Fire protection in waste transfer stations – ensuring compliance

Recycling & Waste Management Fire protection in waste transfer stations – ensuring compliance

Waste transfer stations are amongst the most vulnerable when it comes to fire, due to the readily combustible matter which is regularly stored within them. As nearly two thirds of waste transfer operators claim to have been affected in some way by fire, it is essential we’re putting more rigorous controls in place to prevent fires, minimise downtime and reduce the risk to people, assets and the environment. Across the UK, on average, there is one fire each day recorded at a waste transfer station. This not only highlights the risk of fire, but it has also drawn attention from the Environment Agency (EA), resulting in more stringent regulations surrounding fire safety at waste transfer sites. Waste transfer stations with limited fire protection measures in place could now be subject to fines or inflationary insurance premiums if they fail to meet regulatory compliance.

To ensure compliance, waste transfer stations must obtain an environmental permit. There are various types of permits which can be obtained, subject to the nature of the business. However, any business that handles waste must hold an environmental permit. This process includes submitting a fire prevention plan (FPP) to the EA for approval. The requirements of an FPP An FPP is required to outline a site’s fire prevention measures and procedures. It must be easily accessible to everyone working on a site – including permanent and temporary employees and contractors – and they should be aware of all the procedures detailed within the plan. An FPP is also required to: • Outline all activities carried out on a site • Identify all possible causes of fire • Contain a site map • Specify any buildings within 1km of a site that could be

Building & Facilities Management – February 2020 affected if a fire were to break out. How can waste transfer stations ensure compliance? To ensure compliance and prevent prosecution from the EA, there are multiple steps that can be taken, alongside securing a permit. 1. Managing the common causes of fire

Common causes of fire including electrical faults, the combustion of lithium batteries or even arson, can all be regulated to reduce the risk. By carrying out regular risk assessments and putting preventative measures in place, waste transfer stations can inhibit the risk of common causes of fire and ensure greater compliance with both the EA and insurer guidelines. 2. Preventing self-combustion • Manage storage time: your FPP should state the maximum storage time of any materials on site, as well as the controls in place to ensure this is adhered to. The regulated, maximum storage time is generally six months. However, if waste is stored in bales of the maximum size for longer than three months, more thorough preventative measures need to be taken. • Monitor and control temperature: as waste heats naturally over time, measures should be put into place to ensure the temperature of waste is kept as low as possible. This can help to reduce the risk of self-combustion. 3. Prevent fire spreading • Managing waste piles: all waste piles should not exceed the maximum legal size of 20 metres by 4 metres. • Separation distance: waste piles which contain combustible matter must have a separation distance of at least six metres. • Fire walls and bays: fire walls and bays can be used to reduce the risk of fire spreading. Fire walls are required to have a resistance period of at least 120 minutes. 4. Fire detection and suppression systems

Fire detection, alarm and suppression systems will be assessed as part of a site’s fire risk assessment and the details of such systems should be clearly outlined in the site’s FPP.

Individual sites have unique risks and requirements, therefore it’s crucial you’re selecting the most appropriate suppression system to address these effectively. Conducting a risk assessment can help to identify the most suitable fire detection and suppression solution for your site. Waste transfer stations need to put stronger measures in place to ensure compliance with the standards outlined by the EA. This will also help to reduce downtime, protect assets, life and the environment. For more information on how to ensure compliance with the EA’s standards or to book your free site survey, visit

www.fireshieldsystemsltd.co.uk.

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