Welfare Facilities and Environmental Legislation Flashcards

What is the minimum headroom inside a site welfare facility such as a toilet block?

Answer: 2.0 metres (the general guidance for construction-related welfare units)

While no specific minimum headroom is prescribed in CDM 2015 for welfare units, HSE guidance recommends a minimum of 2.0 metres inside welfare facilities. This is consistent with the general Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 guidance on space and clearance.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations 2017 require an EIA for certain construction projects. What is the purpose of an EIA?

Answer: To systematically identify and assess the potential environmental effects of a project before it is approved, and to propose mitigation measures to reduce significant adverse effects

An Environmental Impact Assessment identifies all significant environmental effects of a proposed project (on ecology, landscape, water, air, noise, cultural heritage), assesses their significance, and proposes mitigation. It must be considered by the planning authority before consent is given.

What is the purpose of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)?

Answer: To set out how environmental impacts during construction will be managed, monitored, and reported, typically required as a planning condition and covering topics including water, ecology, noise, dust, and waste

A CEMP is a contractual and planning-condition document that sets out the site-specific environmental management measures for the construction phase, including responsible persons, monitoring and reporting arrangements, and emergency procedures for environmental incidents.

Which of the following is a requirement under the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001?

Answer: Above-ground oil storage containers of more than 200 litres must have secondary containment of at least 110% of the largest container's capacity

The Oil Storage Regulations 2001 require secondary containment (bunding) for all above-ground oil storage containers over 200 litres (and for mobile bowsers over 200 litres used for plant refuelling). The bund capacity must be at least 110% of the largest container.

Construction activity near a watercourse may require a Flood Risk Activity Environmental Permit. When is a permit required rather than an exemption?

Answer: When the activity is more complex or higher risk than those covered by the standard exemption categories — for example, work in, over, or under a main river or works affecting a flood plain that exceed the exemption thresholds

Many routine activities near ordinary watercourses can be registered as low-risk exemptions. More complex activities — work on or near main rivers, significant flood plain works, or works exceeding the volume/area thresholds for exemptions — require a full Environmental Permit from the EA.

What legislation protects badgers and their setts in the UK?

Answer: The Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which makes it an offence to wilfully kill, injure, or take a badger, or to disturb, damage, destroy, or obstruct a sett

The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 provides specific protection for badgers and their setts. It is illegal to kill, injure, or take badgers, and to disturb, damage, or obstruct a sett without a Natural England licence. The offence applies year-round even when the sett is not in use.