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Working Safer and SmarterGuidelines
for Auckland Transport and Contractors
2011 Edition
Working Safely Guidelines
How to use this guideWhen you work for Auckland Transport we will expect you (and your sub-contractors) to become familiar with the helpful information in this guide as part of our induction process.
Where there is ambiguity or inconsistency between the guide, other requirements and your own procedures, you must assess all relevant considerations to determine the best method to use in each circumstance.
• The term 'Principal' is used throughout this guide to refer to the Auckland Council, from the contractor's perspective.
This guide is the basis for continued improvement in health, safety and environmental management.
It is designed as a handy reference document to assist contractors with preparing environmental management plans and site safety management plans, and to meet requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment (HSE) Act, and the Resource Management Act (RMA).
Each Act gives responsibilities to employers and the 'Principal' including:
• Undertaking hazard identification and management, and identifying the key environmental effects and risks of contractors' routine work.
• Continually monitoring the site.
• Ensuring the prevention of harm or nuisance to employees, the public and contractors.
• Providing adequate training and supervision for employees in the safe use of equipment and materials, and implementation of environmental requirements.
• Providing information to employees (and seeking involvement) about hazards they are exposed to and how to minimise them.
• Highlighting key legal controls on workplace hazards and environmental effects, and providing some practical guidelines to help you manage them.
Contractors acting on behalf of Auckland Transport must know and understand their legal obligations.
The content of this guide does not supersede the contractor's responsibility to identify legal requirements and project risks, and manage them well.
If you have any questions or concerns, please talk with your supervisor, manager, safety and/or environmental representative, or Auckland Transport representative.
Introduction
Working Safer & Smarter
Table of Contents
Section One: Health and Safety1.1 ResponsibilitiesoftheContractor 1
1.2 ResponsibilitiesofthePrincipal 2
1.3 SeriousHarm 2
1.4 SignificantHazards 2
1.5 ReportingAccidents 3
1.6 AccidentReportingandInvestigationProcess 3
1.7 ManagingInjuries 3
1.8 FirstAid 4
1.9 Rehabilitation/Return-to-workProgramme 4
1.10HealthMonitoring 4
1.11 PersonalProtectiveEquipmentPolicy 5
1.12Principal'sSafetyRules 7
Section Two: Hazard Management Checklists2.1 Driving–General 9
2.2 Driving–ExcavatorsandTractors 10
2.3 TrafficManagement 11
2.4 SmallPlant 11
2.5 Excavations 13
2.6 WorkonorinWater 14
2.7 Chemicals(MSDS) 14
2.8 GeneralOfficeEnvironments 15
2.9 GeneralEnvironment 15
2.10Workshops–PlantandTools 17
2.11Carpentry 18
2.12PaintingandPlumbing 19
2.13RailSafetyRegime 20
Section Three: Environmental Management Obligations3.1 EnvironmentalLegalControls
onContractors'Work 22
3.2 EnvironmentalManagementPlans 23
3.3 ManagingSub-contractors 24
3.4 DoingOn-the-jobInspections 24
3.5 KeepingUp-to-dateRecords 24
3.6 RespondingtoEmergenciesandComplaints 25
3.7 IncidentResponseandNotificationChart 26
Section Four: Common Construction Activities and Typical Environmental RisksMitigatingEnvironmentalRisks
4.1 ConstructionandEarthworks 29
4.2 StormwaterInspection,MaintenanceandReplacement 31
4.3 ConcretingandPiling 32
4.4 ContaminationofSurfaceandUndergroundWater 33
4.5 RoadSurfacingandConstruction 33
4.6 Utilities 35
4.7 TrenchlessWork 36
4.8 SubstancesHandlingandContaminatedMaterials 38
4.9 Noise,VibrationandDust 39
4.10PlantandEquipment 40
4.11Trees,WeedsandParks 41
4.12BoredTunnelling 43
4.13Microtunnelling 43
4.14Excavation 44
4.15Grouting 45
Section Five: Environmental Issues5.1 Water 47
5.2 Waste 51
5.3 Noise 52
5.4 Vibration 54
5.5 Dust,EmissionsandOdours 56
5.6 Archaeology 57
5.7 OtherConsiderations 58
Section Six: Additional Resources6.1 Training 60
6.2 HelpfulContacts 60
Working Safer & Smarter
Section One
Section One
Health and Safety
Working Safer & Smarter
Health and Safety
1.1 Responsibilities of the Contractor (under the Health and Safety in Employment Act)Hazard Identification
Employersmusthaveasystemtoidentifyexistingandnewhazardstoemployees.
Hazard Control
Forsignificanthazards,employersmustimplementappropriatecontrolstoeliminate,isolateorminimisethem.
Workplace Monitoring
Employersmustuseworkplacemonitoringtoobtainanaccurateassessmentoftheexposureofemployeestophysical,chemicalorbiologicalagents.Theresultsneedtobeassessedagainstacceptablestandardstodeterminethemostappropriatecontrols.
Employee Information
Employersmustensuretheirstaffreceiveandunderstandhealthandsafetyinformationaboutallsignificanthazards,aswellasemergencyprocedures.
Training of Employees
Employersmustidentifytrainingneedsintheorganisation,ensuringallemployeesaretrainedtodealwithworkplacehazards.
Supervision of Employees
Employersmustensurethatallemployees,whodonothavetheknowledgeandexperiencerequired,aresupervisedbysomeonewhodoes.
Emergency Plans
Employersmusthaveaneffectivegeneralemergencyplantocopewithalltypesofemergencieslikelytooccuratanypartoftheorganisation'soperation,andtocomplywithlegislativerequirements.
Accidents
Employersmustdevelopandimplementanaccidentrecording,reportingandinvestigationsystemtoensure:
• Allaccidentsthatharmedormighthaveharmedanyemployeeatwork,oranypersoninaplaceofworkcontrolledbytheemployer,andeveryoccurrenceofseriousharm,arerecorded,investigated,andremedialactiontaken;
• AllinstancesofseriousharmarereportedtotheOccupationalSafetyandHealthServiceoftheDepartmentofLabourassoonaspossibleandwrittendetailsprovidedwithinsevendaysoftheoccurrence.
Harm to Others
Employersmustidentifyandimplementanymeasurestobetakentoensurenoactionorinactionbyemployees,whileatwork,causesharmtoanyotherperson(includingotheremployees).
Duties as Principal
Employersmustdeterminewhatpracticablestepscanbetaken,asthePrincipalinacontract,toensurethosecontractors,sub-contractors,andtheiremployeesarenotharmedwhileundertakingworktheywereengagedtodo.
