(1) This document contains detailed procedures related to specific aspects of the University's Environmental Management System (EMS), including: (2) These procedures apply to the conduct of environmental management activities on all UWS campuses and must be read in conjunction with the University's Environmental Management Policy, Environmental Management Plan, Environmental Management System Procedures, and relevant statutes. (3) For the purposes of this procedure: (4) Refer to the University's Environmental Management Policy and, with respect to Wildlife Management, refer to the University's Animals on Campus Policy. (5) The purpose of this procedure is to define the UWS processes for the management, handling, treatment and disposal of waste substances and materials generated on site. The procedure identifies the waste streams likely to be generated across the UWS campus sites and the methods of control required to ensure that legislative requirements are not breached. (6) This procedure provides the generic process that should be used across all UWS campuses. Campus specific waste streams not covered in this Procedure should be notified to the Grounds and Environment Manager for document amendment. (7) This procedure applies to all campuses and sites where waste is generated and includes the use of recycled effluent and stormwater for commercial farming operations as part of the Hawkesbury Water Recycling Scheme at the Hawkesbury Campus. This procedure addresses the management of liquid, solid and hazardous wastes. (8) This procedure is referred to in the UWS Environmental Management System Manual as Environmental Operational Control Procedure (Part A). (9) The objective of waste management is to minimise the impact of wastes on the environment, UWS staff, students, contractors and the public. (10) UWS has adopted the following hierarchy of waste management options and requires all staff and students to subscribe to it: (11) The following procedures relate to each of the key waste streams generated by UWS: (12) This procedure applies to all UWS staff, students and contractors and covers all general waste streams (including office and kitchen waste that is solid and inert in nature) generated at all UWS sites and includes desk, kitchen, lecture room and laboratory waste bins. (13) All general waste such as cans, bottles and plastic waste is to be placed in provided general waste bins. Putrescible waste (ie waste that may rot such as foodstuffs) is to be placed in bins located in kitchen and lunch room areas only. (14) Contract cleaning staff empty general and paper recycling bins into outdoor bulk waste collection bins. General waste bins located in kitchen and lunch room areas and in high profile and high usage areas are emptied daily. General waste bins located in administrative areas are emptied three times a week or if more than two thirds full. (15) This procedure applies to all UWS office staff. (16) Dedicated paper recycling bins are provided at all desks and in photocopier rooms. All paper suitable for recycling is to be placed in these paper recycling bins. This includes: (17) The following waste is not to be placed in paper recycling bins: (18) Confidential or sensitive material is to be shredded or alternatively placed in provided red Sulo Security Bins which are sent to a secure destruction facility then recycled. (19) Contract cleaning staff empty desk, office and photocopier room paper recycling bins into dedicated blue recycling Sulo bins located within and outside of buildings. The bins are emptied daily in high profile and high use areas and three times weekly in administrative areas or when bins are more than two thirds full. (20) Cardboard recycling bins are provided at centrally located areas at each UWS site. (21) Cardboard boxes are to be flattened with small quantities left in office areas for removal by contract cleaning staff to designated bins and large quantities flattened and stored in a suitable area for collection. Collection can be arranged by telephone the Landscape Supervisor / Grounds Supervisor. (22) Waxed cardboard is not suitable for recycling and is not to be placed in cardboard recycling bins. Polystyrene and plastic wrapping is to be removed from cardboard boxes prior to flattening. (23) Recycling bays are being established to collect co-mingled aluminium cans, plastic containers, and glass bottles. (24) Recycling of imaging consumables is done via Print Services Unit and Ricoh or "Close the Loop" Cartridge Collection Program. For further information on Ricoh cartridge recycling please contact Print Services Unit at Kingswood. (25) Close the Loop Limited is a leading global recycler of inkjet cartridges, laser toner cartridges, drum units, copier bottles and more. All cartridges in this program are recycled with zero waste to landfill. (26) Close the Loop Collection Starter Kits contain 1 x box with lid, 16 x black plastic bin liners, 8 zip ties and an Information pack. Boxes should be situated near printing equipment and facilities and lined with 2 plastic bin liners. (27) Only imaging consumables from any laser printer, inkjet printer, fax machines and photocopiers are to be placed in "Close the Loop" boxes. When the bag is full remove the liners (2 x black bags) and tie off with provided zip tie. Insert new liners for subsequent collection and disposal. Take the bag to a nominated courier collection point. (28) "Close the Loop" pickup can be arranged by phoning 03 9 465 4855 or via the internet. Further box liners can be obtained by ordering a Consumables Pack from Close the Loop. (29) This procedure applies to all UWS staff issued with a UWS mobile work phone. (30) All mobile handsets, including batteries and accessories, are recyclable through the Mobile Phone Industry Recycling Program. (31) Any broken/damaged or old UWS phones that are not repairable should be returned to the IT Accounts Unit. Please make sure that the sim card has been removed and the phone is marked dead or working (if partially working). (32) Returned mobiles will be placed in the recycle bin for Vodafone to dispose of in an environmentally friendly manner. (33) For all UWS staff requiring further information please refer to the University's Mobile Telephone Policy and other related documentation available via the