Environmental Policy

Statement of Policy

Becks Tree and Landscape understands the importance of preserving the environment at both local and global levels. It is our policy to minimise the environmental impact of our work in any way we can. This includes damage to habitat and where possible to minimise pollution to ensure all work is environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Environmental Competence

The company shall retain competent advice in respect of environmental management.

Senior management shall receive environmental awareness training which shall include specific situations that they may be expected to deal with in the course of their work.

All operators shall hold nationally recognised NPTC certificates of competence for the operations which they are expected to perform. The assessment criteria for these qualifications include a requirement for knowledge of the environmental impacts that they are likely to incure in there day to day work.

Environmental Risk Assessment

Prior to any work commencing on site a specific environmental risk assessment must be filled out.

Methods then shall be planned to reduce the environmental impact/risk.

Emissions

The company shall ensure that potentially harmful emissions into the environment are appropriately controlled and reduced by a process of impact identification and continual improvement.

The use of battery equipment as well as hand tools are maximised wherever possible reducing the use of petrol driven equipment. This intern reduces fuel usage and the production of harmful emissions.

The company shall ensure that all vehicles, plant and equipment are maintained to manufactures specifications to be as emissions efficient as possible.

All routes to sites shall be planned accordingly to reduce the length and type of journey taking into consideration congested areas and time of day. To assist with planning satellite navigation shall be used.

Local suppliers shall be used where possible to reduce unnecessary road transport miles.

Pollution

All operatives shall be trained in practises designed to prevent pollution including the reading of COSHH assessments.

Company COSHH assessments shall contain information on the actions in event of spillage.

The company shall only use biodegradable lubricants where such are available. Including biodegradable chain oil safe to use near water courses.

All vehicles and plant shall carry an adequate spill kit and dry powder fire extinguisher.

Waste Management

All waste material from ‘consumables’ shall be sorted and removed to appropriate recycling facilities.

All green waste including woody materials shall be removed from site and returned to our designated area for recycling. The waste is either composted and returned to the land as mulch on planting projects or is transferred to the biomass power industry by a specialist contractor.

Consumption of Natural Resources

All equipment is turned off when not in use and not left idling.

Employees are encouraged to drive as fuel efficiently as possible and to stick to plan routes to reduces travel distance and congested areas.

Noise

In order to minimise noise output during operations the company shall ensure that vehicles, plant and equipment are well maintained as recommended by the manufacture.

Working hours shall be agreed with the client prior to work commencing and residents in the locality to be informed of the potential noise nuisance where deemed necessary.

Constructive Conservation and Management of Ecology

The company shall ensure that the working culture encourages constructive conservation.

The company will always recommend to clients where possible to create habitat for wildlife e.g habitat stems, log stacks.

Where required appropriate advice shall be sought after from qualified ecologists or other specialists if specific environmental issues are identified before, during or after operations.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Hazardous substances include any substance that could cause harm or irritation to employees or others, or harm to the environment. They include fuels, oils, chemicals, pesticides, preservatives or similar.

Substances considered for use shall be assessed and less harmful substances shall be used where possible. Assessments and details of their safety precautions shall be made available to employees.

Employees shall be kept informed of hazards that they are exposed to and the relevant safety precautions.

As well as above, pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides and preservatives have specific requirements. They shall be securely stored in their original containers and their usage recorded. Herbicides shall only be mixed and used by trained and certified personnel.

Oil and Fuel Storage

The Oil Storage Regulations require that oils are stored in such a way to avoid damage to the environment in the case of a spill etc. The company shall abide by the requirements of the regulations in respect of storage arrangements.

Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres

The DSEAR protects against risks from fire, explosion or similar events arising from dangerous substances used or present in a workplace. The company shall abide by the requirements of DSEAR and carry out risk assessments in relation to any qualifying substances and provide measures to eliminate or reduce the risks as far as is possible.

The company shall provide the necessary equipment and procedures to minimise risks and provide training to staff.

Monitoring and Review

The company shall review the Environmental Policy at planned intervals to ensure its continuing suitability and effectiveness.

Reviews shall include assessing opportunities for improvement and the need for changes to the environmental policy including objectives.

Records of the reviews shall be retained.