Consultancy

Independent Safety Services Limited has been conducting pre-acceptance audits on behalf of both waste producers and waste contractors for several years. The format and subsequent report that ISSL has developed for pre-acceptance waste audits has been recognised as meeting the stringent requirements the Environment Agency and HTM07-01 Safe and Sustainable Management of Healthcare Waste. Furthermore, the structure of the reports allows organisations to easily identify where actions are required and prioritise them accordingly. This has been crucial in the development of action plans in order to address areas of non compliance in a timely manner.

Why do we need to do it?

All waste producers have a statutory Duty of Care to ensure that the waste they produce, handle, treat, dispose and transport is done so safely. Under the Duty of Care, producers must provide the person who is collecting the waste with the required information to ensure they are authorised to accept and treat the waste. The Duty of care also requires waste producers to provide the waste contractor with information on the quantity of waste, the EWC codes, how it is packed and the constituents and types of waste.

The Environment Agency produced a guide for waste producers and waste contractors to enable them to discharge their legal duties. This document outlines the waste producers’ and waste contractors’ responsibility for monitoring and controlling waste. It also gives clear audit criteria and the frequency the audits are to be undertaken.

Waste Pre-Acceptance – What is it?

Procedures undertaken prior to the delivery of the waste to the disposal site, to determine the composition of the waste by audit of original waste producer. It provides the waste contractor with information and checks to ensure that their waste treatment facility can safely dispose of the waste and therefore, meet its pre-acceptance criteria.

How Frequently do I need to audit my site?

Frequency of the audit and the information required depends on the volume of clinical waste produced annually and the type of waste producer.

The carriage of dangerous goods is a complex and strictly regulated operation.

Carriers and Consignors (senders) of dangerous goods are required by the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009, as amended, to appoint an examination qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA).

Independent Safety Services Limited acts as DGSA for numerous organisations throughout the UK. These include NHS Trusts, universities, private sector, veterinarians, packaging manufacturers and haulage firms.

We offer a comprehensive solution to all dangerous goods transportation issues, including radioactive and infectious materials, and high consequence dangerous goods (including but not limited to UN2814, UN2900 and UN3549).

Full dangerous goods advisory services include:

• Comprehensive auditing of all dangerous goods related activities
• Completion of legally required annual reports
• Contractor auditing
• Advice on development of new products designed to carry dangerous goods
• Assistance with reportable incidents concerning dangerous goods
• Development of dangerous goods policies and procedures
• Provide organisations with updates on relevant legislation and best practice
• Provide a 24 hour helpline service, 365 days a year
• DGSA, ADR and ‘general awareness training and implementation

For more information please complete an enquiry form, email info@issafe.co.uk or call 0114 272 2113.

These services are offered by Independent Safety Services Limited and their sister company Peak HSE (www.peakhse.co.uk).

Our team are fully qualified, professional and experienced consultants with extensive practical experience in a range of business sectors and organisations.

The effective management of environmental aspects and issues is a key strategic & operational goal for many organisations. This is often governed by the requirements of ISO14001:2015. Whilst the Standard is not a legal requirement the implementation and maintenance of a working environmental management system (EMS) is often required under permits or licences to operate. Being able to demonstrate competence, compliance, and control is the root of environmental responsibility and a management system provides the proof you will require.

Whether the main aim of an organisation is legal compliance, best practice or simply cost saving we can offer expert support and guidance. We are committed to developing systems and giving advice that are both practical and proportionate to the organisation’s risk and goals. Developing robust management systems with specialist support as required will help protect the environment and your organisation.

Areas in which we can offer support and guidance are as follows:

Environmental Management Systems

• ISO 14001:2015 gap analysis auditing based on the BSI language of conformance and corrective action
• Management systems development and maintenance
• Legal Registers and compliance evaluation
• Aspects and Impacts Registers and environmental risk (life-cycle analysis)
• Permit awareness – air, water and waste
• Discharge contents

Waste Management

• Compliance audits
• Segregation advice
• Duty of Care audits
• Training
• Permit awareness – your obligations and those of your suppliers

Auditing

• ISO 14001:2015 lead auditors available to audit your operation
• Support from experienced auditors post external audits to address corrective actions or major/minor non-conformances

Permit Applications and Variations

• Technical support for your applications for an array of permitted activities from MCPs to full bespoke operations
• Waste exemptions

Environmental Incidents

• Managing an environmental incident: first responses, their powers and your rights
• Investigation: gathering information, legal privilege, the criminal process
• Liaison with the Regulator: responsible operators
• Mitigation and corrective action plans

For more information please complete an enquiry form, email info@issafe.co.uk or call 0114 272 2113.