Confined Space Rescue Operations

SCOPE

Incidents, which require confined space rescue personnel to rescue and remove persons in need of assistance in confined spaces present very serious potential dangers.  In order to operate safely in these situations, special precautions must be taken and rigidly enforced.

The current scope of this rescue plan covers only non-entry confined space rescue with the use of retrieval lines.  

PURPOSE

To provide confined space rescue procedures appropriate to the nature of the manufacturing site’s confined spaces and types of foreseeable emergency situation(s).

FORESEEABLE EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

CONFINED SPACE RESCUE TEAM

Members of the Manufacturing Site who had completed Confined Space Rescue Courses

CONFINED SPACE RESCUE EQUIPMENT 

Confined Space Rescue Equipment (Hardware)

The confined space rescue equipment is made up of the

 a) TRIS Manual Retrieval System and 

b) Transportable Temporary Anchor System Kit.    

TRIS Manual Retrieval System 

Transportable Temporary Anchor System Kit

PPE

Inspection 

Before Use

CS rescue personnel shall check that the equipment is undamaged and functioning properly before each use.  If there are any doubts about the condition of the equipment, it shall be withdrawn from use and reported to the Engineering Supervisor and WSH Officer. 

The WSH Officer shall make arrangements for the supplier to inspect the equipment in question before finalizing its status.

Monthly inspection 

CS Rescue equipment shall be thoroughly examined once a month, before and after each use, and maintained as necessary.  Records of every such inspection shall be maintained in Confined Space Rescue Equipment Inspection and Maintenance Checklist attached behind this document and kept for at least 2 years.

Textiles

Check for cuts, tears, abrasion, damage due to deterioration, contact with heat, alkalis or other corrosives.

Stitching

Check for broken, cut or worn threads

Metals

Check for rust, corrosion, cracks, distortion, corrosion, burrs, worn or loose rivets, screws, discoloration caused by extreme heat, cuts, reduced tension in springs, jammed or seizure of moving parts, missing components. 

Maintenance 

CS Rescue equipment shall be maintained as necessary during monthly inspection, before and after each use.  Action to be taken shall be indicated as per Records of every such inspection shall be maintained in Confined Space Rescue Equipment Inspection and Maintenance Checklist attached behind this document and kept for at least 2 years.

Cleaning

The equipment should be kept clean and dry. Rinse in clean cold water.  Any excess moisture should be removed with a clean cloth and allowed to dry naturally. Clean off tar based products with appropriate petroleum solvents. Afterwards, wash rinse and dry as above.

Chemicals

Chemicals such as acids, strong caustic substances (e.g., battery acid, bleach, etc) should not be used to clean equipment. 

Lubrication

Before storing away washed and dried metal components, particularly moving parts, should be lubricated sparingly using light oil, or lightly greased making sure that lubrication does not come into contact with any part(s) that rely on friction with rope. 

Storage

Store equipment in dry place away from chemicals, corrosives.  Keep equipment below 50 deg C.

Communications

Walkie Talkie

The confined space attendant who is also the CS rescue personnel shall ensure he remains in contact with the entrant via walkie talkie.  As all CS rescue personnel each have his / her own walkie talkie, it shall be their responsibility to ensure their sets are in working condition as long as CS work is carried out.

Rope Tugging 

Besides using the walkie talkie, the CS attendant can also tug the rope connected to the entrant’s full body harness if the entrant is not responding to walkie talkie calls.

RESCUE METHOD (NON-ENTRY)

Pre-entry preparation

Upon being notified by the Supervisor of the CS entry that confined space work is required in the manufacturing site, the CS rescue team leader shall arrange for CS rescue team to set up the CS Rescue Equipment over the confined space where work is to be carried out and designate one of the rescue team personnel to be assigned as the CS attendant of that confined space. 

Set-up

Before setting up the CS Rescue Equipment, CS rescue personnel shall inspect all components of the Rescue Equipment and walkie talkies that they are in good working condition and free from damage.

If there are damaged components, they must be immediately taken out of service and labeled immediately to avoid confusion later. 

