Environmental regulations and considerations

Introduction to Environmental Regulations

The engineering environment is also subject to various environmental regulations designed to protect and preserve the natural environment.
One key piece of legislation in the UK is the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Other important regulations include the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013, the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
These legislations are subject to updates and changes, which should be regularly monitored to ensure compliance.

Environmental Protection Act 1990

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 covers various aspects of environmental management and protection, including the control of emissions into the air, water, and land.
The Act requires businesses to prevent or minimise waste and manage its disposal in a way that does not harm human health or the environment.
Businesses must comply with the “duty of care” when dealing with waste, meaning it should be stored, transported, and disposed of responsibly.
Additionally, the Act contains measures to prevent pollution, protect the countryside and designate environmentally sensitive areas.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2013

This regulation pertains to the recycling and reprocessing of waste electronic and electrical equipment.
It encourages businesses to improve the environmental performance of products by understanding that they have a responsibility for their products even at the end of their life.
The goal is to reduce waste and stimulate the reuse and recycling of electronic and electrical equipment.

Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001

These regulations provide guidelines on how to properly store oil to prevent pollution.
Businesses must ensure oils are stored in a container that is in good condition and unlikely to leak or burst.
Any storage container must have a secondary containment system, like a drip tray or bund, to contain any leak or spillage.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

COSHH guidelines regulate the usage and storage of hazardous substances in the workplace.
This includes substances that can harm respiratory and skin health, substances that can cause cancer or other diseases, and substances harmful to the environment.
Employers must perform a risk assessment, deciding how to prevent harm to health, and providing control measures, personal protective equipment, and plans for emergencies.
They should also monitor and maintain controls, provide health surveillance where necessary, and train, instruct, and inform employees about the risks and precautions needed.

In Summary: Understanding and adhering to these environmental regulations is critical to maintain a safe, ecologically conscious engineering environment that respects and protects our natural resources.