Involvement of Employees
Employersarerequiredtoensurethatallemployeeshavetheopportunitytobefullyinvolvedinthedevelopmentofproceduresforhazardmanagementorfordealingwithemergenciesorimminentdangers.
1
Working Safer & Smarter
2
Duties of Employees
Employeesmusttakeallpracticablestepstoensuretheirownsafetywhileatworkandthattheydonotcauseharmtoanyotherperson.
1.2 Responsibilities of the PrincipalUnderthetermsoftheHealthandSafetyinEmploymentAct,wehavearesponsibilitytoensurethatanycontractorsemployedareactiveinpromotinghealthandsafetyintheworkplace.Wemusttakeallpracticalstepstoensurethatnoemployeeofacontractororsub-contractorisharmedwhiledoinganyworkthatthecontractororsub-contractorwasengagedtodo.
PhysicalworkscontractorsemployedbythePrincipalaretoseekaccreditationbytheAccidentCompensationCorporation(ACC),andmaintainPrincipalapprovalstatusby:
• Thecontractortohaveinplaceacceptablehealthandsafetypractices;
• ThecontractortobeinductedbythePrincipal;
• Thecontractor'sperformancetobereviewed/monitoredbythePrincipalonaregularbasis,includingareviewattheendofthecontract.
Responsibilities of Contractor's Staff:
Itisaprimeresponsibilityofallstaffandemployeesofacontractortoensurethattheirworkisperformedsafelyandwithoutinjurytothemselves,othermembersofstaff,orthegeneralpublic.Partofthisresponsibilityistoidentifyallhazardsthatarelikelytobeencounteredintheworkplaceandputcontrolsinplacetoeliminate,isolate,orminimisethem.
1.3 Serious HarmSeriousharmisdefinedas:
1. Anyofthefollowingconditionsthatamountto,orresultinpermanentlossofbodilyfunction,ortemporaryseverelossofbodilyfunction:
Respiratorydisease,noise-inducedhearingloss,neurologicaldisease,stressandfatigue,cancer,dermatologicaldisease,communicabledisease,musculoskeletaldisease,illnesscausedbyexposuretoinfectedmaterial,decompressionsickness,poisoning,visionimpairment,chemicalorhotmetalburntoeye,penetratingwoundtoeye,bonefracture,laceration,crushing
2. Amputationofbodypart
3. Burnsrequiringreferraltoaspecialistregisteredmedicalpractitionerorspecialistout-patientclinic
4. Lossofconsciousnessfromlackofoxygen
5. Lossofconsciousnessoracuteillnessrequiringtreatmentbyaregisteredmedicalpractitioner,fromabsorption,inhalation,oringestionofanysubstance
6. Anyharmthatcausesthepersonharmedtobehospitalisedforaperiodof48hoursormorecommencingwithinsevendaysoftheharm'soccurrence.
Note: Complete definitions are provided in the HSE Act 1992.
1.4 SignificantHazardsSignificanthazardmeansahazardthatisanactualorpotentialcauseorsourceof:
a) Seriousharm;or
b) Harmwhoseseveritydependsonhowlongapersonisexposedtothehazard;or
c) Harm,whichdoesnotoccuror,isnoteasilydetectable,untilasignificanttimeafterexposuretothehazard.
Note: Actual definitions provided in the HSE Act 1992.
IntheeventofasignificanthazardbeingdiscoveredintheinvestigationoftheaccidentanditisnotalreadycoveredintheHealthandSafetyPlan(e.g.anewhazard),thentheaccidentinvestigatormustcompleteanimprovementreportandupdatethehazardregistercommunicatingtoallaffectedparties.
Health and Safety
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1.5 Reporting Accidents to the Principal and OSHItisimportantthatallaccidents(ornearmissincidentsthathavepotentialtocauseseriousharm)arereportedtothefollowingorganisations:
1. ThePrincipalneedstoinvestigatewhytheaccident/incidentoccurred,andpreventarecurrenceifpossible.
2. SeriousharmmustbereportedtotheOccupationalSafetyandHealthService(OSH)oftheDepartmentofLabourassoonaspossible(see'MajorAccident'procedure,below).
3. Theappropriatepeoplewithinyourownbusiness,incaseACCisneededlater.
Allaccidentsatworkinvolvingeithertreatmentbyamedicalpractitioner,losttimeinjury(8hours+),oraseriousnearmissordeath,mustbereportedwithin2 hours (or as soon as practical).
Furthermore,a written report must be prepared and received within 24 hours(asstatedinthecontractualdocument).
Accidentswillnotbeconsideredaworkplaceaccidentifreportedoutsidethistime.Nearmissincidentsthathavethepotentialtocauseseriousharmmustalsobereported.
1.6 Accident Reporting and Investigation ProcessAccidentsandnearmissincidentsaretobereportedtotheemployee'ssupervisorormanagerandanaccidentformcompletedbytheemployee.Accidentsaredividedinto:
• Minoraccidents–firstaidmaybeneededbutnofurthertreatmentisnecessary;
• Majoraccidents–medicaltreatment(i.e.treatmentbyamedicalpractitioner)orhospitalisationisrequired,orseriousharm;
• Fatalaccidents.
Minoraccidentswiththepotentialforseriousharm,majorandfatalaccidentsmustbethoroughlyinvestigatedandafullaccidentreportcompleted(inadditiontotheaccidentform).Theaccidentreportistobecompletedbythepersoninvestigating,notthepersonwhohashadtheaccident.Otherminoraccidentsmayalsobeinvestigated.
OSHmustbenotifiedwithin24hourswhenseriousharm(seedefinitiononPg.2)hasoccurred.AwrittensummaryusingtheOSHSeriousHarmformmustbecompletedwithin7days.
Five Step Accident Investigation Procedure:
1 Determinethelevelofinvestigationtobecarriedout.
2 Appointadesignatedaccidentinvestigatortoinvestigateandreportontheaccident/incident.
3 CarryouttheinvestigationfollowinganAccidentInvestigationChecklist.
PrepareanAccidentInvestigationReportandsubmitreporttothePrincipal.
4 ReviewImprovements.
5 Implementrecommendationswithinacceptedtimeparameters.
1.7 Managing InjuriesSprainandstraintypeinjuriesarethemostcommontypesofinjuryoccurringwithcontractors.Theeffectivemanagementoftheseinjurieshasradicallychangedinrecentyears.Traditionalconceptsemphasisingbedrestandpassivetreatmenthavebeendemonstratedasineffective.Instead,ithasbeenshownthatkeepingapersonasactiveaspossibleisthemosteffectivemethod.