Retrieving person (vertical rescue)

The attendant who is also a trained CS rescue personnel shall first alert all other CS rescue personnel over the walkie talkie on channel 1.  CS rescue personnel shall make their way to the scene to provide support.

The attendant shall not try to enter the CS nor put his head through the CS opening at all times.  

He shall raise the victim up by pulling down the SAR Ascender with his entire body weight. If the attendant has difficulties pulling the victim out, he shall wait till the other CS rescue personnel arrive to provide assistance.

NB: Before pulling, ensure standing position is safe and firm. 

When the victim is successfully retrieved, proceed with first aid treatment as required.

Unsuccessful rescue

If the situation does not permit the victim to be able to be retrieved successfully, CS rescue personnel shall immediately call 995 to activate rescue services (Singapore Civil Defence Force)

DRILL (NON-ENTRY)

A rescue drill shall be carried out at least once every 12 months to familiarise all CS rescue personnel with the equipment set-up, use and rescue methods.

TRAINING

CS rescue personnel shall undergo a CS non-entry rescue training at least once very 12 months conducted in-house by the CS rescue equipment vendor.

Persons who are not trained in proper rescue procedures are not permitted to undertake rescue operations.

Annex A : Confined Space Rescue Equipment Inspection Checklist

Annex B : Confined Space Rescue Equipment 

Confined Space Safety

OBJECTIVE

To establish safe work procedures for entering and working in a confined space.

SCOPE

This procedure applies to entry and work in confined spaces within the manufacturing site.

RESPONSIBILITY

General

In view of the hazards associated with working in confined spaces, all personnel who work in or support confined space work shall demonstrate a responsible attitude at all times during the work and in particular, shall ensure that:

• Entry into a confined space is not permitted unless a Confined Space Entry Permit (CSEP) has been obtained (Appendix A – Confined Space Entry Permit).
• The precautions stated on the CSEP and associated certificates are understood and observed.
• The potential need for personal protective equipment whilst working in the confined space is understood and users are familiar in its use.

Personnel Entering Confined Spaces (Entrants):

• Know and understand the CSEP before starting work, and abide by its conditions.
• Stop work and exit the confined space immediately if conditions under which the permit was granted changes or if any danger is perceived.  Report this to the confined space attendant and supervisor

Supervisor (Requestor) of the person who is to enter or work in the confined space

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that:

• He /she applies for a CSEP for the person who is to enter or work in the confined space
• The confined space is properly isolated before entry is permitted.
• The atmosphere in the confined space has been fully tested for oxygen, toxic and flammable materials by an authorized Confined Space Assessor (CSA).
• All personnel working within their area of supervision are properly instructed in the requirements of confined space entry, and work to these requirements.
• That all the work crew are familiar with emergency procedures relevant to the confined space entry.
• No work is carried out or is in progress without the prior approval of the authorised manager.

Confined Space Attendants

• Attendants shall remain outside the confined space in order to:
• Monitor persons entering and working in the confined space;
• Maintain regular contact with the persons in the confined space  and when necessary assist them to evacuate should the need arise;  and
• Initiate rescue as a member of confined space rescue team.
  

Confined Space Safety Assessor (CSA)

CSA shall be responsible for ensuring that:

The equipment they use is:

• Suitable for the atmosphere to be tested.
• Properly calibrated and maintained.

Gas testing is done according to CSEP requirements.

Authorised Managers (Approvers)

An appointed person overall in charge of work carried out in confined spaces on site whose duties include issuing and revoking entry permits, ensuring that confined spaces have been rendered as far as practicable free of hazards for safe entry and work, and that measures have been taken to eliminate or control the risk(s) identified in risk assessment conducted. It is necessary for him to review and assess the need to continue confined space work on a daily basis

Contractors / Sub-contractors

They shall ensure that the workmen put on the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during work.

