Pollution Prevention Toolbox Talk
Reducing and preventing pollution from business activities helps protect the future of all of us. Access this free pollution prevention toolbox talk for help and information about the issue. You can also learn more about TBTs and explore 60+ online for free with our toolbox talks kit.
Free toolbox talk for pollution prevention
Introduction
Pollution not only threatens today’s generations, but also those of tomorrow – our children, and, in turn, their children. Not only is there a legal obligation to prevent pollution, there’s also a moral one.
Main points
- Pollution can affect air, land, or water.
- Smoke, fumes, vapours, chemicals, oils, and fuels are all potential pollutants.
- Pollutants can migrate over significant distances from a site – particularly if water-bound.
Discussion points
- Always use hazardous substances with care, ensuring they’re suitably stored and empty containers are disposed of properly.
- Diesel tanks and fuel cans should be stored and used so that leakages/spillages can be contained (consider hard standings, bunding, spill trays, and spillsorbs).
- Do not run plant or equipment when not in use. This is using valuable fuels, which are in turn causing pollution, and is also costing someone money!
- Electrically powered plant and equipment is more environmentally friendly than combustion engine operated ones, but still damages the environment at the source.
- Ensure all plant and equipment is well maintained to ensure it runs efficiently (using less energy), and doesn’t have the likes of oil leaks.
- Noise is also a pollutant and should be reduced so far as is reasonably practicable – this will also help your ears.
- Water is an increasingly valuable resource. Don’t waste it by using leaking hoses or by leaving them running unnecessarily.
- Be particularly aware if your site borders any watercourse. Water can carry pollutants over significant distances, and all too easily contaminate local drinking supplies. Never use watercourses for cleaning tools and never store hazardous substances nearby.
- Beware of drains – especially storm drains. Again, never store hazardous substances nearby and never pour any contaminants down storm drains. If in doubt – ask!
PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT BY MEETING THE NEEDS OF TODAY’S GENERATIONS,
WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE NEEDS OF TOMORROW’S GENERATIONS!
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