Generic Environmental Protection Revision Summary

CIWM/WAMITAB
Continuing Competence

Generic Environmental Protection

Revision Summary
Version 1, January 2019

Part of the CIWM/WAMITAB

Operator Competence Scheme
Page 1 of 10
Generic Environmental Protection Revision Summary

Copyright ©2019 WAMITAB

Copyright in this document is owned by WAMITAB. Any person viewing, printing and distributing this
document is subject to the following conditions:

 The document may be used for informational purposes only

 The document may be used for non-commercial purposes only (unless used by WAMITAB
approved centres or partners)
 Anyone using information provided in this document should acknowledge WAMITAB

Changes are made periodically to the information contained within the document so for the latest
version please refer to the website: www.wamitab.org.uk.

For further information on Intellectual Property matters contact [email protected].

Please note that all word clouds are curtsey of Tagxedo.com and all images have been sourced from
i-stock.

Page 2 of 10
Generic Environmental Protection Revision Summary

Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 4
About WAMITAB ................................................................................................................................. 4
What is Continuing Competence? ...................................................................................................... 4
About this Revision Summary ............................................................................................................. 4
1. Environmental Risks ............................................................................................................................ 5
Learning Outcomes ............................................................................................................................. 5
Where do I find this information? ...................................................................................................... 5
Notes ................................................................................................................................................... 5
2. Controlling Emissions .......................................................................................................................... 6
Learning Outcomes ............................................................................................................................. 6
Where do I find this information? ...................................................................................................... 6
Notes ................................................................................................................................................... 6
3. Containment and Storage on Site ....................................................................................................... 7
Learning Outcomes ............................................................................................................................. 7
Where do I find this information? ...................................................................................................... 7
Notes ................................................................................................................................................... 7
4. Fires ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
Learning Outcomes ............................................................................................................................. 8
Where do I find this information? ...................................................................................................... 8
Notes ................................................................................................................................................... 8
5. Environmental Incidents/Spillages...................................................................................................... 9
Learning Outcomes ............................................................................................................................. 9
Where do I find this information? ...................................................................................................... 9
Notes ................................................................................................................................................... 9

Page 3 of 10
Generic Environmental Protection Revision Summary

Introduction
About WAMITAB

WAMITAB is an awarding organisation and charity that develops qualifications for those working in
cleaning; street cleansing; facilities management; resource management and recycling and parking
from operative through to management level.

Since it was formed in 1989, WAMITAB has evolved in line with the convergence between the
sectors with a clear focus on promoting and supporting environmental sustainability. With over 120
qualification pathways and 70 quality assured centres, WAMITAB offers an unrivalled specialist
network to support staff development.

What is Continuing Competence?

The CIWM/WAMITAB continuing competence scheme is designed to ensure that the technically
competent person (holds a certificate of technical competence, units or a qualification that is part of
the CIWM/WAMITAB Operator Competence Scheme) on a waste site has knowledge and skills that
keep pace with changes made across the waste management industry, such as the introduction of
new legislation, technologies and techniques.

The CIWM/WAMITAB continuing competence scheme requires technically competent people in

England and Wales to pass an assessment that demonstrates individuals have kept their competence
up to date.

Keeping competence up to date is becoming increasingly important across the UK as society starts to
recognise the crucial role that waste and resource management industry professionals play in
ensuring that the 434 million tonnes of waste generated every year can be treated, reused and
recycled to produce a product that will contribute to further economic growth.

About this Revision Summary

WAMITAB recognise the diverse needs of learners within the sectors we represent. To support those
individuals undertaking their Continuing Competence test, we have developed this revision
summary.

This revision summary is designed to support you preparation by linking the learning outcomes with
the areas that may come up during the Continuing Competence test.

Page 4 of 10
Generic Environmental Protection Revision Summary

1. Environmental Risks
Learning Outcomes

1.1 Know the key criteria of a site environmental risk assessment.

1.2 Know the difference between a risk and a hazard.
1.3 Know what is meant by the term ‘appropriate measures’ and how they relate to the
objectives for managing environmental risks within permits and regulator guidance.
1.4 Know how to ensure a written management system enables compliance with permit and
relevant risk assessments.

Where do I find this information?