DEFINITION

Confined Space

Any chamber, tank, manhole, vat, silo, pit, pipe, flue or other enclosed space, in which:

• Dangerous gases, vapours, fumes are liable to be present to such an extent as to involve a risk of fire or explosion, or persons being overcome thereby;
• The supply of air is inadequate, or is likely to be reduced to be inadequate, for sustaining life; or
• There is a risk of engulfment by material 

Entrant

A person required to enter confined spaces to carry out inspections or work. 

Supervisor

The Supervisor of entrants who oversees entry and work in confined spaces. 

Confined space attendant

A person appointed to monitor entrants entering and working in a confined space.  He is also trained in confined space rescue and is able to carry out non-entry rescue should the need arise.

Rescue Personnel

Persons who carry out rescue work in confined spaces. 

Confined space safety assessor

A competent person appointed to test the atmosphere of confined spaces before entry, and to conduct periodic testing

Authorised Manager

A person who has overall control of all the work carried out in a confined space at a workplace 

PROCEDURE

Stage 1 Application by Supervisor

Before applying for a CSEP, the Supervisor shall make the following preparations:

A risk assessment shall be performed prior to any work occurring

in the confined space.

The following items will be evaluated for each confined space:

• Past, current, and future use of the space;
• Possible operations, work or activities in the confined space;
• Physical characteristics, configuration and location of the space;
• Any known hazards within or outside the space that could affect operations;
• Existing or potential atmospheric conditions within or impacting the space;

Emergency response procedures

Every confined space into which entry is required shall, be opened

up, thoroughly purged and cleansed (if necessary),freed of gas and

liquids and thoroughly ventilated.

NB: The purging agent must not be pure oxygen or a gas mixture in a concentration of > 21% of oxygen by volume

Isolate all potentially hazardous services that are normally connected to the confined space to prevent 

(i) the introduction of materials, contaminants, agents or conditions that may be harmful to a person occupying the space, or; 

(ii) the activation or energising in any way of equipment or services that may pose a risk to the health or safety of a person inside the confined space.

Isolation can include:

• De-energization and lockout/tagout
• Blanking / Bleeding / isolation of pipes
• Removal of mechanical belt/linkages

Electrical, hydraulic or mechanical equipment are to be disconnected or made inoperative.

Make arrangements for a confined space attendant (CSA) to be on standby outside the confined space to monitor and maintain regular contact with the entrant and effect non-entry rescue when required.

Appropriate PPE for use in confined spaces are provided:

• Safety helmet;
• Safety shoes;
• Eye protection;
• Hand protection;
• Fall protection / lifelines;
• Respiratory protection;
• Protective and reflective clothing;
• Other personal equipment, such as:
• Pocket / personal gas detector
• torchlight

Ensure entrant has donned on his safety harness and connected to the TRIS manual retrieval system

Put up barricades and signs where appropriate

Slippery surfaces are wiped dry

There is no excessive heat in the confined space

Sufficient and suitable (explosion proof) lightning for entry and work in confined space is provided

Portable handheld lighting if used, shall not be less than 50 lux and not exceed AC 55 volts and DC 110 volts

Forced ventilation in the form of blowers shall be used

All electrical equipment shall be protected by ELCB

An appropriate confined space rescue / retrieval system is set up to effect emergency rescue when the need arises.

No person shall be allowed to enter a confined space without a Confined Space Entry Permit.

All workers are briefed of hazards and familiar with emergency procedures

NB: Supervisors should use Appendix C as a checklist to consider actions required during the planning and preparation stages before work in confined space commences.

Stage 2 Evaluation by of confined space safety assessor (CSA)

On receipt of application for a CSEP, the CSA shall use a suitable and properly calibrated instrument to test the atmosphere of the confined space prior to entry by any person in the confined space.

The test shall include the following:

• Oxygen content (19.5% to 23.5%)
• Oxygen Deficiency

Oxygen level LESS than 19.5 % by volume shall be considered oxygen deficient. Personnel are not permitted to enter into or remain in oxygen deficient atmospheres unless:

Positive pressure breathing apparatus is worn;

The cause of the oxygen deficiency is identified and

The CSEP specifically identify and permit entry to the oxygen deficient space.

