RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT TIME FOR AN FPP
Waste transfer stations carry particularly high fire risks due to the nature of their operations, as well as the highly combustible matter and wide range of materials frequently stored within them.
Across the UK, there is nearly one fire every day recorded at waste sites, with the fire services being called out to around 300 fires a year. As a result, it’s imperative waste operators are putting more rigorous controls into place to prevent and reduce the impact of fires. With around two thirds of waste operators affected by fire in some way, the importance of effective fire protection plans and procedures for these sites cannot be understated.
This prevalent risk of fire has drawn the attention of The Environment Agency (EA), causing more stringent regulations surrounding fire protection to be introduced and enforced on these sites.
Waste transfer stations with minimal fire protection measures in place could face fines and inflationary insurance premiums for non-compliance. By acquiring an environmental permit and submitting a fire prevention plan (FPP) to the EA for approval, waste transfer stations can act to ensure compliance with both industry and insurance regulations.
What should be included in
an FPP? An FPP must include details of all operations carried out on site, the risks they carry and all other potential causes of fire across the site. It must also contain clear information about the site plan, including a map.
How can waste transfer
stations ensure compliance? Once an FPP is submitted and an environmental permit is secured, there are additional, practical steps that can be taken to further ensure safety and compliance:
36 | TOMORROW’S FM 1. Managing common fire causes
Common causes of fire at waste transfer stations include electrical faults, lithium batteries and even arson. These causes can be controlled by carrying out regular risk assessments and following through with recommendations from these, mitigating the risk of fire.
2. Preventing self-combustion
The temperature of waste naturally increases overtime, so, in combination with long storage times, waste piles can self-combust. As such, storage time should be kept to a minimum and temperatures consistently monitored to minimise the risk of overheating.
3. Controlling waste piles
Waste piles should also be controlled, with sizes not exceeding the legal limit of 20 metres by four metres. There should also be a
distance of six metres between combustible waste piles. If this distance isn’t possible, fire walls and bays can be used to prevent the spreading of fire between waste piles, should one occur.
4. Fire detection and suppression systems
Fire detection, alarm and suppression systems should be included within a fire risk assessment and detailed in a site’s FPP. Your fire detection and suppression system should be tailored to your site’s individual needs to ensure protection is effective and fit for purpose.
To prevent prosecution and avoid inflationary insurance premiums, waste transfer stations must have the appropriate fire prevention measures in place. Suitable fire protection measures will also protect assets, human life and the environment.
www.fireshieldsystemsltd.co.uk twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
James Mountain, Director of Fire Shield Systems, examines how to ensure fire safety compliance in waste transfer stations.
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