Environment

Here at Snowden Seamless we understand our legal and moral responsibility for sustainable construction practices and see the management of our environmental impact as an investment in our future, both short and long term. It is in the company’s interest to have a planned approach to the prevention and reduction of waste and pollution as this course of action is more desirable and economical than damage repair after the event.

The company will continue to control its activities to avoid causing unnecessary and unacceptable risks or adverse effects on the environment, in line with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASWA), the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) and the Environmental Protection Act as far as is reasonably practicable.
Through continuous monitoring and improvement we integrate environmental sustainability into our operations by minimising waste, re-cycling materials and responsibly sourcing the products we use.

To this end we have adopted a philosophy of “beyond minimum compliance” at all levels of our operations to ensure that the impact of pollution and environmental disruption is reduced as much as possible and that our employees adhere to the following:
1. Employees shall at all times be aware of the environmental impact of their actions and consequently are expected to act in a responsible manner.
2. Although the company appreciates that spoil and site debris is inevitable in our industry, employees are expected to ensure that it is removed as soon as possible, so that it does not create a potential hazard.   All surplus non-recyclables should be disposed of at a recognised Tip. Sites are expected to be kept as tidy as is reasonably practicable and this in turn will result in safer and more efficient working practices.
3. Employees are reminded not to trespass on private property.
4. Fuels and lubricants used on site should be contained safely and should not be allowed to contaminate the ground or any nearby water courses.  Similarly there should be no fouling (of any description) of water sources.  Burning of material will not be carried out.
5. If any archaeological remains are found, employees are expected to inform the site supervisor/foreman.
6. Employees are expected to avoid causing damage to property, including natural features such as trees and hedgerows.
7. Employees should take care not to create a nuisance and in particular care should be taken in the following instances:
• Avoid high noise levels and where practicable use silenced or muffled items of plant, tools, etc.
• Avoid unnecessary emissions such as smoke, dust, exhaust fumes, etc.
• Avoid unnecessary obstructions to site activities and pedestrians
8. All chemicals, additives and other potentially hazardous material shall be disposed of in the correct manner.
9. Care shall be taken not to cross-contaminate reusable material with non-reusable hazardous waste.
10. All site waste shall be disposed of in a suitable manner e.g. placed in the appropriate skips (metal, wood, general waste etc.)
11. All plant and vehicles shall be properly maintained to ensure that there is no unnecessary pollution.
12. The company will ensure as far as is reasonably practicable that any waste resulting from its operations, will be disposed strictly in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Section 34 ‘The Duty of Care – Waste Management’.
13. Regular spot checks will be carried out by senior management and independent H&S Advisor to ensure this policy is strictly adhered to.