Information Technology and Digital Services web site. (34) This procedure covers recyclable farming waste streams that stem from a number of UWS agricultural activities based primarily at the Hawkesbury campus. Compostable manure/green streams originate from UWS's beef, sheep, deer and equine activities. (35) This procedure applies to those UWS staff working in outdoor farm laboratories at UWS Hawkesbury and applies only to those waste streams that occur when livestock are intensively housed. For free range livestock, manure is left to decompose in the paddocks. (36) Manure is to be collected daily from stables and yards by UWS outdoor technical officers and stockpiled in a purpose built compound at the Equine Unit. When required it is to be collected by the officers from the Horticulture Unit, composted and reused as organic fertilizer. (37) This procedure covers all green waste produced at UWS campuses. Green waste refers to urban landscape waste generally consisting of leaves, grass clippings, weeds, yard trimmings, wood waste, branches and stumps and other miscellaneous organic materials. (38) Green wastes at UWS originate from the activities associated with grounds maintenance and landscaping, UWS Connect sports facilities maintenance and horticulture. This procedure applies to all UWS grounds and landscape staff and contractors. (39) All mowers fitted with mulching decks are to leave mulched grass left where it is cut unless it is in windrows or impacts on high profile areas. (40) Green waste resulting from tree lopping, pruning and removal is to be chipped on site and used as garden bed and tree mulch on site. This aids moisture retention and reduces potable water consumption for irrigation. (41) This procedure applies to all hazardous wastes. Hazardous wastes are both solid and liquid wastes that have either the short or long term potential to harm human health and/or the environment. This procedure is in addition to promulgated Work Health and Safety Hazardous Waste Policies and Procedures. (42) Waste streams that are identified by UWS Technical Officers as hazardous include: (43) From an environmental perspective, these types of waste will contaminate soil and waterways if sent to landfill and are governed by both WHS and environmental legislation and best practice guidelines. (44) The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change has issued "Environmental Guidelines: Assessment, Classification & Management of Liquid and Non-liquid Wastes" in order to promote compliance with the Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2005, made under the POEO Act, 1997. (45) According to these guidelines and legislation liquid waste should be classified according to the following types and labelled and stored appropriately. Please refer to the Work Health and Safety Laboratory Safety Guidelines and Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods Procedures. (46) Wastes (liquid) that are classified as hazardous include: (47) This procedure applies to all UWS Office of Capital Works and Facilities (OCWF) Project Managers and Building Contractors and covers all building rubble resulting from demolition on all UWS campuses. Building rubble or building and demolition waste refers to all material (such as bricks, concrete, paper, plastics, glass, metal and timber) resulting from the demolition, erection, construction, refurbishment or alteration of buildings and/or infrastructure-type development. (48) This operating procedure does not apply to asbestos waste. (49) Office of Capital Works and Facilities Project Managers have a responsibility to recycle building rubble where practicable. Each site will be assessed on its own merits by the respective Project Manager and only as a last resort will mixed building rubble be sent as contaminated material to a mixed landfill. (50) Building Contractors that include recycling of materials in the tender process should be given preferable consideration if all other evaluation factors are equal. Once the tender and approval for the demolition from council is granted, it is the building contractors' responsibility to dispose of all building rubble as per the terms of the contract. (51) Brick, concrete, timber, steel and soil waste from building and demolition works are to be sorted on site by the Building Contractor and sent to dedicated recycling facilities. (52) This procedure is to be read in conjunction with the UWS Work Health and Safety Policies and Procedures . (53) This procedure applies to all UWS Office of Capital Works and Facilities Project Managers and Building Contractors. (54) This procedure covers all asbestos and asbestos related materials, all synthetic mineral fibre (SMF) material and all polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) material waste. (55) Asbestos waste means any waste that contains asbestos - the common name for a variety of silicate minerals within either the amphibole or the serpentine groups that are fibrous in structure and more or less resistant to acid and fire. Asbestos is classed both as a hazardous substance and a class 9 miscellaneous dangerous good - inhaling the fibres may cause asbestosis or lung cancer. (56) SMF waste means any waste that contains SMFs - a general term used to describe man-made amorphous (non-crystalline) silicate fibres which are manufactured from minerals such as glass, rock, alumina and silica. SMFs are classified as a hazardous substance and a non-dangerous good. Short-term exposure to SMFs may result in skin, eye and upper respiratory tract irritation and long-term exposure is possibly carcinogenic. (57) PCB waste means any waste that contains PCBs - a group of toxic organo-chlorine compounds. While they vary in form, PCBs usually occur as non-flammable oils in electrical equipment such as transformers and capacitors. PCBs are classified as a hazardous substance and a class 9 miscellaneous dangerous good. Exposure to leaking PCBs can result in a range of health problems from nausea and eye irritations to bronchitis, liver complications and chloracne. From an environmental perspective, PCBs are non-degradable and can therefore bio-accumulate in the food chain. (58) Details of existing asbestos, SMF and PCB material locations in UWS buildings are kept in the Office of Capital Works and Facilities