Protecting Our Environment Flashcards
6 cards from real IOSH practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Protecting Our Environment flashcards as text
What is 'air quality management' and how does it relate to workplaces?
Answer: Managing emissions to the atmosphere from workplace activities to comply with legislation and protect public health and the environment
Air quality management involves controlling emissions of pollutants from workplace activities (combustion, processes, vehicle movements, dust generation) to prevent harm to human health and the environment. The Clean Air Act 1993 and Environmental Permitting Regulations set requirements for emissions.
What is a 'waste management plan'?
Answer: A documented plan setting out how waste will be minimised, segregated, stored, transported and disposed of in compliance with legislation
A waste management plan documents how an organisation will manage its waste in compliance with legislation. It covers: waste minimisation strategies, segregation procedures, storage arrangements, transport requirements, disposal/recovery routes, training, record-keeping, and emergency procedures.
What is 'noise pollution' and what legislation controls it?
Answer: Unwanted or excessive sound that can harm human health or disturb the environment, controlled by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and other regulations
Noise pollution is unwanted sound that is harmful or annoying. It is controlled by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (statutory nuisance), the Noise Act 1996, the Environmental Noise Regulations 2006, and planning conditions. Workplaces can cause noise pollution affecting neighbouring properties and communities.
What is the relationship between 'corporate social responsibility' (CSR) and environmental management?
Answer: Environmental management is a key component of CSR, which covers an organisation's broader responsibilities to society, communities and the environment
CSR encompasses an organisation's responsibilities to society beyond profit-making, including environmental stewardship, ethical business practices, community engagement and employee wellbeing. Environmental management is a core pillar of CSR, alongside social and governance (ESG) considerations.
What should be included in an environmental emergency response plan?
Answer: Procedures for spill containment, notification protocols, roles and responsibilities, clean-up procedures, equipment locations, and training requirements
An environmental emergency response plan should include: types of potential emergencies, procedures for containment (stop, contain, notify, clean up), roles and responsibilities, notification protocols (Environment Agency, local authority), equipment locations (spill kits, drain covers), training and drill schedules, and post-incident review.
What is the 'precautionary principle' in environmental management?
Answer: Where there is a risk of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason to postpone protective measures
The precautionary principle states that where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage to the environment, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent degradation. In essence: when in doubt, take protective action.