Sidhil - Environmental Awareness

Contents

This information sheet covers the following topics:

• General Introduction.
• What is an EMS?
• Introduction to ISO 14001.
• What things does it cover on our site?
• Why are we going for certification?
• What part do I play?
• Where can I get more information?

General Introduction

Welcome to the first in a series of newsletters intended to inform the site of activities connected with Environmental Management. Please take a little time to read it - your support is crucial to success.

What is an EMS?

EMS stands for Environmental Management System and basically it’s a system used to manage the elements of the business that can have an impact on the environment and damage it. These include:

• All office and factory waste
• Energy consumption
• Raw material usage
• Spills and contamination
• Emissions and any discharges

At Sidhil we began introducing a formal EMS in January 2011 and are using the 14001 model to base it on.

Introduction to BS EN ISO 14001:2004?

This is the international management standard covering the environment: It is used as the model for our EMS and we will be audited by our own staff and formally assessed by BSI later this year and at regular intervals in the future.

What things will it cover on our site?

It covers the management, control and monitoring of the things we do, which are known as Environmental Aspects. We have to manage their impact including:

· Control of raw material and all substances used

· Waste management: storage & disposal

· Energy consumption

· Emissions to atmosphere

· General housekeeping and cleanliness of the site

· Any incidents or emergencies e.g. spillages

Why are we going for certification?

1. To ensure we adequately control the sites significant aspects, i.e. waste, energy, resource consumption, pollution etc.

2. To ensure the company fully complies with all the environmental legislation currently in force.

3. To meet customer demand – many customers now expect their suppliers to have ‘green credentials’ when tendering for new work. Operating an EMS certified to 14001 is an excellent way to demonstrate this.

4. Save money and improve operating efficiency and safeguard the future of the business.

What are my responsibilities?

Your support, co-operation and input into this system are essential for long term success!

You can help by:

• Reading and supporting the Environmental Policy.
• Ensure you are aware of the environmental impacts associated with your area.
• Follow any work instructions relating to protecting the environment.
• ENSURE THAT YOU SEGREGATE WASTE INTO THE CORRECT CONTAINERS – if in doubt ask.
• Avoid wasting energy, water and materials.
• Report any incidents or near misses including spillages using the Incident Reporting Forms in the same way you would an H&S accident.
• Contribute to improvement teams and or provide ideas for improvement to management – help us to help ourselves.

Some examples of work carried out so far

Before After

Before After

Before After

Where can I get more information

Contact Lynne Dixon, Scott Heaton or Richard Locker for more information. Speak to your line manager for information relating to your work area and tasks.

Thanks for taking the time to read this blog story.