Earlyinterventionisakeyfactoringettingrapidrehabilitation.Whenyousufferaninjuryyoumustseekearlyprofessionaladvice.
Health and Safety
Working Safer & Smarter
IfyouarethePrincipal'semployee,andhaveaninjurythatresultsinlosttime,youwillberequiredtoseethePrincipal'smedicalproviderassoonaspossibleaftertheinjuryoccurs.Thesepeopleknowourworkplaceandcanhelpwithadviceonwhattaskscanbedoneandwhattoavoidduringreturn-to-workprogrammes.
1.8 First AidFirst aid kits:Well-stocked(andregularlymaintained)firstaidkitsarerequiredoneachworksite.Worksiteincludesvehiclesusedasaworktravelrequirement.
First aiders:Aminimumofonecertifiedfirstaiderisrequiredpersite(lessthan50people)foreachshift.
1.9 Rehabilitation/Return-to-Work ProgrammeArehabilitationprocessisoutlinedbelow.
Manager RecognisesattheearliestopportunitythereisahealthissuethatwillneedmanagingandadvisestheHealth&SafetyManager.
Health&SafetyManager
Intervenestodeveloparehabilitationprogrammeasearlyaspossiblewhenanemployeebecomesinjuredorill.AdviseOperations/ProjectsManageroftheissueandsubsequentactionplan.Additionalhelpmayincludeacasemanager,medicalprofessionals,orrehabilitationspecialists.Developsaprogrammejointlywiththeemployeeandtheappropriateadvisors.Alternativetasksidentified.
Operations/ProjectsManager
Monitorsprogresstoensurecorrectactionisoccurring.
Injured/SickEmployee Co–operateswiththeorganisationindevelopingarehabilitationplan.Isinvolvedinplanningstageanddecision-making.Co-operateswithtrainingprogrammesandinmakingrelevantinformationavailable.
Manager Followsuponrehabilitationprogramme.Maintainsrecords.
1.10 Health MonitoringPre-employment Checks
Beforecommencementofemployment,allpermanentandfixed-termemployeesshouldcompleteamedicalquestionnaire.
Monitoring Staff for Impact of Hazards
Healthmonitoringshouldbedonerelevanttoeachhazard.Staffareexpectedtoco-operatewiththisandneedtosignanauthoritytoallowtheexchangeofinformationforthepurposeofhealthmanagement.
Forexample:
Hazard Monitoring
Noise Hearingtests
Dirty,dusty,contaminatedenvironment Lungfunctiontestandrespiratoryquestionnaire
Physicalwork Flexibilityandgripstrength
Usingcomputers
Eyestrain
Gradualprocessinjury
Eyesighttests
Flexibilityandgripstrength
Thetypeofmonitoringforthehazardisreviewedandmodifiedperiodically.
4 Health and Safety
Working Safer & Smarter
Health and Safety 5
Monitoring Workplaces for Hazards
Confinedspaces(orotherhazardousworkplaces)willbemonitoredforgases(orotheridentifiedbiologicalhazards).
Other Health Checks
Fromtimetotimeotherhealthchecksmaybemadeavailabletostaff.Thesemayincludebloodpressurechecks,skinspotchecks,influenzavaccinations,diabetesandcholesteroltesting.
Cell Phones
Neveruseahand-heldcellphonewhiledriving.
1.11 Personal Protective Equipment PolicyItisourpolicytousePersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE)asalastlineofdefenceforprotectingstafffromidentifiedhazardsandasonecomponentofthehazardmanagementsystem.EachstaffmembershallbetrainedinthecorrectuseofPPE.
TheuseofPPEismandatoryonallPrincipalphysicalworksitesandthisrequirementwillbestrictlyenforcedatalltimes.
On Site
Allcontractors/visitors/clientsmustsigninatthevisitors'register(whichwillspecifyhazardsandappropriatecontrolsforthatsite)ateverysite.ThePPErequirementsofthesitewillbeexplainedbythepersonincontrol,tominimisethesitehazards.
Head Protection
Safetyhelmetsshallbeworn:
• Atanysitewherethereisahazardcreatedbythepossibilityoffallingmaterial;• Inoperationswherediggers,hiabs,orcranesarebeingused;• Whenworkingunderhelicopters;• AllhelmetsshallbeofHighVisibility(Hi-Vis)colour,namelyfluorescent(fluoro)yellow/limeorfluoro
pinkorwhiteandshallbekeptclean.Allstandardsafetyhelmetsandhelmetharnessesshallbenomorethan3yearsoldasdeterminedbythemanufacturer'sdatestampsandshallbereplacedimmediatelyifdamaged;
• Shouldbecompatiblewithanyeye/hearing/respiratoryprotectionworn.
Eye Protection• Wornwherethereisdangerofflyingdebris,dustorvegetationbrushinginface.• Forthepurposeofthispolicy,approvedeyeprotectionisdefinedas:
− Ameshvisorormeshgoggles;− PolycarbonatelensesorfaceshieldsthatmeetorareapprovedtoAS/NZS1337:1992.
• Peoplewearingprescriptionspectaclesmadeofglass(hardenedornothardened)shalltakeadditionalprecautions,i.e.wearingwiremeshvisorsorpolycarbonateoverspectacles.
• DustgogglesshallconformtoAS/NZS1337:1993.
Hearing Protection• Hearingprotectionshallbewornwherenoiselevelsmaycausehearingdamage.
• HearingprotectorsshallcomplywithAS/NZS126.
Respiratory Protection• Respiratoryprotectiondevicesshallbeprovidedwhereanyindividualisexposedtoachemicaldust,gas
orfumehazard(orotherparticulatematter).RespiratorsshallcomplywithAS/NZS1715:1994.• Dustmasksshallbewornindustyareaswheretherearenochemicalorfumehazards.
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6
Sunscreen and Hats• Wherepeoplearelikelytobeexposedtosunlightlongenoughtocauseburningsunscreenprotectionof
atleastSPF15+shallbeworn.
• Whensafetyhelmetsarenotrequired,wide-brimmedHi-Vishatsshallalsobeworn.
Hi-Vis Clothing• Hi-Visclothingshallbewornbyallstaff/visitors/contractorsonanyworksite.Notapplicableifagreater
hazardiscreatedthroughthewearingofHi-Visclothing(i.e.entanglementinmachinery).