HAZMAT Register. (59) Generally the majority of asbestos, SMF and PCB containing materials on UWS campuses have been assessed by an independent consultant to be in a stable condition with no remedial action required and does not present a significant health risk. (60) Prior to undertaking any major or minor Capital Works, the Project Manager responsible for the project must check the Office of Capital Works and Facilities Hazardous Materials Register (HAZMAT) section of the Facilities Information Management System for the presence of asbestos, SMF and PCB containing materials. If any of these materials are present and require removal, the Project Manager is responsible for factoring into the administration of the tender process the procurement of an appropriately licensed contractor to safely remove and dispose of the material. (61) The Project Manager is to manage the awarded contract and to ensure that the contractor is fulfilling the terms of the contract by conducting spot audits. (62) The Project Manager is responsible for collating and filing all the necessary documentation including proof of correct disposal of asbestos, SMFs and PCB containing materials and is to notify the Manager Building Services once the job is completed of what substances have been removed in order to update the HAZMAT register. (63) The Manager, Building Services is to maintain and update as required the HAZMAT register. (64) All contractors must be licensed hazardous material removalists (if appropriate)* and must comply with all state and national environmental and work health and safety legislation and codes of practice. (65) In situations where these materials need to be removed from UWS buildings no disturbance of these substances is to occur and discovery is to be immediately to the Manager, Building Services, Office of Capital Works and Facilities. (66) The collection, handling and disposal of asbestos and asbestos waste by the contractor must strictly adhere to the requirements as stipulated in NSW Environmental Protection Authority's POEO (Waste) Regulation 2005. The contractor must forward the appropriate documentation from a licensed landfill site to the Project Manager. (67) The collection, handling and disposal of SMF's by the contractor must strictly adhere to the requirements as stipulated in The National Standard for Synthetic Mineral Fibres [NOHSC:1004 (1990)] and National Code of Practice for the safe use of Synthetic Mineral Fibres [NOHSC:2006 (1990)]. (68) In NSW, SMF waste is accepted at nominated landfills and usually must be booked a day in advance. The building contractor who is responsible for the correct collection and disposal of SMF containing material must forward the appropriate documentation from a licensed landfill site to the Project Manager. (69) Scheduled PCB material and waste must be transported in accordance with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code and any other legislative requirements. The contractor who is responsible for the correct collection and disposal of PCBs must forward the appropriate documentation from a licensed landfill site to the Project Manager. (70) All workers involved in the transport of PCB wastes should be fully informed of the hazards of PCBs and trained in the correct procedures required for the safe transport of these hazardous materials. PCB waste is classified according to the level of concentration present in the PCB containing material. (71) The Environmental Manager and the Grounds and Environment Manager are responsible for implementing a programme of waste audits to ensure that waste streams are being controlled and disposed of in accordance with this procedure and are in accord with legislative and regulatory requirements. (72) The Waste Management Register will be reviewed by the UWS Environmental Manager and the Grounds and Environment Manager on a bi-annual basis to determine areas to be targeted for waste reduction or improved management. (73) Waste management training is included within the Environmental Awareness Training that is provided for UWS staff and students. Waste management responsibilities for contractors are covered in the compulsory UWS Work Health and Safety Contractor Induction course. (74) All waste management documents are held by the Environmental Manager and the Grounds and Environment Manager, and will be maintained in a manner according to the UWS Records Management Policy. (75) Waste management documents include: (76) Contract cleaning staff transport blue paper recycling Sulo bins and red security Sulo bins to designated kerbside collection points and move them back to their original location. Paper recycling bins are collected weekly and security bins are collected fortnightly. (77) The Visy Sulo paper recycling bins are taken out weekly to their collection points by the contract cleaners on the following days: (78) Visy Security bins are collected fortnightly on a Monday at Bankstown, Blacktown and Campbelltown Campuses, on alternating Fridays at North and South Parramatta, and on Friday at all other Campuses. (79) While pesticides can have economic, social, public health and environmental benefits there are significant risks associated with pesticide use. Many pesticides, due to their levels of toxicity, flammability or combustibility are classified as dangerous goods and/or hazardous substances. (80) The purpose of this procedure is to define the UWS processes for the management of pesticides employed as a consequence of building maintenance, farming, horticultural and grounds maintenance activities conducted by the university. This procedure identifies the standard operating procedures for the safe handling, management, use and disposal of pesticides to ensure that legislative requirements are not breached. (81) This procedures has been developed with reference to the following Statutes and Regulations (and associated amendments) and UWS Policies, Procedures and Guidelines: (82) The principles embodied in this document are generic and are to be applied to the management of pesticides and herbicides by UWS staff and external contractors at all UWS sites. This procedure addresses the management of all types of liquid and solid pesticides and herbicides. (83) While this procedure is primarily concerned with minimising the negative