Oxygen Enrichment

Atmospheres containing more than 23.5% of oxygen by volume shall be considered oxygen enriched. Entry into oxygen enriched atmospheres is prohibited at all times and under all circumstances.

Flammable gas or vapor

Entry to a confined space is required without breathing apparatus, the maximum concentration of flammable gases must never exceed 1% LEL. Personnel are prohibited from entering or working in confined spaces without breathing apparatus where the concentration of flammable gases exceeds 1% LEL. 

Where flammable vapours are present at concentrations greater than 1% LEL but less than 10% LEL, then entry is only permitted when breathing apparatus is worn, and the full rules for wearing of breathing apparatus within confined spaces are followed. 

On no account should entry into a confined space be made, whether or not breathing apparatus is worn, where any flammable vapours present exceed 10% LEL. 

Hot Work is not permitted where flammable vapours greater than 0% LEL are detectable anywhere inside the confined space. 

Cold work, e.g. tank cleaning and inspection, is permitted up to a maximum permitted level of 10% LEL under strictly controlled conditions which must include the wearing of air supplied breathing apparatus. At this level of flammability, however, other contaminants may be present and Gas Testers will need to satisfy themselves that any relevant Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is not exceeded.

Concentration of Toxic gas / vapour where applicable

The levels of toxic substances of the confined space shall not exceed the permissible exposure levels (PEL) as specified in local regulations

Entry to spaces where the atmosphere contains contaminants above the PEL is not permitted under normal working conditions, irrespective of the type of respiratory protection used.         

The CSA shall be responsible to record the results of all CS atmosphere tests and keep them for a period of at least 5 years

When the CSA is satisfied that that entry into or work in the confined space can be carried out with due regard to the safety and health of persons who enter or work in confined spaces, he/she shall forward the permit to the Authorised Manager (AM) for approval.

When there is more than one worker in the confined space, at least one person shall be equipped with a personal gas monitoring device in working condition. 

NB: Limits for oxygen, flammable vapors and toxic contaminants are shown in Appendix B. 

NB: The CSA should use Appendix C as a checklist to consider actions required during the planning and preparation stages before work in confined space commences.

Stage 3 Approval by Authorised Manager (AM)

The Authorised Manager shall approve the confined space entry permit and forward it to the applicant if he /she is satisfied that:

The level of oxygen in the confined space is within the range of 19.5% to 23.5% by volume;

The level of flammable vapors in the confined space is less than 10% of its lower explosive limit;

The levels of toxic substances in the atmosphere of the confined space do not exceed the permissible exposure levels as specified in local regulations;

The confined space is adequately ventilated;

Effective steps have been taken to prevent any ingress of dangerous gases  or any other dangerous substances into the confined space; and

All reasonably practicable measures have been taken to ensure the safety and  health of persons who will be entering or working in the confined space

Before forwarding the approved confined space entry permit (CSEP), it is the responsibility of the AM to make and retain a copy of the CSEP.

Stage 4a Posting of Entry Permit

When the Supervisor (applicant) receives the approved CSEP from the AM, it shall be his / her duty to:

Post a copy of the permit at the entrance to the confined space and ensure that the permit is not removed until the permit has expired or revoked or the work is completed.

Ensure that identification tags or badges of all entrants are displayed

Monitoring Confined Space Work

Any person who is aware of any work carried out in the workplace which is incompatible with any work carried out in the confined space have a duty to immediately report it to his Supervisor, the Workplace Safety and Health Officer or the AM.

The Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that work conditions remain safe at all times.

The Supervisor shall also ensure that a team trained in confined space rescue operations is on-site as long as work in being carried out in the confined space.

Workers shall observe the following while carrying out work in the confined space:

Never smoke in confined space

Always maintain communication with attendant while working in a confined space

• Never use defective electrical connection / tools which may cause fire.
• Never enter into a confined space if there is inadequate lighting
• Ensure that lighting is adequate
• Take your food outside the confined space
• Never stay / rest in a confined space.

The atmosphere shall be tested by the CSA every 2 hrs if gas continuous monitoring is not performed in the confined space.