• Whenworkingontheroadorroadberm,Hi-Visclothingshallbenon-flammablefluorescentorangewitha150mmtail.
• Hi-VisrainwearmaybewornwithoutaHi-Visvest.
Hand Protection• Employeesworkinginoperationsthathavethepotentialtoresultinhandinjuriesshallwearindustrial
glovesorappropriatehandprotectionfortheoperation(i.e.dealingwithwastewater).Glovesmayvarydependingontheneedforamoisturebarrierorhard-wearingsurface.TheindustrialglovestandardisatleastNZS5812:1982IndustrialProtectiveGloves–reconfigured1989.
Footwear• Allpeopleworkingonworksitesshallwearfootwearthatgivessupporttotheankles,hasasolewhich
minimisesthechancesofslipping,andhassteeltoecapscomplyingwithAS/NZS2210OccupationalProtectiveFootwear.
• Lacesshallbesecurelytiedatalltimes.
Protective Clothing – Chemical• AllpeopleinvolvedintheapplicationofchemicalsshallwearclothinginaccordancewiththeMaterial
SafetyDataSheetrequirements.
Work in Confined Spaces• AsperConfinedSpaceProcedure/ConfinedSpacesEntryPermit.
Other • AspertheHazardIdentificationProcedures.
• AnycontractornotcomplyingwiththePrincipal'sPPEpolicymaybeaskedtoleavethesite.
Health and Safety
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7
1.12 Principal's Safety Rules• Staff/contractorsaretoensurethattheyarethoroughlyfamiliarwith,andobservethehealthandsafety
instructionsandrulespertainingto,anywork.
• Staff/contractorsarenottoindulgeinpracticaljokingor"horseplay"onthejob.
• Staff/contractorsarenotpermittedtoworkiftheycannotperformtheirdutiesproperlybecauseofimpairmentduetoalcoholordrugs.
• Staff/contractorsarenottooperateanyequipmentoutsidethescopeoftheirnormaldutiesunlesstheyareauthorisedtodoso,andhavetheappropriatelicence.
• Staff/contractorsaretoceaseusinganyplant,materials,orequipmentfoundtobefaultyorhazardousandaretoreporttheproblemtotheirsupervisor/manager.
• Staff/contractorsaretowearoruseallnecessaryprotectiveequipment.
• Staff/contractorsaretotakeappropriatestepstoprotectthepublic.
• Staff/contractorsaretoreporttotheirsupervisor/managersanyhazardsorpotentialhazards.
• Aguideshouldaccompanyvisitorstosite.Staffaretoformallycarryoutasafetyinductionforvisitors.
• Staff/contractorsaretoreportallaccidentsornearmisses,howevertrivial,thathappentothemorotherpeopleintheworkplace(includingthepublic).
• Noservicelines,e.g.powercables,telephonecable,waterpipesandsewerpipes,orsimilar,aretobecutwithouttheauthorityoftheassetowner.
• Allstaff/contractorsarerequiredtoacknowledge,bysigningtheacknowledgementintheinductionprocedures,thattheyhaveread,understood,andwillcomplywiththeinduction.
Health and Safety
Working Safer & Smarter
8 Section Two
Hazard Management
Working Safer & Smarter
Hazard Management Checklists 9
Thefollowingtableswillhelpidentifypotentiallysignificanthazardsforeachworkactivity,withpracticalactionstoeitherEliminate(E),Isolate(I)orMinimise(M)them.Itisnotexhaustiveandthecontractor'sowncompanyprocesses,knowledgeandsiteconditionsshouldbeconsideredaswell.
Contractorsmustensurethecontrolsimplementedontheirsitearepractical/workable,maintainedandcommunicated,withappropriatetraining.
2.1 Driving – General
Hazard Controls Suggested Action
Inappropriateoperationoftheequipmentthatmaycauseatrafficaccident
M •Ensureoperatorhasthecorrectlicence.•Conductcompetencycheckandprovidetrainingasappropriate.
Faultyequipment M •Completedailyvehiclecheck.
Ergonomichazards M •Adjustseattosuitdriver.•Adjustmirrorsandothercontrols.•Ifseatbeltisfitteditmustbeused.•Ensurecabwindowsareclean.•Ensurenoobstructionsaroundcontrolpedals.•Donotuseacellphoneifyouaredriving(It'sillegal).
Manoeuvringandreversinghazardsforothers
M •Goslow.•Checkwhatisbehindyourvehiclebeforeyoustarttoreverse.•Haveanothercrewmemberguide.•Keepaspecialwatchforpedestrians,particularlywhenthereislow
visibilityorriskofsunstrike.
Overloading M •Checkloadweightconformstoregulationsandtruckcertification.
Towing M •Checkconnections/safetychain.Checkweightrestrictions.
Working Safer & Smarter
2.2 Driving – Excavators and Tractors
Hazard Controls Action
Electrocution/undergroundservices
M •Checkforoverheadservicesandundergroundcablesbeforestartingwork.
•Allundergroundservicestobe"potholed".•Contactserviceproviderto"markout".
Peoplewalkingintoworkingexcavators
M •Usecorrectsignsandfencing.
Workonslopesorunstableground-Overturning
M •Keepthebucketlowtoground.•Donotoverloadbucket.•Avoidparkingtractoronincline.Ifrequired,alwaysapplyparking
brakebeforeleavingthetractorseat,andchockthewheels.
ROPS(RollOverProtectiveStructure)structuresandsiteassessment
M •Protectivestructuresonuneventerrainmustbefittedandcertified.Theseatbeltmustbeused.
Injurybyhydraulicboomcrushing
M •Onlyoperatehydrauliccontrolswhensittingintheseat.•Ifleavingtheseatmakesurethebucketisonthegroundandthe
safetybarislocked.
Lossofcontrolofvehicle
M •Fornon-sprungvehiclesavoidbumps.
Travellingontheroad
M •Beawareofmachinerywidth/height.•Checkindependentbrakesarelockedtogether.•Monitortrafficbuildupandpullovertoallowpassing.
Operatingtractor–Injurybypowertake-off(PTO)shaft
M •Checkthatguardsareinplace.Putpowertake-offoutofgearandwaitforshafttostopturningbeforeleavingtractor.
•Useextremecautionwhenoperatingonsteepslopes.
Injurybyhydraulicarm.Crushing
M •Onlyoperatehydrauliccontrolsfromsafeposition(i.e.seat).•Donotworkorstandunderhydraulicequipment.