 Environment Agency (2019) Risk assessments for your environmental

permit
 Health and Safety Executive (2014) Health and hazardous substances in
waste and recycling
 Environment Agency (2018) Control and monitor emissions for your
environmental permit
 Environment Agency (2019) Develop a management system:
environmental permits

Notes

Page 5 of 10
Generic Environmental Protection Revision Summary

2. Controlling Emissions
Learning Outcomes
2.1 Know the difference between point source and fugitive emissions.
2.2 Know the ‘appropriate measures’ used to control nuisance to neighbours, including:
 Mud
 Dust
 Litter
 Pests
 Noise
2.3 Know the ‘appropriate measures’ used to prevent noise nuisance from the site.
2.4 Know how to record the measures used in written management systems.
2.5 Know who to apply to discharge surface water and liquids from a site to:
 a watercourse
 ground
 sewer
2.6 Know when a written management plan for controlling emissions should be reviewed.
2.7 Know the requirements of an odour management plan.
2.8 Know the requirements of a noise and vibration management plan.

Where do I find this information?

 Environment Agency (2018) Control and monitor emissions for your

environmental permit
 Environment Agency (2004) Environmental permitting: H3 part 2 Noise
assessment and control
 Environment Agency (2019) Develop a management system:
environmental permits
 Environment Agency (2018) Discharges to surface water and groundwater
 The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016
 Environment Agency (2016) Check if you need an environmental permit
 Environment Agency (2016) Pollution prevention for businesses
 Environment Agency (2011) Additional guidance for H4 Odour
Management
 Environment Agency (2002) Horizontal Guidance for Noise Part 2 – Noise
Assessment and Control

Notes

Page 6 of 10
Generic Environmental Protection Revision Summary

3. Containment and Storage on Site

Learning Outcomes

3.1 Know the definition of the term ‘secondary containment’ and appropriate standards.
3.2 Know the required checks for an on-site ‘sealed drainage system’ and bunded areas.
3.3 Know the effect of using detergents for washing in an area served by an oil interceptor.
3.4 Know the difference between ‘hard standing’ and an impermeable pavement/ impervious
surface.
3.5 Know the definition of the term ‘sealed drainage system’.
3.6 Know the infrastructure requirements for the operational areas on a site including potential
quarantined waste areas.
3.7 Know the requirements for safely storing oil and other polluting liquids.
3.8 Know the maintenance checks required to maintain site infrastructure and prevent pollution.
3.9 Know how to manage and store combustible materials safely in accordance with a Fire
Prevention Plan.

Where do I find this information?

 Environment Agency (2018) Control and monitor emissions for your

environmental permit
 Environment Agency (2011) Pollution Prevention Guidelines: Above
ground oil storage tanks PPG
 Environment Agency (2006) Pollution prevention guidelines
 Communities and Local Government (2009) Understanding permeable and
impermeable surfaces
 The Environmental Protection (England and Wales) Regulations 2016
 Environment Agency (2018) Control and monitor emissions for your
environmental permit
 Environment Agency (2019) Develop a management system:
environmental permits
 Environment Agency (2011) Above Ground Oil Storage Tanks: PPG 2
 Environment Agency (2015) Fire prevention plans

Notes

Page 7 of 10
Generic Environmental Protection Revision Summary

4. Fires
Learning Outcomes

4.1 Know the measures used to prevent fires and minimise their impact on a waste facility.
4.2 Know when a Fire Prevention Plan is needed.
4.3 Know the key elements of a Fire Prevention plan and how it should be implemented.
4.4 Know the information that should be made available about a waste facility to emergency
services in case of a fire.

Where do I find this information?

 Environment Agency (2018) Fire prevention plans: environmental permits

 Environment Agency (2016) Prevent groundwater pollution from solvents
 WISH (2017) Reducing fire risk at waste management sites

Notes

Page 8 of 10
Generic Environmental Protection Revision Summary

5. Environmental Incidents/Spillages
Learning Outcomes
5.1 Know the actions to take in the event of a spillage or other accident which causes or could
potentially cause environmental damage.
5.2 Know the records, reports and notifications required in order to comply with permits.
5.3 Know how to check if a facility is liable to flood, in order to ensure appropriate measures are
included in the written management system for the site to minimise environmental harm.
5.4 Know the colour the Regulator recommends for foul water and surface water drain covers.
5.5 Know the factors taken into account by the courts under the Sentencing Guidelines when
deciding on penalties for environmental pollution/ non-compliance with permits.

Where do I find this information?

 Pollution Prevention Pays

 Incident Response Planning: PPG 21 (March 2009)
 How to comply with your environmental permit v.6 June 2013 (EA Guidance)
 Regulatory Guidance Series No 11: Enforcement powers
 PPG2: Dealing with Spills – April 2011 Environment Agency
 Environmental Offences: Sentencing Guidelines
 Environment Agency – Check flood warnings and river levels.

Notes

Page 9 of 10
 Generic Environmental Protection Revision Summary

WAMITAB
Peterbridge House
3 The Lakes
Northampton
NN4 7HE

Tel: 01604 231950

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.wamitab.org.uk

Page 10 of 10