If there are 2 or more persons in the confined space, at least 1 person must have on a suitable gas detector that continuously monitors the atmosphere.

If a hazardous atmosphere is detected by the gas detector, the alarm will go off.  All persons must evacuate the confined space immediately.

No person shall re-enter the confined space until a new confined space entry permit is issued by the AM for the confined space.

Stage 4b Notification of Completion / Termination of Work

The Supervisor shall remove the permit based on the following conditions:

• Permit expired;
• Permit revoked;
• Work completed; or whichever is earliest

The Supervisor is responsible for informing the AM immediately after the permit is removed.

Confined Space Rescue Operations Plan (See Appendix E for detailed plan)

EHS shall maintain a written confined space rescue operations plan that includes rescue equipment

• The Rescue Operation Plan shall include:
• Names of designated rescue personnel;
• Methods of rescue to retrieve persons inside a confined space;
• The type equipment necessary and available for rescue; and
• Means to summon designated rescue personnel

Emergencies     

If a hazard arises within the confined space, personnel in the space shall immediately exit and contact his/her Supervisor and the EHS Officer. The Supervisor, with assistance from the EHS Officer, will re-evaluate the space to determine the appropriate course of action.

Personnel shall immediately leave the space when any of the gas monitor alarm(s) are activated.

If there is any non-movement of personnel in the confined space, the confined space attendant will make a verbal check.  If there is no response, the attendant shall inform the Supervisor and EHS Officer via walkie talkie and initiate rescue in accordance to Appendix E – Confined Space Rescue Operations Plan.

Training              

Management shall ensure that all personnel who are directly or indirectly involved in the confined space or work have been appropriately trained.  These include:

• Confined space entrants;
• Attendants;
• Supervisors;
• Rescue personnel;
• Safety assessors and
• Authorised managers 

All appointed rescue personnel shall have received adequate training in rescue operation, including first aid and proper usage of PPE and rescue equipment

Documentation and Record Keeping

EHS shall maintain a register of confined spaces for the company and evaluate all procedures of confined space work and entry at the manufacturing site.

All CSEP and gas test records shall be retained by the appropriate responsible parties (AM and CSA) for at least 5 years

All training records shall be retained by HR for at least 5 years

Code of Practice for Environmental Control Officers for Specified Construction Site

Introduction

Construction sites may be located near residential and built-up areas. To ensure that residents are not subject to nuisances or public health hazards, occupiers of such construction sites must pay great attention to environmental health issues that may arise from their worksites

To help occupiers of such construction sites identify and rectify these problems before work commences and as the construction work progresses, the National Environment Agency (NEA) launched the Environmental Control Officers (ECO) Scheme for Specified Construction Sites (SCS) on 1 April 2000. Under the ECO (SCS) scheme, qualified personnel are trained to handle matters relating to environmental management, focusing on areas such as vector control, noise control, food hygiene and waste management.

This Code of Practice for Environmental Control Officers for Specified Construction Site spells out the roles and responsibilities of ECOs(SCS) and occupiers and provides a reference to guide them in their daily work.

To download a copy click Code of Practice for Environmental Control Officers for Specified Construction Site

For the latest updates, refer to NEA website

Code of Practice for Vector Control Operators, Technician and Worker

Introduction

The vector control industry plays an important role in safeguarding public health, mitigating vector borne diseases and food borne illnesses. It also helps protect properties and businesses from costly damages and improves our quality of life by eliminating nuisance pests.

One of the contributing factors for vector propagation is insufficient and/or poor standards of vector control. Coupled with improper refuse management, poor housekeeping and lack of structural maintenance, issues of vector infestation cannot be resolved satisfactorily and expeditiously.

To carry out vector control works, vector control personnel will need to don an appropriate set of personal protective equipment. Besides protecting oneself, there is also a need to ensure that pesticides are applied with caution and non-target animals are not accidentally poisoned. There is therefore a need to maintain high standard of professionalism within the vector control industry. Therefore, this Code of Practice is developed to meet the following objectives:

i    provide a guide to persons working in the vector control
     industry;

ii   promote safe and professional practices when carrying out vector
     control work;

iii  minimise detrimental effects to humans, animals and the
     environment arising from vector control work;
iv  define best practices of a professional vector control programme.
 