NoiseDust/Glare M •Wearhearingprotectionandsafetyglasses.
Physicalcontactwithpersonorplant/equipment
M •Licencedtooperatemachinery/trained.
10 Hazard Management Checklists
Working Safer & Smarter
2.3 TrafficManagement
Hazard Controls Action
Public M •EnsureTrafficController(TC)isalwaysonsite.•'Physically'isolatetheworksite(i.e.barriers,extendedbars,fencing
etc)-notjustcones.•Ensurepedestriancontrolsareinplaceanddonotsendpedestrians
into'atrisk'areas,i.e.ontheroad.•OnlycommencewithanactivityassetoutinyourapprovedCAR
(CorridorAccessRequest)andlocalconditionsofyourWAP(Worksapprovalpermit).
•Ensurethatdailysitechecksarecarriedoutanddocumented,compliantwithCoPTTMand/ortheApprovedCAR/TMP.
•EnsurethattheapprovedcurrentCARandWAPdocumentationislocatedonsite.
•EnsurethatallactivesitesarephysicallysupervisedbytheappropriateSTMS,(SiteTrafficManagementSupervisor-Practicing)STMSNP(SiteTrafficManagementSupervisor-Non-Practicing)orTC(TrafficController),aspertherequirementsofthesiteunderCoPTTMpursuanttothelevelofroad.
•EnsurethatallTTMpersonalarecurrentlyqualifiedandcompetent.•EnsurethatthephysicaldeliveryoftheTTM,effectivelymanages/
safeguardsthetravellingpublic,includingallPedestrians.•EnsurethatallknownHazardsareeffectivelyidentifiedand
managementaspertheAT(AucklandTransport)WorkingSafer&SmarterGuidelines.
•Promotesafebehavioursofallvisitorsand/orstaffwhileonsite,includingconductingverbalsiteinductions.
•HighlightTTMwithintoolboxtalkstoidentifyandaddressspecificactivities,issueorbehavioursrelatingtoTTMhazards.
•Appropriateplanningpriortoworkcommencingmustbeundertaken.
2.4 Small Plant
Hazard Controls Action
Inappropriateoperationoftheequipmentthatmaycauseanaccident
M •Provideworkingsafetyprocedure.•Conductcompetencycheck.
Noises,dust,cuts,eyeinjury
M •EnforcePPEe.g.earandeyeprotection,gloves,hardhats,andsafetyboots.
Fumes M •Workupwindofmachines.•Useforcedventilationinconfinedspaces.
Injuryfromlossofcontrol,kickbacks,machinehittinghardobjects
M •Bealertforkickbacks.Somemachineshaveextratorque.•Neverusemachinesone-handed.•Donotoperatewithoutsafetyguardsinplace.
11Hazard Management Checklists
Working Safer & Smarter
Pipebursting/welding-noise,dust,cuts,eyeinjury
M •Ensureallstaffarecompetenttooperatetheequipment.
•EnsureallstaffarewearingPPE.
Machinemovingbackwhileoperating(drillingrigetc.)
M •Makesurethemachineissittingsecurelyandbracedup.Operatefromtheside.
•Donotstandbehindthemachinewhenitispulling.
Barsbreakingandhosesbursting
M •Donotputthemachineunderstrain(setbreakingstraincut-outtothecorrectrate).
•Beextraalertforkickbacks.
Injurybecauseofuntidysite
M •Maintaingoodsitehousekeeping.
Strainorsprain M •Usecorrectliftingtechnique.•Makesureyouarestandingonstableground.•Doregularstretchingexercises.•Usealternativeliftingdevice.ReferHabit@workwebsite.
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13
2.5 Excavations
Hazard Controls Action
Dangertothepublic M •Ensurecorrectsignage/fencing/isolation(notcones)isused.Note:Fencesmustbeabletotakebothaverticalandhorizontalload.
Electrocution/gasleaksandfires
M Beforestarting•Makesureyouhaveplansoftheundergroundservicesinthearea.•Useacableorpipelocatororalocatorservice(i.e.Connetics)tomark
cables'location.•Requesttheserviceprovidermarkthepositionofservices.•Lookforsignsofserviceconnectioncablesorpipes,e.g.agasmeter
orserviceconnectionentryintoahouseorstreetlight.•Handdigpotholes(asmanyasnecessary)toconfirmthepositionof
servicesinthearea.•Neverassumeservicesareaspertheplans.Potholesregularlyand/or
trenchacrossservicestolocate.•Checkwithassetownerthatanycable,embeddedinconcreteand
needingtobebrokenout,hasbeenmadedead.•Reporttoyoursupervisoranydamagetoacable,pipeorpipe
coating.•Donotusehand-heldpowertoolsoranexcavatorwithin500mmofa
gaspipeoranyelectricalcable.•Donothandleoralterthepositionofanexposedservice.•Donotbuildexistingservicesintoamanhole,otherstructureor
encasedinconcrete.
Gasleaks M •Removeeveryonefromtheimmediatearea.•Telephonethelocalgasauthority/principal.•Bansmoking,andnakedflames.•Undertakecontinualgasmonitoring.
Unstableorsteepgroundconditions
M •Ensuregroundconditionsarestabletosupportmachinery.•EnsuremachineryisfittedwithROPSandseatbeltsareworn.•Ensureallmachineryiswellbeyondtheedgeoftheexcavation.
Dangerfromfallingobjects,materialsstoredontheedgeofexcavations
M •Donotstandundermaterial(suspendedloads).•Fence-offmaterials.•Practisegoodhousekeeping.•WearPPE(hardhatsetc).
Excavationcollapse/groundwater
•ShoreexcavationtoOSHCodeofPracticerequirements;or•Batterback–1H:1V;or•Obtainwrittencertificationfromageotechnicalengineerthatthe
excavationisstable.•NotifytheLabourDepartmentfordepthsgreaterthan1.5metres.•Whendeep,testforgases.•Controlwaterbyde-watering.•Provideproperladderaccess.
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14
Machineryworkinginexcavation/crushing/entrapment
M •Makesureyouarealwayswithintheoperator'svision.Keepclearoftheswingareaatalltimes–atleast4metresifpossible.
Machinerystrikingoverheadpowerlines
•Whenwithin4metres,obtainapermitfromthelocalpowerprovider.•Usea'spotter'.Note: Power lines tension changes with temperature throughout the night and day.
Workingatnight M •Ensurethereisadequatelighting,reflectivesigns,andHi-VisPPE.