environmental impacts that the use of pesticides entails, it has also been written to ensure consistency with Work Health and Safety Regulations where relevant. (84) This procedure is referred in the UWS Environmental Management System Manual as Environmental Operational Control Procedure (Part B). (85) The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) currently require that all pesticides sold in Australia be approved and registered. (86) In NSW, the Pesticides Act 1999 permits only the use of approved registered pesticides (unless specific authorisation is granted for the use of an unregistered pesticide). The Act also requires all users to adhere to the approved label or permit directions. The Pesticides Act also sets out current record keeping and training requirements. The Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) is the state agency that currently enforces the proper use of pesticides in NSW. (87) This Act controls and regulates the use of pesticides in New South Wales. The focus of this legislation is to protect human health, the environment, property and trade while safeguarding responsible pesticide use. (88) It is an offence under the Act: to: (89) The Pesticides Amendment (User Training) Regulation 2003 requires users of pesticides for commercial and occupational purposes, or in connection with agricultural, farming or forestry operations to complete competency based training in pesticide use, transport, handling and storage and to make and keep records of pesticide use. (90) Prior to undertaking pesticide spraying UWS staff and contractors should take a precautionary approach in recognition of the limited knowledge of environmental consequences resulting from the widespread use, transport, persistence and degradation impacts of pesticide application. (91) Persons engaged in pesticide transport, handling, storage, preparation and application on UWS property are required to: (92) From an environmental perspective inappropriate use of pesticides, particularly those classified as dangerous, hazardous or poisonous, can lead to environmental harm. Different levels of harm (ranging from nuisance to serious) can arise from the incorrect use of pesticides. UWS staff and contractors engaged in pesticide use are to ensure that pesticides do not: (93) A register is a listing of all hazardous substances in the workplace. This includes a list of the chemicals kept in a central store or a pest control vehicle. WorkCover NSW recommends that the minimum information which must be included in a register is a list of all hazardous substances used or produced in the workplace, and the relevant Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). (94) The Pesticides Amendment (Records) Regulation, part of the Pesticides Act 1999 and in force from July 2002, requires that the use of pesticides must be correctly recorded with the following information: (95) The record must be made within 24 hours of use and kept for three years. Environment Protection Authority officers may check these records at any reasonable time and penalties may apply if the records have not been kept in accordance with the new law. (96) The Pesticide Application Register will be reviewed by the Environmental Manager and the Grounds and Environment Manager on a quarterly/six monthly basis to determine areas to be targeted for pesticide reduction or improved management techniques. (97) The Pesticides Act 1999 makes training compulsory for commercial users of pesticides. A person who is 'trained' has a qualification that shows that they have achieved a specific level of competency in pesticide use. Holders of Farmcare, ChemCert or SMARTtrain qualifications are considered already qualified under the Act. The qualification remains valid for five years from the date it was completed. People who are qualified have to be re-assessed every five years. (98) An MSDS provides information on hazardous substances additional to that on a label. Methods to control exposure and exposure standards can also be found in the MSDS. An MSDS for a substance provides information on: (99) Use the MSDS for guidance on the safe use and storage of chemicals. Other persons working in the area where the chemical is being used may also need to see the MSDS. (100) To effectively manage UWS's activities, potential generic emergency situations that have a negative environmental impact have been identified and appropriate responses documented. This procedure addresses reasonably foreseeable environmental emergency situations that could arise through these activities. However, it must be borne in mind that potential emergencies and responses are specifically related to site conditions and therefore generic response procedures need to be adapted to each project. (101) Responsibility for identification of potential emergencies, adaptation of generic response procedures and implementation of response procedures is at a number of levels. (102) The procedures in this document have been developed with reference to the following Statutes and Regulations (and associated amendments) and UWS Policies, Procedures and Guidelines: (103) This procedure has been developed for use across all UWS campuses. (104) This procedure will review and identify all foreseeable emergency situations for environmental releases and detail generic emergency responses to these situations. Emergency preparedness and responses will outline: (105) This procedure is referred in the UWS Environmental Management System Manual as Environmental Operational Control Procedure (Part C). (106) UWS Work Health and Safety Unit has a comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Program that outlines a framework to enable line managers, in consultation with other stakeholders, to establish effective emergency management plans that are appropriate for their respective areas of responsibility. These procedures have been developed with this framework in mind. In addition, this website has a number of generic emergency management instructions that the reader is referred to. (107) The Protection of the Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) is the key piece of environment protection legislation administered by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) . Under this legislation an organisation has a