This Code of Practice will assist practitioners to comply with the Control of Vectors and Pesticides Act and its subsidiary legislation. It spells out the role of the vector control operator and its personnel (vector control technician, vector control worker), their responsibilities and what is expected of them

To download a copy click Code of Practice for Vector Control Operators, Technician and Worker

For the latest updates refer to NEA website

Code of Practice for Licensed General Waste Collectors

Introduction

To protect the health of Singaporeans, our waste must be collected safely and without harm to the environment. Licensed general waste collectors have an important role to play. They provide an essential service in Singapore by collecting and transporting waste to proper disposal facilities. In order to safeguard public health, waste collectors should maintain high service standards and conduct their operations professionally. Only through professionalism and quality service can we improve standards of waste collection and enhance the quality of life for Singaporeans. 

This Code of Practice provides guidelines on what is good practice in the waste collection business. Adhering to these guidelines is the first step licensed general waste collectors must take towards improving the standards of their operations. To respond to changing circumstances and needs, amendments and revisions will be made to these guidelines from time to time. National Environment Agency (NEA) will keep waste collectors updated so that we can work together in our continuing efforts to improve public health standards in Singapore.

To download a copy click Code of Practice for Licensed General Waste Collectors

For the latest update refer to NEA website.

CP Environmental Health

Introduction 

The Code of Practice on Environmental Health (COPEH) provides the guidelines to address environmental health concerns in the design of buildings. The Code spells out the objectives to be met and stipulates only the minimum basic design criteria. In this way, Qualified Persons (QPs: Architects or Professional Engineers) may exercise flexibility and creativity in the design to meet the stated requirements without compromising functional and maintenance needs. So long as design outcomes satisfy the stated objectives, the building plans will be deemed to have complied with the COPEH. Notwithstanding this, the QP shall be fully responsible for safety, effectiveness and all other aspects of the design

To download a copy click Code of Practice on Environmental Health (COPEH). 

For latest update refer too NEA website 

Toxic Waste Control

MANAGEMENT OF TOXIC INDUSTRIAL WASTE IN SINGAPORE

1 Introduction

1.1 Wastes may be defined as materials which no longer can be used for the purposes they were intended for originally. Toxic industrial waste is waste which by their nature and quality may be potentially detrimental to human health and/or the environment and which require special management, treatment and disposal.

1.2 In view of Singapore’s small land area with limited land and water resources, the siting of industries has to be carefully planned and managed. In addition, industries are required to design their manufacturing processes and provide pollution control facilities to comply with pollution control requirements on emission of air pollutants, discharge of industrial effluent, management of hazardous substances and toxic industrial waste.

1.3 There are currently several thousands of companies in Singapore which handle or use hazardous chemicals. The use of these chemicals generates a wide variety of toxic industrial waste. The main types are spent acids, spent solvents, spent etchants, waste oil and other waste sludge.

2 Strategy for Control of Toxic Industrial Waste

2.1 The key elements in Singapore’s strategy to control toxic industrial waste and ensure their safe treatment and disposal are as follows:

(i) avoid generation of intractable wastes;

(ii) encourage waste minimisation;

(iii) encourage waste reuse, recovery and recycling;

(iv) regulate collection, treatment and disposal;

(v) monitor and audit collection, treatment and disposal; and

(vi) promote and support educational and training programmes.

2.2 All new industrial developments are screened by the National Environment Agency (NEA) at the planning stage. One of the key areas checked in this screening process is the generation and disposal of wastes from proposed industrial developments. NEA would approve the proposed industrial development only if the wastes generated could be safely disposed of in Singapore. This avoids the generation of intractable wastes that cannot be safely disposed of in Singapore.

2.3 In addition, NEA will require industries to use processes that minimise waste generation or facilitates the reuse, recovery and recycling of the wastes. Industries also need to incorporate measures into the design of their facilities to ensure wastes generated can be properly handled and managed. At the building plan stage, checks are made to ensure that these measures are incorporated into the design of the plants.

