IOSH Protecting Our Environment 2

Question 1

What is a 'waste transfer note'?

Accepted Answer

A document that must accompany controlled waste when it is transferred from one party to another, describing the waste and the parties involved

Answer

A waste transfer note is a legal document required when controlled waste is transferred from one holder to another. It must contain a description of the waste, its quantity, the type of container, the date of transfer, details of the transferor and transferee, and their waste carrier/permit details.

Question 2

What is 'hazardous waste' and how must it be managed?

Accepted Answer

Waste that has properties making it harmful to human health or the environment, requiring special handling, storage, transport and disposal

Answer

Hazardous waste has one or more hazardous properties (explosive, oxidising, flammable, irritant, toxic, carcinogenic, corrosive, infectious, etc.). It must be segregated from non-hazardous waste, stored safely, transported by registered carriers, and disposed of at authorised facilities with hazardous waste consignment notes.

Question 3

What is 'bunding' and why is it important for environmental protection?

Accepted Answer

A secondary containment structure (such as a wall or barrier) around storage tanks to contain spills and prevent environmental contamination

Answer

Bunding is secondary containment — a structure built around storage tanks or areas where spillage could occur. Bunds should hold at least 110% of the largest container's volume (or 25% of total volume if multiple containers). They prevent spillages from reaching drains, watercourses or soil.

Question 4

What are an organisation's 'environmental aspects' and 'environmental impacts'?

Accepted Answer

Aspects are elements of activities that can interact with the environment; impacts are the resulting changes to the environment

Answer

An environmental aspect is an element of an organisation's activities, products or services that can interact with the environment (e.g., fuel combustion, waste generation, chemical use). An environmental impact is the resulting change to the environment (e.g., air pollution, land contamination, resource depletion).

Question 5

What is the role of the Environment Agency in the UK?

Accepted Answer

To protect and improve the environment by regulating industry, managing waste, preventing pollution, and managing water resources

Answer

The Environment Agency (in England) is the principal environmental regulator. It regulates industrial emissions, manages waste regulation, prevents pollution, manages flood risk, protects water quality, and enforces environmental legislation. Scotland has SEPA; Wales has NRW; Northern Ireland has NIEA.

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Protecting Our Environment 2