duty of care to notify the DECC where "a pollution incident occurs in the course of an activity so that material harm to the environment is caused or threatened." The NSW Ozone Protection Act 1989 and NSW Ozone Protection Regulation 1997 was implemented to enable the state to meet its obligations under the Montreal Protocol to phase out production and consumption of ozone depleting substances including CFCs. It is a Tier 1 offence under section 117 of the NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 to wilfully or negligently cause certain ozone-depleting substances to be emitted into the atmosphere contrary to the Regulation in a manner that harms or is likely to harm the environment. (108) This following section is as per Work Health and Safety Unit. (109) The emergency telephone number is ext 2300. (110) This number when dialled from an internal UWS phone will connect directly to security staff on the campus on which the caller is located. (111) Emergency internal telephones will only be used in emergency situations and are strategically located throughout the University. To obtain assistance simply lift the handset and dial '2300'. (112) When using an internal telephone to phone the emergency services ('000') the caller must first dial '0' in order to obtain an outside line. (113) There will be a slight delay when dialling the '000' emergency number before the phone begins ringing. (114) The UWS emergency vehicles contain equipment which can be used in an emergency. Security staff are responsible for ensuring that the equipment is carried in the vehicle at all times and is maintained in a serviceable condition. (115) Key UWS Emergency Procedures addressing fire, evacuation, bomb threats, chemical and gas spills, medical emergencies and loss of essential services have been documented by the OHS Risk Management Unit and produced in poster format. This poster (UWS OHS Emergency Procedures) has been widely distributed throughout all public buildings and offices across all campuses. (116) The UWS Emergency Management Program contains key duties and responsibilities for staff undertaking first response type roles in relation to emergencies on and around any UWS campus. (117) In case of emergencies which typically may include fire, explosion, leakage of noxious gases/liquids etc: CALL '000', then: (118) For fire management in protected areas please refer to UWS' Remnant Bushland and Biodiversity Management Program in the UWS Environmental Management Plan which has as one of its actions plans to develop both a hazard and ecological fire management plan. (119) There are a number of areas that have the potential to make a negative environmental impact in terms of spills and leaks: (120) See Environmental Operational Control Procedure Part D Emergency Spill Response Procedure and OHS UWS Emergency Procedures. (121) While accidental spills and leaks can occur UWS recognises that their impacts need be minimised and that the appropriate procedures are in place to protect both human health and the environment. (122) The purpose of this procedure is to define the UWS processes for the emergency management of hazardous spills and leaks as a consequence of general business activities conducted across all spheres of the university. This procedure applies to all UWS staff, students, contractors and lessees and has been developed for use across all UWS campuses. (123) The procedure identifies the standard operating procedures for the safe containment and disposal of hazardous spills and leaks to ensure that UWS's environmental responsibility and legislative requirements are met. (124) The procedures in this document have been developed with reference to the following: (125) This procedure addresses the emergency management spill response to the major and most likely types of hazardous pollutants on UWS grounds such as: petroleum; diesel; oil lubricants and products; chlorine; polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), chemical spills in laboratories; Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) leaks and gas leaks. (126) This procedure applies to both liquid and gaseous substances. (127) While this procedure is primarily concerned with minimising the negative environmental impacts that an accidental spill or leak may entail, it has also been written to ensure consistency with Work Health and Safety Regulation where relevant. (128) There are three major ways that a hazardous spill or leak can impact on the environment: (129) This procedure is referred in the UWS Environmental Management System Manual as Environmental Operational Control Procedure (Part D). (130) The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) is the key piece of environment protection legislation administered by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC). (131) The Act has a three tier penalty regime for Environmental Offences: (132) Under this legislation an organisation has a duty of care to notify the EPA where "a pollution incident occurs in the course of an activity so that material harm to the environment is caused or threatened." This regime obviously makes it in any organisations interests to be vigilant in all areas of environmental management. (133) In the event of a major spill on any UWS campus Security/Emergency must be immediately notified on extension 2300. A Security representative will attend the scene of the spill as soon as possible. (134) Depending on the circumstances and nature of the spill the NSW Fire Brigade should also be called (000) by either those responsible for the spill if there is an immediate fire or pollution risk or will be called by Security upon arriving and assessing the situation. When it is safe to do so, the generic procedure to follow is as follows. (135) In the case of major hazardous spills, protective action zones will need to be established. If the spill occurs in an outside environment note the wind direction and then establish the protective action zone . Specific distances will depend on the material spilled and are detailed in each specific operating procedure. (136) Steps to take to create a protective action zone are as follows: (137) Specific Emergency Spill Response Operating Procedures are outlined below for the following: (138) Please note, unless otherwise specified all