If you read nothing else it is important that you read this
As an autodismantler you should...
- Drain on exchange and contain. All vehicles and parts need to be drained and evacuated of oils, coolant and air conditioner gases before any other dismantling takes place.
- Make sure that vehicles and parts for dismantling are delivered to a designated vehicle exchange area that is sealed, bunded and roofed and set up for draining.
- Drain into containers over drip trays and make sure that all waste liquids are stored in containers in a bunded, sealed and covered area. (See Hazardous Materials and General Information)
- Do all dismantling inside, on a sealed work floor, to prevent leaks or spills to stormwater drains or the ground.
- Make sure that the stormwater drains on or near your premises carry clean rainwater only. Any other liquid or solid is considered a pollutant. No grease, oil or other pollutants from your dismantling should be allowed to get into the stormwater drains. (See Stormwater Management)
- Make sure that oil, coolant and other waste liquids from vehicles do not soak into the ground or get into stormwater drains.
- Keep the external work areas of your business free of litter, waste materials, car parts, chemicals and other items that could pollute the ground or stormwater system.
- Clean maintain and bund, work areas such as wash down bays workshop floors and pollution prevention equipment is regularly maintained.
- Talk to your water or sewer organisation (Sydney Water, Hunter Water or your local council) about a trade waste permit and wastewater pre-treatment before discharging any liquid wastes to the sewer. (See Trade Waste Water)
- Keep spill kit, clean-up material in an accessible place, clearly labelled and ready for use. (See Hazardous Materials)
- Be aware that most pollution offences carry penalties of up to $1 million (plus a daily penalty up to $120,000 for continuing offences) for companies, or $250,000 (plus a daily penalty up to $60,000 for continuing offences) for individuals. (See Environmental Legislation)
- Be aware that even very minor breaches of environmental laws can result in on-the-spot fines of $1500 for companies and $750 for individuals.
Page last updated: 22 February 2008