Environment Agency Fire Prevention Plan
Paul Downing
Environment Agency Fire Prevention Plan guidance was updated in July 2016 and is very prescriptive in nature. It includes requirements for
- Volumes of water available to fight fires
- Volumes of firewater that can therefore be retained on site to prevent pollution
- Waste pile sizes
- Infrastructure requirements such as bay wall sizes and material types
- Detection and suppression requirements
- Plant details
- Ignition sources
- Quarrantine areas
- Separation distances
- Nearby receptors
- Emergency plans
amongst others. Whilst the guidance is quite clear, due to the sheer number of requirements therefore it is quite difficult to ensure that each point is addressed. The requirement by the guidance to the level of detail is high.
We have produced a Environment Agency Fire Prevention Plan for all of our client’s environmental permit applications .
Since the guidance was introduced and have developed our approach through experience and dealing with the EA.
How To
The process of producing a FPP is one of ensuring that the guidance is adhered to but also ensuring that the working plan is viable. This is a working document that can be practically implemented by the waste management company. There is no point therefore in having a technically brilliant document that no one can comply with!
One of the main areas that most operators of small sites have a problem with is the volume of waste that can be physically stored on site. Given that there is therefore a requirement for a 6m boundary around the perimeter and close to buildings where no waste is stored. The requirement for a clear quarantine area which is kept clear at all times and a restriction on the sizes of waste piles. Many companies find it difficult to fit in the waste volumes on a small footprint. We can help you plan your operation and produce a FPP which is both practical and compliant.
As a result, If you therefore need help with a FPP for a permit application or waste transfer station application, then please call us today for an informal discussion on how we can help you best comply with a practical solution.