responses are as per MSDS instructions for each material as found on Chemwatch. (139) This operating procedure applies to both leaded and unleaded petroleum products (also commonly referred to as motor fuel and/or gasoline) across all UWS campuses. Both leaded and unleaded petrol are classified as a hazardous substance and a Class 3 dangerous good according to the criteria of National Occupational Health and Safety Code and the Australian Dangerous Good code. Unleaded petrol is a lead free motor fuel used for internal combustion engines, 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. It has a flashpoint of less than or equal to 30 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of greater than 30 degrees Celsius. It is anticipated that the majority of petrol related incidents will relate to spills and leaks from vehicles. (140) Petrol leaking from vehicles can occur particularly during hot weather when heat expands the petrol in fuel tanks. Leaking petrol is a serious risk and care should be taken with petrol spills to prevent the danger of ignition or explosion (OFM, Griffith University). (141) These are the protective actions that need to be taken in the event of a petrol leak: (142) These are the protective actions that need to be taken in the event of a minor petrol spill: (143) Notify Security on extension 2300 internally as the spill may be violently or explosively reactive. (144) Establish an isolation distance of 25 metres and downwind protection distance of 300 metres as indicated in the Protective Action Zone Diagram. (145) These are the protective actions that need to be taken in the event of a major petrol spill: (146) This operating procedure applies to metal capacitors containing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) material that are at Hawkesbury Campus, Parramatta North Campus, Parramatta South Campus, Kingswood Campus and Westmead Campus. All of the capacitors containing PCBs have been assessed by a professional and independent survey as "in a good and stable condition at the time of inspection with no action currently required." (147) PCBs are classified as a hazardous substance and a class 9 miscellaneous dangerous good. Exposure to leaking PCBs can result in a range of health problems from nausea and eye irritations to bronchitis, liver complications and chloracne. (148) From an environmental perspective, PCBs are recognised internationally to be a major environmental pollutant. They are non-degradable and their persistence can cause ecological damage via water pollution and bio-accumulation in the food chain. The loss of these materials to the environment must be avoided at all costs. Given the limited amount of PCBs on UWS campuses there is not enough PCB material to constitute a "major" spill. As such this procedure relates only to PCB leaks and minor spills. (149) These are the protective actions that need to be taken in the event of a PCB leak or minor spill: (150) This operating procedure applies to the chlorine chemical stores and chlorinated water in UWS swimming pools at Hawkesbury and Blacktown campuses. Both UWS Hawkesbury and Blacktown campuses have stores of sodium hypochlorite - liquid pool chlorine. Sodium Hypochlorite is used for the purification of water and as a swimming pool disinfectant. It is classified as a hazardous substance and a Class 8 (corrosive) dangerous good. As an alkaline and a corrosive, sodium hypochlorite will damage living tissue, goods or equipment on contact by chemical action. It is not highly flammable but is considered to be an "ecotoxin" i.e. a toxicant that can adversely affect ecosystems. (151) These are the protective actions that need to be taken in the event of a minor chlorine spill: (152) Notify Security on extension 2300 internally. (153) Establish an isolation distance of 25 metres and downwind protection distance of 250 metres as indicated in the Protective Action Zone Diagram. (154) These are the protective actions that need to be taken in the event of a major chlorine spill: (155) This operating procedure applies to all diesel spills and leaks across all UWS campuses. Diesel is synonymous with a number of terms including: "automotive diesel fuel oil"; "distillate dieselene"; "diesel oil"; "diesel fuel"; "diesel oil, light" and "summer diesel". Diesel is a distillate fuel suitable for use as a fuel for trucks, ships and other automotive equipment. It is classified as a hazardous substances and a non-dangerous good. Diesel is stored in bulk in a number of areas at UWS for use in farming equipment. Diesel is also transported onto campuses by semi-trailers. (156) These are the protective actions that need to be taken in the event of a minor diesel spill: (157) Notify Security on extension 2300 internally. (158) These are the protective actions that need to be taken in the event of a major diesel spill: (159) This operating procedure applies to all oil spills and leaks across all UWS campuses. "Oil" is used as a generic term and refers to all hydraulic oil, engine oil and brake fluid. All these oils are classified as a non hazardous substance and a non dangerous good according to the criteria of National Occupational Health and Safety Code and the Australian Dangerous Good code. (160) These are the protective actions that need to be taken in the event of a minor oil spill: (161) Notify Security on ext 2300. (162) These are the protective actions that need to be taken in the event of a major oil spill: (163) This operating procedure applies to all spills and leaks across all UWS laboratories. (164) In laboratories the definition of minor and major spills changes substantially. (165) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are man made gas compounds that contain carbon, chlorine and fluorine. As gases at room temperature CFCs are easily liquefied by compression - they are also stable and non-toxic. Prior to 1989 CFCs have been widely used as working fluids in refrigerators and air conditioners, propellants in spray cans for paints etc and foaming agents. (166) CFCs are also one of the most ozone depleting substances available. Due to their stability they remain in the atmosphere for a significant amount of time after release - it is estimated that one chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 molecules. (167) CFCs