2.6 Work on or in Water
Hazard Controls Action
Gettinginoroutofthewaterorboats.(slipping,backinjury,falling)
M •Beawareoftheflowofriver,tide,andwindagainsttheboat.•Getin(andout)onstableground/makesuretheboatissecured.•Stafftoattendwatersafetycourse.•Wearalifejacketatalltimes.
Slippingorfallingoutofboat
M •Donotstandinboats.•Donotoverloadtheboat.•Developwrittenrescueproceduresandtrainstaff.
Droppingintodeepwaterholes
M •Probethewaterbed.
2.7 Chemicals (Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS))
Hazard Controls Action
Chemicalcontactorinhalation
M •Followinstructionsonlabel(s).•UseappropriatePPE.•FollowMSDSavailableonsite.
Contaminationofenvironmentduringpreparation
M •Selectappropriatemixingsite.•Securecapsoncontainers.•Triplerinseemptycontainerswherewashwaterwillgotowaste.•DisposeofemptycontainersasperCodeofPractice.•Securecontainersduringtransportation,providedriptrayswhere
appropriate.•Placesurpluschemicalmixinmarkedcontainers.
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Spillages M •Allstaffaretobefamiliarwithemergencyprocedure.Spillkittobeappropriatetotypesandvolumesofchemicalsused.Containspilltoavoidcontamination.
Storage M •Keepstorageshedlocked/segregate.•Usebundedareaswhereappropriate.•Labelallcontainers.•ProvideventilationandPPE.
V •Approvedhandler
2.8 GeneralOfficeEnvironments
Hazard Controls Action
UsingcomputersOccupationalOveruseSyndrome(OOS)
M •Setupworkstationtoacomfortablelevel.•EnsurecompliancewithVDUCodeofPractice.•Encourageearlyreportingofdiscomfort.•Providegoodworkingenvironmente.g.heating,ventilationand
lighting.•Planyourworkload.Habit@workwebsite.
Smoking M •StafftoadheretoCompanySmokingPolicy.
Workingintheoffice,eyestrain,backstrain
M •Checklightingisadequate–avoidglare.•Ensurechairisergonomicallysuitable.
2.9 General Environment
Hazard Controls Action
AggressiveAnimal M •Leavearea,donotapproach.•Contactownerifpossible.•Callanimalcontrolservices.
Asbestos M •Ensureonlycertified/trainedpersonsareinvolved.•Ensureasbestosmanagementproceduresarefollowed.•NotifyOSH24hoursbeforework.
Backstrainfromlifting/bending–repetitivemovements(OOS)
M •Preventativetraining.•Encouragestafftoundertakeexercisesaspertraining.•Jobrotationtoavoidconstantexposuretomanualhandling.•Usetwopeopletoliftheavyobjects.
Concretecutting M •Ensureoperatorsaretrainedorsupervisedbycompetentstaff.•ProvideandwearPPE.•Wetcuttingonly.Containspillsandneverreleasetostormwaterdrain.•Nodisposalofconcretecuttings,includingconcrete'wash',shallbe
allowedinthekerborstormwatercatchpit.Allsaturatedmaterialfromthisactivityistobepumpedintoatankorsuctiontruckandtransportedtoanapproveddumpsite.
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Flooding/Drowning M •Assesspotentialimpactofweather.•Donotworkindrainsand/orstreamsalone.
Hazardsassociatedwithworkaroundthepublic
M •Ensurefencingandsignageareused.•Nochildrenoranimalsonsite.
Noiseexposure M •Measure/monitornoiselevels.•Baselineandfollowupaudiometrictests.•Provideeducation/training.•EnforceHearingProtectionuse.
Operatingmachineryonslopingground
E,I&M •Checkmanufacturer'srecommendations.•Weathermustbeconsidered.•ROPStobefitted/certified.•Enforceseatbeltuse.
Operatingmotorvehicles
M •Musthaveanup-to-dateNZDriversLicence.•Drivetotheconditions,anduselightsasrequired.•EnsurecurrentWOF®istration.•Checkvehicletowingcapacity,tow-ballcouplingisadequate,anduse
safetychain.•Ensureloadisproperlysecured.•Reportanydefectsimmediately.•Wearseatbelt,andneverdrivewhentired.
Stress/fatigueleadingtoseriousharm
M •Beawareofchangeinindividual'spersonality.•Ensureexcessivehoursarekepttoaminimum/managed.•Monitorworkenvironmentforheat/coldstressors.
Workingatheight
(Anyheightthathasthepotentialtocauseharm)
M •Provideeitherfencingbarriersorfallpreventation(PPE)tostaff.•NotifyOSH24hoursbeforeworkcommences,whereworkerscould
fall5metresormore.
Workingatnight M •Usefloodlightsandtorches.•Wearretro-reflectivejackets.•Useappropriateroadtrafficmanagementplan(ifrequired).•Parkvehicles3metresfromsiteinthedirectionofoncomingtraffic.
Activatehazardlightsandbeacons.•Fenceoffunsafeareas.
Workingin/entrytoconfinedspaces(CSE)
I&M •Ensurealloperatorsaretrainedandcurrentlycertified.•EnsureallentryworkisconductedinaccordancewiththeConfined
SpacesEntry(CSE)ProceduresandEntryPermit.Ensureatmospherictestingiscarriedoutcontinuously.
•Ensureemergencyproceduresaredocumented,site-specificandtestedregularly.
•NotifyOSH24hoursbeforestart.•Testandtagequipmentannually.
Workingalone M •Onlyifabsolutelynecessaryatnightorinisolatedenvironments.•Tellpeoplewhereyouareandwhenyouexpecttobefinished.•Carryacellphone.
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Workingaroundcranesfallingload/suspendedworks
M •Isolatepublicfromworksitewithsigns/barricades/fences.•Ensureliftingchains/strapsaretested/taggedannually,andregularly
checkedforwear.•Usetraineddogman.•Lockoutcraneto'freefall'mode.
Drugsandalcohol M •Ensuresiterulesandcompanyrequirementsarefollowed.
2.10 Workshops – Plant and Tools
Hazard Controls Action
Lathe-physicalinjurycausedbyclothingcatching/entrapment
M •Makesureclothingisclosefitting/appropriate.•Knowwheretheemergencystopswitchis.
Cutsandburns M •Takecarewithwastemetalandturnedmetal.Watchforflyingswarfandhotmetalchips.WearPPE.
Drillphysicalinjuryifworkspins
M •Holdworkfirmlyinvice.•Clampdownthevice.WearPPE.
