Fire risk at waste sites Environment Agency: Alex Claxton Dorset Fire and Rescue: Graham Kewley

UNCLASSIFIED The issue – 302 fires 247 Regulated sites 2013 – 298 fires 248 Regulated sites

The impact of fires Fires pose a risk to the environment and people: Toxic smoke plumes Firewater run-off Thermal radiation Hazardous waste residues Explosions and projectiles 3

UNCLASSIFIED4

The impact on the operator Disruption to operations Clean up costs / compensation Fines and potential imprisonment Damage to business reputation Increased insurance premiums 5

UNCLASSIFIED6

The legal framework - EA Operators we regulate have a duty to reduce the risk and impact of accidents including fires. Penalties can include suspension/loss of permit to operate prosecution with fines or imprisonment. Discharge (including firewater) to watercourses or groundwater made without a permit/ outside conditions of permit is illegal. Penalties can include formal warnings, formal caution, prosecution. Also recharge costs for incident response. 7

UNCLASSIFIED The legal framework - FRS The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Risk based approach Life safety and general fire precautions. Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 Requirement to gather information by inspection Assist with dealing with incidents and firefighter safety. Civil Contingencies Act

UNCLASSIFIED What you can do to reduce the risk of fires Assess Fire Risk Risk Assessments Reduce fire risk Prevent Detect/supress Contain/mitigate Produce Accident Plan and Procedures 9

UNCLASSIFIED Working in partnership Building on successful partnership between EA and FRS Undertaking joint site visits Joint incident response training Waste Industry Code of Practice/Sector specific guidance on preventing/mitigating waste fires. 10

UNCLASSIFIED Summary Fire Prevention: Reduces risk to Fire Fighters Reduces risk to Human Health Prevents Pollution Protects Businesses Protects your community 11