Land Contamination and your part in Environmental Protection

Land Contamination and your part in Environmental Protection

As development of green belt areas becomes more difficult then the attention has turned to the redevelopment of contaminated land in urban areas.  Contamination of the land can come in many forms and in many cases it is linked to the previous use of the area.  Examples are old gas works, scrap yards, landfills, tanneries etc.

Land Contamination can be caused by the presence of oil base substances such as pitch, tar, diesel,

crude oil, sludge etc.

These contaminants unusual come with very offensive odours and quick colouration of the soils and

the liquids make the affected soils readily useless for any form of cultivation.

Contamination can also result from dirty contaminated water.

Dusty and flaky material ie. Lagging materials, insulation board are quantified as contaminants.

Old containers or drums, especially if they are in a poor condition and wrongly stored constitutes contaminants.

Do remember that contamination can affect the body or our health due to inhalation, ingestion or

direct contact with the substance.

To be on the safe side, always wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as identified in

risk assessment and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

Those exposed must know how to use the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and store it correctly

after each use.

Hygiene will need to be to the highest standards and in line with regulation, use of the facilities

provided must be according to procedures and policies.

Report any incident, including accidental ingestion etc to the site medical personnel immediately.

Employees are not expected to smoke in unauthorised areas.

Each and every individual must wash their hands before eating, drinking or smoking and as many

times as they are exposed.

Every personnel must report any unusual materials or substance during excavation then contact or

alert the supervisor, immediately isolate area until a further decision is made on how to deal with

the problem.

Site workers are expected to comply with any of the control measures provided or installed in the

chemical exposure areas including stores, warehouses, waste areas, mixing areas or any such areas

where chemical is present in any form.

While employees are expected to report defects of any Personal Protective Equipment, work

equipment or welfare facility to their immediate supervisor, they are also mandated by regulations

to take care of their Personal Protective Equipment and assist management to ensure equipment are

fit for purpose and used correctly.

Employees are not expected to take soiled clothing home as provision is made to see these washed

in-company.

It is my believe that as we increase awareness and consciousness on the negative effects of

pesticides on the environment, that the relevant authorities would take steps to formulate more

stringent laws aimed at protecting the environment for the future generations.

Remember, contamination can come in many forms, be aware of the potentials of any contamination you may have to work with and take steps to clean-up appropriately. The best time to prevent an accident is before it happens. Thank you