Welding/gascutting/electrocution
M •Checkwelderelectricleadfordamage.•Stopuseifdamagedoesoccur.WearPPE.
WeldingfumesandBurns
M •DonotweldinpitsorconfinedareaswithoutproperventilationandPPE.
•Weareyeprotectionwhenremovingslag.
Gasplant M •Ensureflashbackarrestersarefitted.•Shutgasoffatsource.Pointflameawayfromyourselfandothers
wheninuse.
Weldingflash M •Useweldingscreens.•Positionworksoweldingpointisnotseen.•WeartheappropriatePPE.
Portableelectricalequipment/electrocution
M •Regularlychecktheconditionofgear.•Takespecialcarewiththelongextensionflexes.Testandtagall
portableelectricalequipmentevery3months(construction),6months(civilsites).
•Useisolatingorresidualcurrentdevice.
PoweredequipmentFumes
M •Allplant,toolsorgeneratorspoweredbyaninternalcombustionenginemustbeusedinanareawithadequateventilation.
Vibration M •Frequentbreaksshouldbetaken.Wearanti-vibrationgloves.
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2.11 Carpentry
Hazard Controls Action
Skillsaw-electric M •UseaRCD.Beawareofwherethecableis.•Checkthattheguardreturns.Takespecialcarethatthetriggerlockis
notusedinadvertentlyifleft-handed.
Dust(inhalation)Physical-cuts
M •Wearafacemaskifappropriate.•Checkthattheguardreturns.Lookoutforkickback–holdthesaw
firmly,supportwood,keepsawsharp.
Jigsaw-electric M •UseaRCD.•Takespecialcarethatthetriggerlockisnotusedinadvertentlyifleft-
handed.
Drilluse M •Beawarethatthedrillcouldjamandtwistyourwrists.Keepatightgrip.Holdtoavoiddrillbitssnapping.Lookoutformetalsplinters–eyesandskin.Useslowerspeedformetal.
Nailgunsphysical–nailpenetration
M •Usedonlybylicensedoperators(Powderpoweredtools).•Followtrainingprocedures.Ensurecertificationofthemachineis
current.
Anglegrinder•Sparksandburns•Shattering
M •WearappropriatePPE,standoutofsparkstream.•Ensurehalfguardisfitted.•Hotworkpermit.•Holdthegrindercorrectly.Makesuretheworkissecure.•Checkthattheguardisinthecorrectposition.Checkbladecondition.
Discardifitshowssignsofdisintegrating.
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2.12 Painting and Plumbing
Hazard Controls Action
Scaffolds,planksandtrestles-fallsandsprains
M •Checkforlooseboltsandbentcrossmembers.Checkladderistiedsecurely.
•Ensurethereisahandrail,midrailandkickboard.Acertifiedscaffoldermustconstructanyscaffoldingabove5metres,withAculogreviewedweekly.
•Discarddamagedplanks.Useonlycertifiedplanks.
Stepsandstools.Electrocution
M •Checkcarefullyforoverheadcablesandhavethemdisconnectedbythepowerauthority.
PVCsolventcement.Chemical–inhalation
M •Avoidinhalation–workupwindorinaventilatedarea.ProvideMSDSonsite.
Ladderworkfalls–baseslipping,windblowingtops
M •Placebasecarefully.Tietopofladderinplace.1:4Angleplacement.•Securetopandbottom/extend1metrepaststep-offpoint.
Repairundergroundwatermains.Electrocution
M •Attachjumperleadstoanearthstakewhencuttingoldgalvanisedironpipes.
Peoplefallingintoholes/trenching
I •Adequatelyfenceandprovidewarningsignage.
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2.13 Rail Safety RegimeWorksite
Type Type of Work Contractors Duties Example
A Plantandpeopleworkingbehindsafetybarriers@3m*fromtrackcentrelineorfences@5mfromtrackcentreline.Plantmustnotbecapableoffoulingthesafetybarrierieanexcavatorwitha8mreachmustwork8mawayfromthebarrier.
*MaybereducedinisolatedlocationswithauthorisationfromtheRailSafetyCoordinator.
•Runajobstartmeeting•Workbehindbarriers/
fencesandensurethatnoplantoperatesinapositionwhereitcanfoulthelinei.e.anexcavatorwitha8mreachmustwork8mawayfromthebarrier
B Plantandpeopleworkingbehindasafetyfenceorbarrieranditispossiblefortheplanttofoulthelineegexcavatororcrane.NBworkmustbecarriedoutatalltimeswithoutfoulingthefence/barrier.Atthistypeofworksite,thesafetyfenceispermittedtobepositionedat3mfromtrackcentreline.
•RunajobstartmeetingwiththeKiwiRailObserverpresent.
•Ensurethatallworkatthesitecanbeundertakenatthesitewithoutfoulingthesafetyfenceorbarrier.
•Ensureallstaffunderstandthelimitsofthesite.
•Ensurethatallstaffstopworkwhentheairhornsounds.
!
C Plant&peopleworkingfouloftrackorcrossingtrackwhiletheraillineisopenfortraffic.
•RunajobstartmeetingwiththeKiwiRailProtectorpresent.
•Ensureallstaffunderstandthelimitsofthesite.
•Ensureallstaffvacatetherailtrack/stopworkimmediatelywhenrequestedbytheProtector.
D Plant&peopleworkingontherailcorridorwhentheraillineisclosedfornormaltraffic.
•Runajobstartmeeting•Donotentertherail
corridoruntilauthorityisreceivedfromONTRACK(Mis75form)DonotreenterthecorridoroncetheMis75formisterminated. !
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21Section Three
Environmental Management Obligations
IntroductionAdegradednaturalenvironmentimpactsonresidentsinmanyways.Lossofrecreationalopportunities,healthconcernsandeconomicimplicationscanallarisefromincreasedpollution.
AucklandTransportareguardiansofthenaturalenvironment,andcontractorswhoworkforthemmustplaytheirpartinensuringtheirworkdoesnotdamagethesurroundingenvironment.
Forexample,mostoutsidedrains(stormwater)dischargetostreamsleadingtothesea,socontractorsneedtobeextravigilantinmakingsurenocontaminantsenterstormwaterdrains.
3.1 Environmental Legal Controls on Contractors' WorkAnumberofenvironmentallaws,regionalanddistrictplans,resourceconsentconditionsandpermittedactivityrulesaffecthowyoudoyourwork.Youmustbefamiliarwiththeseobligations.MostenvironmentalobligationsarefromtheResourceManagementAct1991andregionalandlocalprovisionsmadeunderit.