are still used at UWS in the universities air conditioning systems. CFC leaks can be detected two ways. If an air conditioning system is not functioning the maintenance contractor is called and any leaks can be identified and rectified. The second is via the monthly routine maintenance checks conducted by the contractor. (168) UWS has a number of different types of gases in store across its campuses. Gases which have been compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure are classified as a Class 2 dangerous good. Under this classification there are three categories of gases: (169) In the case of a gas spill and /or leak the procedure to follow is as per UWS Emergency Procedures. (170) As Sydney's most geographically dispersed university, UWS has a number of varying urban, quasi rural and agricultural landscapes to manage. Inherent in all these landscapes are both native and non-native wildlife populations. (171) The purpose of this procedure is to document the University's methods on managing these populations to ensure compliance with conservation and animal welfare objectives while at the same time safeguarding the health and safety of all UWS students, employees and visitors. (172) This procedure has been developed for use across all UWS campuses. (173) The procedures in this document have been developed with reference to the following: (174) This procedure is referred in the UWS Environmental Management System Manual as Environmental Operational Control Procedure (Part E). (175) All native mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians and many species of native plants are protected in NSW by the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and under this act it is an offence to harm any protected fauna. The only exemptions to this Act relate to certain native birds in specified parts of New South Wales where they are deemed to be either agricultural or pastoral pests. (176) Under the NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 the NPWS Head Office Wildlife Licensing has the authority to issue a general licence (s120) and an occupiers licence (s121) to authorise the harm of a specified number and species of native wildlife. (177) When a native species is deemed to pose a danger to either the health or safety of the UWS human community, contractors are required to have the appropriate s120 licence. If UWS is to carry out the destruction of native wildlife an s121 licence is required. (178) Any destruction of native wildlife is to be carried out as humanely as possible. (179) The objective of this document is to outline the management response for: (180) UWS recognises that snakes and reptiles are an intrinsic part the Australian landscape and have a role to play in many different types of ecosystems. (181) All native Australian snakes and reptiles are protected by law in NSW and it is an offence to harm or kill them. (182) The most commonly encountered snakes in Western Sydney are the red-bellied black snake and the eastern brown snake. Both are venomous and potentially dangerous to humans. It is best to treat all snakes as if they are venomous and if one is sighted to keep at a safe distance and do not disturb it. (183) In summer snakes are more active and have been found at all UWS campuses but are especially prevalent at Blacktown, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury and Penrith. Individuals working and/or walking in bushland areas are advised to wear sturdy boots and long pants and to avoid dense undergrowth where visibility is reduced. (184) Snakes are to be managed in accordance with the University's Animals on Campus Policy (Part E), which generally requires individuals to leave snakes alone. The provisions of that policy should also be applied to reptiles. Individuals should note that snakes/reptiles are often timid and will not become aggressive unless provoked. Statistics show that over 90% of people who are bitten by snakes are trying to kill or catch them. Accordingly, individuals should maintain a safe distance where a snake/reptile is sighted. (185) The University has a responsibility to ensure both the wellbeing of both its bird and human populations. (186) Across UWS campuses the following native bird species can exhibit seasonally aggressive behaviour which is usually associated with nesting: (187) This seasonal behaviour often occurs during spring and can be intimidating. While most birds only swoop and call loudly, a small proportion of birds may actually come into contact with people in an attempt to deter the perceived threat to their nests and young. (188) Where possible, UWS will seek to educate its community about these situations, display temporary signage where appropriate and encourage UWS staff and students to avoid nesting locations during the season where possible via notification by email. (189) In exceptional circumstances and in line with the NSW NPWS policy UWS considers that a bird(s) can be assessed as a risk to public safety and dangerous when it: (190) If any UWS students and/or staff consider a bird to be dangerous please contact Campus Security for an assessment. Alternatively, the Environmental Manager can be contacted at the beginning of the nesting season (August) to discuss any other concerns. (191) The following species are found nesting around UWS campus buildings: (192) Nesting birds around buildings and eaves pose a number of other problems for the human populations that cohabit with them. (193) If any UWS students and/or staff consider a nesting bird to be a threat to their health please contact the Environmental Manager or the Manager, Work Health and Safety Unit for an assessment. (194) UWS has resident brush tail possum populations at Hawkesbury, Penrith and Campbelltown campuses. Possums have adapted well to urbanisation and can take up residence in the roof of buildings. (195) In cases such as these UWS recommends, where possible, waiting until the possum has vacated the area and blocking access. If this is not successful WIRES can trap the possum and release it outside the building. (196) UWS does not recommend relocating possums for the following reasons: (197) UWS does not recommend feeding possums but encourages them to fend for themselves. If a possum is causing a problem contact the appropriate Facilities