IOSH Protecting Our Environment 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'environmental due diligence'?
- Environmental monitoring during construction
- The process of assessing environmental risks and liabilities associated with a site, business or activity, including contamination and compliance (Correct answer)
- An environmental audit conducted by the government
- A checklist for disposing of office waste
Correct answer: The process of assessing environmental risks and liabilities associated with a site, business or activity, including contamination and compliance
Environmental due diligence involves assessing potential environmental risks and liabilities. It is particularly important during property transactions, mergers, and acquisitions. It covers contaminated land, compliance with permits, waste management practices, and potential future liabilities.
Question 2: What is a 'spill kit' and when should it be available?
- A first aid kit for chemical injuries
- A kit containing absorbent materials and equipment to contain and clean up chemical spills, available wherever chemicals are stored or used (Correct answer)
- A toolkit for repairing leaking pipes
- A kit used only by the fire brigade
Correct answer: A kit containing absorbent materials and equipment to contain and clean up chemical spills, available wherever chemicals are stored or used
A spill kit contains materials to contain and clean up chemical or oil spills — typically absorbent pads, booms, granules, gloves, goggles, disposal bags and instructions. They should be readily available wherever chemicals, oils or fuels are stored, used or transported.
Question 3: What penalties can an organisation face for environmental offences?
- Only verbal warnings
- Unlimited fines, imprisonment (for individuals), remediation notices, and revocation of permits (Correct answer)
- Fixed penalty of £1,000 maximum
- No penalties — environmental law is advisory
Correct answer: Unlimited fines, imprisonment (for individuals), remediation notices, and revocation of permits
Environmental offences can result in: unlimited fines (in the Crown Court), imprisonment for up to 5 years (for certain offences), remediation notices requiring clean-up at the offender's expense, revocation or suspension of permits, and civil liability for environmental damage.
Question 4: What is 'contaminated land'?
- Land that is wet or muddy
- Land where substances in, on or under it are causing or could cause significant harm to human health or controlled waters (Correct answer)
- Land that has been used for farming
- Any brownfield site
Correct answer: Land where substances in, on or under it are causing or could cause significant harm to human health or controlled waters
Under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, contaminated land is land where substances are present that are causing, or have the potential to cause, significant harm to human health, property or controlled waters. Local authorities have a duty to identify and remediate contaminated land.
Question 5: What is 'environmental awareness training' and why is it important?
- Training about climate change for school children
- Training that ensures workers understand their environmental responsibilities, the impacts of their work, and how to prevent pollution (Correct answer)
- Training that is only required for environmental managers
- Training that is only needed for compliance with ISO 14001
Correct answer: Training that ensures workers understand their environmental responsibilities, the impacts of their work, and how to prevent pollution
Environmental awareness training ensures that all workers understand the environmental impacts of their activities, their legal responsibilities, emergency procedures for environmental incidents, and how their actions can prevent or cause pollution. It is essential for compliance and building an environmental culture.
Question 6: How are health and safety management and environmental management linked?
- They are completely separate disciplines with no overlap
- Both use similar management system approaches (PDCA), share common hazards (chemicals, waste), and integrated management reduces duplication (Correct answer)
- Environmental management is a subset of health and safety
- They only overlap during emergencies
Correct answer: Both use similar management system approaches (PDCA), share common hazards (chemicals, waste), and integrated management reduces duplication
H&S and environmental management share many common elements: similar management system frameworks (PDCA/ISO 45001/ISO 14001), overlapping hazards (chemical handling, waste management, noise, emissions), common legal requirements, and shared control measures. Integrating both systems reduces duplication and improves efficiency.
IOSH Protecting Our Environment 4
What is 'environmental due diligence'?