2.4 NEA has encouraged the setting up of specialised waste recycling, treatment, and disposal plants. There are currently close to 100 such plants in Singapore, treating and recycling a wide range of toxic industrial waste. Some of the toxic industrial waste collected and recycled by these plants for reuse are discussed in Section 5.

2.5 The setting up of specialised waste recycling, treatment and disposal plants serve to help industries, especially the smaller companies, which may generate small quantities of special wastes but find it impractical or uneconomical to install, operate and maintain a waste treatment facility because of cost, lack of expertise or space constraint.

2.6 The collection, recycling, treatment and disposal of toxic industrial waste are controlled under the Environmental Public Health Act (EPHA) and the Environmental Public Health (Toxic Industrial Waste) Regulations (EPH(TIW)Regs).

3 The Environmental Public Health (Toxic Industrial Waste) Regulations (EPH(TIW)Regs)

3.1 The control on the import, sale, supply, receipt, transport, treatment and disposal of toxic industrial waste are regulated under the EPH(TIW)Regs. Toxic industrial waste controlled under the EPH(TIW)Regs are listed in the Schedule of the Regulations as waste streams from specific industrial activities, wastes with specified toxic components and as specific categories of wastes. The list includes spent acids, alkalis, wastes containing gallium arsenide,spent etching solutions containing copper from printed circuit board manufacturing, etc. The list is at the Annex.

3.2 In order to facilitate controls and proper management, the functions and responsibilities of key persons involved in handling of the toxic industrial waste are clearly delineated in the EPH(TIW)Regs. The key persons include the following:

(a) Generator of wastes

(b) Collector

(c) Carrier or transporter

(d) Driver

3.3 The generator will have to treat the wastes in an approved in-house waste treatment plant and dispose of the residues, if any, at NEA’s approved landfill site. Alternatively, the generator can engage a licensed toxic industrial waste collector to collect his wastes for treatment and disposal.

3.4 A toxic industrial waste collector is a person who receives toxic industrial waste for storage, reprocessing, treatment and disposal. He is required to obtain a licence from NEA to collect specific toxic industrial waste that are listed in his licence and confine his waste storage and treatment activities to approved premises and facilities.

3.5 Written transport approval from NEA is also required for the transportation of wastes in quantities which exceed those specified in the EPH(TIW)Regs. The responsibilities of the following key persons in the transportation are clearly defined in the EPH(TIW)Regs:

(a) Consignor - the person who presents a consignment of controlled waste for transport. The consignor can be either the generator or the licensed collector. Transport approval shall be obtained from NEA to transport the waste.

(b) Carrier - the person who undertakes the transport of the controlled waste. He can either be the generator, the licensed collector or the transport company engaged by either one of them.

(c) Consignee - the person who receives the controlled waste. He is usually the licensed collector.

(d) Driver - the driver of the vehicle transporting the toxic industrial waste.

3.6 To prevent illegal dumping and disposal of toxic industrial waste, the movement of every consignment of wastes from a generator through a carrier to a collector is tracked by means of an Internet based electronic submission of consignment note under the Waste and Resource Management System (WRMS).

4 Waste Minimisation

4.1 NEA formulates policies to promote and spearhead waste minimisation in Singapore. It works closely with the industries to promote waste minimization and some of the activities are as follows:

(a) Waste Exchange

NEA helps to link industries for exchange of wastes. Waste to one company may be a resource to another. For example,waste alkali generated by one company could be used by another company to neutralise the acidic wastes. This would minimise the ultimate quantity of wastes to be disposed of.

(b) Use of Clean Technology

At the planning consultation stage, NEA advises and encourages industries to use clean technologies which minimise waste generation.

(c) Reuse and Recycling

NEA encourages the recycling and reuse of wastes and assists in the setting up of waste recycling plants. Some of the wastes that are being recycled and reused in Singapore are discussed in Section 6.

