information to anyone liable to come into contact with
asbestos (i.e. employees, workmen).
The regulations came into force on the 24th October 2002, all
except regulations 4 (The Duty to Manage) which came in on the
21st May 2003 and regulation 20 (Standards for Analysis) which
came in on the 21st November 2003.
All of the above basically means that
the duty holder has to do something, whether it by managing the
asbestos (by preventing its damage), repairing/treating or removing
it. No matter what the situation, the duty holder has to assume
that all materials in the building contain asbestos until s/he can
prove that they don’t, either by verifying manufacturer information
or by sampling/surveying/lab testing the potential asbestos containing
materials (ACMs).
So what is the first stage of compliance?
The first step is to identify who the
duty holder is; then the next obvious step is to identify asbestos
or potential asbestos in the building. The Asbestos Approved Code
of Practice recommends that the best way of doing this is by conducting
a Type 2 Asbestos Survey (following the Methods for the Determination
of Hazardous Substances methodology). This survey involves physically
sampling the asbestos/potential ACMs followed by chemical analysis
by an approved UKAS Laboratory. This allows the presence of asbestos
to be detected which along with on site survey observations allows
the risk of exposure to humans to be assessed.
What we provide:
The Centre for Waste Management’s staff
are trained in the British Occupational Health and Safety (BOHS
P402) Bulk Sampling and Surveying qualification and have experience
in completing site surveys in a number of premises.
After completing the survey and sampling exercise,
the Centre will send the samples for analysis to an appropriately
licensed laboratory. Upon receipt of the results, the Company will
receive a survey report, including a register of all known asbestos
and presumed asbestos (asbestos that could not be surveyed) as well
as recommendations based on the Methods for the Determination of
Hazardous Substances (MDHS 100) algorithm which assesses the asbestos
product, its condition, surface treatment and asbestos type before
deciding on the best remedial action (or if action is necessary
at all).
It is important to note that surveying of asbestos
does not necessarily lead to removal, the legislation puts an emphasis
on the ‘duty to manage’ concept not ‘duty to remove’.
This may ultimately mean doing nothing to the asbestos containing
product if for example, it is in good condition, located in an unoccupied
area and if tampering with it causes more potential harm to employees
than removing it.
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Environmental Policy Statement
Being able to demonstrate a proactive approach
to waste and environmental management can be important as companies
seek to grow and develop. Being clear where efforts and energies
should be focused can deliver internal benefits, such as improved
efficiency and productivity, as well as more outward looking benefits,
such as an improved image with clients and customers.
A well written, clear and succinct Environmental
Policy Statement enables you to capture your environmental aims,
aspirations and targets into one workable document.
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Environmental Management Systems
ISO 14001
Many companies are realising the benefits of
becoming certified towards an Environmental Management System (EMS).
Such a system allows companies to become more focused on the environmental
impact their activities have, while promoting their own green credentials
to other businesses. In fact, the implementation of such a system
shows potential customers (and their supply chain) your businesses
attitude towards environmental issues and thus has become a powerful
marketing tool in tendering for work.
The CWM has been involved in the implementation
and auditing of several EMS in the Northwest. By becoming a member
of the CWM project, businesses interested in becoming certified
to ISO 14001 can acquire FREE consultancy on what is required to
develop and implement such a system as well as providing a pre-certification
audit for those ready for full implementation.
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Waste Awareness Certificates (WAC)
The Waste Awareness Certificate is a new initiative
from the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM). The
CIWM Waste Awareness Certificate has been designed for all employees
and not just those who may have a direct responsibility for dealing
with waste. It is therefore suitable for staff at all levels and
across all sections of an organisation, whether they are involved
in a manufacturing, retail or a service process.
What is the purpose of the course?
The aims of the course are to:
- Provide an introduction to waste management
- Provide the knowledge, skills and understanding to improve
the management of waste.
The course will enable participants to understand
the true cost of waste, the need for good and best practice in waste
management, deal with waste safely and know the basic legal responsibilities
for waste, especially the Duty of Care.
What are the benefits to the organisation?
Most companies grossly underestimate the costs
associated with their waste production. In addition, waste costs
are increasing year on year, leading to significant lost opportunities
for organisations as time, effort and resources are wasted that
could be put to more productive use elsewhere. It has been shown
that a more knowledgeable, focused and motivated workforce can improve
the way that waste is managed. Completion of the CIWM Waste Awareness
Certificate can therefore have an immediate positive impact on the
working environment and perhaps more importantly, can also improve
the “bottom line”.
How do I know it is a good course?
The course is supported and recognised by
the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA),
Department for Trade and Industry (DTI), the Environment Agencies
in England, Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland, and the Waste and
Resources Action Programme (WRAP).
What do I have to do?
You will need to attend a 5-6 hour training
course and sit a multiple-choice test. Candidates receive a certificate
from the CIWM and a Reference Book to ensure they keep “thinking
about waste”, thus saving money and helping to save the environment
by managing waste better.
How is the course delivered?
The UCLan course differs from most similar
courses because it is delivered by highly qualified, practicing,
CIWM-accredited Higher Education lecturers with vast experience
in the waste management sector. In addition, all three UCLan tutors
are active researchers who write regularly for international journals
and the monthly CIWM magazine. A range of interactive and informative
learning techniques are used to ensure that each participant is
fully engaged and gains the maximum benefit from the day.
Depending upon numbers it might be possible
to deliver the programme at any suitable location.
Who should attend?
All employees who may produce waste, or have
direct waste responsibilities.
What will it cost?
£95+VAT for 8 or more employees
£105+VAT for less than 8 employees
How do I find out more?
Tel: 01772 893963
Fax: 01772 892926
Email: cdhwilson@uclan.ac.uk
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Access to Information
Being able to demonstrate a proactive approach
to waste and environmental management can be important as companies
seek to grow and develop. Being clear where efforts and energies
should be focused can deliver internal benefits, such as improved
efficiency and productivity, as well as more outward looking benefits,
such as an improved image with clients and customers.
A well written, clear and succinct Environmental
Policy Statement enables you to capture your environmental aims,
aspirations and targets into one workable document.
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Bespoke Company Services
This is an extension of the WAC and is designed
to enable key members of your workforce to lead the introduction
of cost saving waste initiatives within your organisation - this
could be you, a manager, supervisor, team leader, or someone who
simply has a specific interest in saving money! An individual, or
small team of individuals will work with the Centre to identify
ways of improving the environmental performance of the organisation.
The programme will include one-to-one advice and guidance, on site
support, workshops on topics of specific interest and access to
a wide range of resources available through the Centre and Project
Partners.
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