Reducing Fire Risks from the Storage of Waste Materials
New guidance has recently been published by the Waste Industry Safety and Health (WISH) Forum for premises which are involved in waste management or any site where waste is stored, processed or treated.
Written in conjunction with various bodies including the HSE, Environment Agency and Chief Fire Officers’ Association, this guidance aims to provide information and best practice advice for reducing the risk of fire and, where fires do occur, reducing the potential health and environmental impacts.
This new guidance encompasses the fire risks that storing waste paper, plastics, wood and rubber products pose on site as combustible material, as well as additional risks from specifically storing, processing or treating waste.
The publication of this guidance follows a series of high-profile fires at waste and recycling plants, many taking months to supress and extinguish fully. Whilst the WISH Forum drafted the guidance for sites storing more than 50 cubic metres of waste at any one time, it considers the guidance beneficial for any other sites where combustible waste materials pose a risk.
To view this new guidance in full, please click here.
Fire safety management is not only a requirement under UK Fire Safety law, it is also vital in protecting lives, properties, businesses and the environment. The effects of fire can be devastating and costly, significantly affecting reputation, insurance premiums and business profitability. The S2 Partnership has a dedicated team of fire safety experts providing fire risk assessments, training, guidance, fire engineering and fire safety management systems to a range of organisations to protect lives, buildings and businesses. If you would like expert guidance or support on any of the issues detailed, please contact our specialist teams – we’re happy to help.