(d) Waste Audit

NEA encourages those industries that generate large quantities of wastes to carry out waste audit. A waste audit is designed to achieve maximum resource optimisation and improved process performance. The audit enables one to takea comprehensive look at the process to understand the material flows and to focus on areas where waste reductions are possible. The waste audit can be carried out to cover a complete process or to concentrate on a selection of unit operations within a process. There are competent consultants in Singapore to carry out such waste audit for industries.

5 Some Practices Adopted for Recycling and Reuse of Wastes

5.1 A large amount of industrial waste generated and collected in Singapore by the licensed collectors are either recycled, reused or have valuable components extracted and recovered before disposal. Such wastes include spent solvents, spent etchants and photographic wastes.

5.2 Spent solvents are generated by a wide range of industries. Each year about 75,000 m3 of spent solvents are collected by the licensed collectors. The spent solvents collected include acetone, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methylene chloride and toluene. About 35% of spent solvents are recovered by distillation. The practice adopted by these collectors is usually batch (differential) distillation. The equipment comprises a still to vapourise the solvents, a condenser to condense the vapours and collecting vessels to collect the condensate and the residues. The recovered solvents are sold for reuse by industries. The remaining spent solvents that could not be recovered are used as supplementary fuel for toxic waste incinerators.

5.3 Printing and film processing activities generate photographic wastes such as spent fixers and bleaches. These wastes contain silver in solution. An effective and commercially viable method, the electrolytic extraction process, is used to recover the silver. In this process, carbon is used as the anode and a stainless steel drum as the cathode. The silver is deposited on the stainless steel drum. The extracted silver has a purity of more than 90 %. The remaining liquid from the electrolysis process is treated and neutralised in a wastewater treatment plant before discharge into the sewers.

5.4 Etching is an important process used in the electronics industry especially in the manufacture of the printed circuit boards. The process generates spent etchants such as cupric chloride etchants, ferric chloride etchants and ammonia etchants. Each year about 10,000 m3 of spent etchants are generated and treated in Singapore.Spent ferric chloride etchants are regenerated using scrap iron and chlorine. In this process, scrap iron is first added to the spent etchant and the copper sludge that precipitates out is collected and sold as a valuable by-product. The etchant is next regenerated by passing chlorine through it. The regenerated etchant is sold for reuse.

6 Monitoring and Enforcement

6.1 Any control system, no matter how well-crafted will not be effective without inspection and enforcement. Enforcement will ensure the minority of companies that violate the controls are penalized accordingly and would not gain unfairly from their violations. Without inspection and enforcement, companies that originally comply with the controls may become complacent and pay less attention and effort to ensure their operations continue to be safely managed.

6.2 Routine inspections are conducted on premises of toxic industrial waste collectors to ensure requirements on collection, storage, treatment, and disposal of toxic industrial waste are complied with.

7 Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes

7.1 The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (Basel Convention) was adopted in 1989 and came into force in 1992. The Convention aims to protect human health from the generation, transboundary movements and management of hazardous waste as defined under the Convention.

7.2 Singapore acceded to the Basel Convention on 2 Jan 1996 and on 16 Mar 1998 enacted The Hazardous Waste (Control of Export, Import and Transit) Act and its Regulations to strengthen the control on export, import and transit of hazardous waste in accordance with the principles and provisions of the Basel Convention.

7.3 Under the Hazardous Waste (Control of Export, Import and Transit) Act and its Regulations, any person who wishes to export, import or transit hazardous waste shall obtain a permit from NEA. The Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure of the Basel Convention is adopted in granting any permit for the export, import or transit of hazardous waste.

8 Conclusion

8.1 In addition to regulatory controls, the co-operation of industries in ensuring that toxic industrial waste are properly managed and disposed of in Singapore is essential. NEA will continue to work with industry and relevant stakeholders in promoting better management and disposal of toxic industrial waste through joint research and educational programmes.

8.2 NEA will continue to participate in international events on the Basel Convention and adopt the principles of Basel Convention in dealing with transboundary movements of hazardous wastes defined under the Convention

ANNEX