Services Officer to arrange for appropriate management action. (198) UWS has the following non-native wildlife populations on campus: (199) Where non-native wildlife populations are considered to be pests (i.e. pose a threat) they should be managed in accordance with the University's Animals on Campus Policy. Additional advice should also be obtained from the relevant Facilities Services Officer Office of Capital Works and Facilities, with respect to contracting the services of a licensed pest controller to deal with specific problems (e.g. infestation, spread of disease). (200) UWS advocates the use of the most humane treatment available. (201) UWS has a large contractor workforce that provides each campus with a wide range of contracted services including: (202) The purpose of this procedure is to outline UWS contractor requirements in order to ensure environmental compliance across all UWS campuses. (203) The procedures in this document have been developed with reference to the NSW Protection of the Environmental Operations Act, 1997. (204) Other relevant and supporting documentation UWS Contractor Health and Safety Procedure . (205) This procedure is referred in the UWS Environmental Management System Manual as Environmental Operational Control Procedure (Part F). (206) All contractors must be made aware of their environmental responsibilities and obligations via compulsory attendance at the UWS OHS Contractor Induction Course, run by Office of Capital Works and Facilities. (207) Contractors are required to follow the outlined environmental instructions as per the OHS&E Contractor and Environmental Safety Information Handbook . This Handbook is issued to each contractor at the completion of their attendance at the UWS OHS Contractor Induction Course. (208) Environmental Instructions cover: (209) For contractors that may only visit the campus once or very infrequently a Short Term Induction Pass is issued. In this case it is the responsibility of the University representative to outline the environmental instructions that the contractor is required to follow. (210) A register of all contractors that have attended the UWS OHS Contractor Induction Course is kept by Office of Capital Works and Facilities as is a register of all Short Term Induction Passes that are issued. (211) Furthermore UWS advocates that contractors are also to have the following environmental credentials: (212) A contractor is required to immediately report any accident, incident or occurrence which has or has the potential to cause environmental harm to UWS property or adjoining properties. (213) Notification is to be to the Environmental Manager or to the Facilities Services Officer. Incidents such as a chemical spill, leak or inappropriate disposal of waste should be contained pending clean-up or containment action. (214) The OH&S Contractor Induction Card contains details of emergency contact numbers on the back. Likewise the Short term Induction Pass is issued with UWS Emergency Procedures on the back of the ticket.Environmental Management System Operational Control Procedures
Section 1 - Purpose and Context
Section 2 - Definitions
Top of Page
Section 3 - Policy Reference
Section 4 - Procedures
Part A - Waste Management Procedures
Purpose and Context
Waste Management Hierarchy
Specific Waste Management Procedure s
General Waste Procedure
Recycling Procedures
Office Paper and Cardboard Procedure
Co-mingled Recycling of Cans, Plastic Containers and Bottles
Imaging Consumables Recycling Procedure
Mobile Phone Recycling Procedure
Farming Waste Recycling Procedure
Green Waste Recycling Procedure
Hazardous Waste Operating Procedure
Hazardous Liquid Waste
Maintenance Waste Operating Procedure
Asbestos, SMF and PCB Material Waste Operating Procedure
Monitoring
Training
Records
Guidelines
Paper and Cardboard Recycling Timetables
Campus
Day
Bankstown
Tuesday
Blacktown
Thursday
Campbelltown
Friday
Hawkesbury
Tuesday
Kingswood
Monday
Parramatta
Tuesday
Werrington North
Monday
Werrington South
Monday
Part B - Pesticide Management Procedures
Purpose and Context
Legislative Responsibilities
Pesticide Application Requirements
Recordkeeping
Pesticide Registers
Pesticide Usage Records
Monitoring
Training
Guidelines
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Part C - Emergency Preparedness and Response Procedures
Purpose and Context
Legislative Responsibilities
Emergency contact numbers/equipment
UWS Emergency Procedures
Fire and Explosions
Fire - Protected Areas and Farmland
Hazardous Spills and Leaks
Part D - Emergency Spill Response Procedure
Purpose and Context
Legislative Responsibilities
Part E - Generic Spill Response Procedure
Protective Action Zones
Part F - Specific Emergency Spill Response Operating Procedures
Petrol Leak and Spill Response Operating Procedure
Petrol Leaks
Minor Petrol Spills (less than 200 litres) - Call Fire Brigade '000'
Major Petrol Spills (greater than 200 litres) - Call Fire Brigade '000'
Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) Leak and Spill Response Operating Procedure
PCB Leaks and Minor Spills - Call Fire Brigade '000"
Chlorine Leak and Spill Response Operating Procedure
Minor Chlorine Spills (less then 200 litres) Call Fire Brigade '000'
Major Chlorine Spills (greater then 200 litres) - Call Fire Brigade '000'
Diesel Leak and Spill Response Operating Procedure
Diesel Leaks and Minor Spills (less than 200 litres) - Call Fire Brigade '000'
Major Diesel Spills (greater than 200 litres) - Call Fire Brigade '000'
Oil Spill/Leak Response Operating Procedure
Oil Leaks and Minor Spills (less than 200 litres)
Major Diesel Spills (greater than 200 litres) - Call Fire Brigade '000'
Laboratory Spill/Leak Response Operating Procedure
Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) Leak Response Operating Procedure
Gas Spill/Leak Response Operating Procedure
Part G - Wildlife Information and Procedures
Purpose and Context
Legislative
Snake and Reptile Information
Management Procedures
Nesting and Seasonally Aggressive Native Birds Management Procedure
Possum Management Procedure
Non-Native Wildlife Pest Management Procedure
Part H - Contractor Procedures
Purpose and Context
Procedures
Procedure for Reporting Environmental Incidents
View Current
This is not a current document. It has been repealed and is no longer in force.