OtheractsthatmayapplyincludetheHistoricPlacesAct1993,theWaitakereRangesHeritageAreaAct,theHaurakiGulfMaritimeParkAct2000andtheHazardousSubstancesandNewOrganismsAct1996anditsregulations.Theresponsibilityrestswiththecontractortoidentifylegalobligations.
Permitted Activity Standards
Themaindocumentsthatsetoutwhenanactivityrequiresaresourceconsent,orthatsetthestandardsforpermittedactivities,are:- ProposedRegionalPlan:Air,LandandWater;- RegionalPlan:Coastal;- RegionalPlan:SedimentControl.- Bylaws;- OperativeDistrictPlans.
Evenifyoudonotneedanyresourceconsents,you must still comply with the permitted activity standards.Failuretocomplywiththeconditionsoftheconsentorwiththepermittedactivitystandards,maymakeyouandyoursub-contractorsliabletoenforcementaction.
Penalties
TheResourceManagementActhasaseriesofpenaltiesforpolluters:
• Environmentalinfringementnotices(instantfines)rangingfrom$300-$1,000;
• Abatementnotices;
• Enforcementorders;
• Prosecution,withpenaltiesof:- Imprisonmentforuptotwoyears;- Finesofupto$200,000;- Finesofupto$10,000adayforongoingoffences;
Note:Anyprosecutionmaypotentiallyaffectfuturebusinessopportunities.
Principalscanalsorecovertheircostsfortime,expensesandpollutioncleanup.Thecostsofyourdowntime,aswellascourtandlegalcosts,areoftenmuchbiggerthanthefineitself.Contractorsmustregularlyassesstheirownlegalcomplianceandtheirmanagementofenvironmentaleffects.Inaddition,wewillregularlycarryoutchecksofcontractors'environmentalcompliancerequirementsandprocedurestomanageenvironmentaleffects.
EnvironmentaloffencescanalsoleadtothePrincipal,itscontractorsandsub-contractorsstaffbeingprosecutedandheavilyfined.
Dependingontheoffence,otherenforcementregimesmayapplysuchasundertheHistoricPlacesAct1993whichincludes:
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• Finesofupto$100,000fordestroyingasite;and
• Finesofupto$40,000fordamagingormodifyingasite.
UndertheRMA(s330)worksmaybeundertakenwithouthavingtheresourceconsentsinplacefirst,whereanyprojectofworkbyanetworkutilityoperator(suchasaroadingauthority)isaffectedby:
- anadverseeffectontheenvironmentthatrequiresimmediatepreventativeorremedialmeasures;or
- anysuddeneventcausingorlikelytocauselossoflife,injuryorseriousdamagetoproperty.
Theconsentingauthoritystillneedstobenotifiedfirstand,insomecircumstances,aretrospectiveconsentmayneedtobegranted.
Therewillbespecificarrangementswithregardtowhocanauthoriseemergencyworksunderthecontract.Checkwithyourcontractand/oryourAucklandTransportcontractmanager.
3.2 Environmental Management PlansYoumayhavetoprepareanEnvironmentalManagementPlan(EMP)aspartofyourcontractualobligations.ThismayhavetobeapprovedbytheAucklandTransportbeforeworkcanstart.
ThingstoconsiderduringpreparationofyourEMPmayinclude:
Controls,TrainingandResponsibilities
EMPManagementStructureandResponsibility
Outlinethenames,roles,responsibilitiesandAuthorityofpersonnelinvolvedintheimplementationandoperationoftheEMP.
Training Identifyappropriateeducation,trainingorexperienceforpersonnelperformingtaskswithpotentialtocausesignificantenvironmentalimpact(s).Thisshouldinclude:arecordofthetrainingwhichidentifiestheperson;position;typeoftraining;whowasfacilitatingthetraining;whenthetrainingwascompletedandanyrefreshertrainingthatmayberequired.
EnvironmentalAspectManagementPlansorMaps
Identifyallenvironmentalriskandconsentconditions,including,whereapplicable,environmentalaspectplansandmapse.g.dustsuppressionplan,erosionandsedimentcontrolplan,constructionmanagementplanandavibrationmanagementplan.
OperatingProcedures Includeoperatingprocedureswhichwillcontrolidentifiedenvironmentalrisks/impacts.
EmergencyContactsandResponse
Identifythecontactperson(s)forenvironmentalemergenciesthathavethepotentialtocausematerialharmtotheenvironment.Thisistoinclude:thenamesand24hourcontactdetails;responsepersonnelresponsibilities;emergencyservicecontactdetails;thelocationofon-siteinformationonhazardousmaterials;stepstofollowtominimisedamageandcontrolanenvironmentalemergency.
MonitorandReview
ComplianceMonitoring
Includeaprocedureformonitoringandmeasuringkeyactivitieswhichcanhaveasignificantenvironmentalimpact.
EMPAudits IncludeaproceduredetailinghowinternalauditsoftheEMP(atplannedintervals)willbeconducted,andhowtheauditrecommendationswillbeused.
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Site-specific Environmental Plans
Youmayhavetoprepareasite-specificenvironmentalplanaspartofyourcontractualobligations.Considerrelevantfactorssuchas:
• Overlandflowpaths
• Stormwaterguttersandcatchpits(protection/isolation)
• Steepnessofslopetostormwatercatchpitsorotherinfrastructure
• Stormwatertreatmentdevicessuchaspondsorotherstormwaterinfrastructure
• Nearbywaterbodies:streams,wetlands,beaches,WaitemataHarbour,inlandlakes
• Locationoftreesthatmaybeaffectedbytheworks,andtheextentoftheirdriplines
• Locationofanyarchaeologicalorotherhistoricsites,includingthesesacredtoMaorisuchastraditionalburialgrounds
• Roadsidebermsandservices,includinganyhazardousinstallationsthatcouldbeaffectedbyyourwork
• Neighbours–houses,workplacesorotherplaceswherepeoplearelocated
• Anythingelseyouneedtoknowabout,ormanage,inordertoprotecttheenvironment
• Aschemeplan(visual)oftheworksiteisagoodcommunicationtool
• Considerhowrubbishwillbecontrolled
• Impactedflora/fauna,andnativewildlife
• Limitworkareatominimisepotentialsedimentrunoff
• Preventsoil/sedimenttrackingfromsite(i.e.vehiclewash)
• Provide'clean-up'/spillcontainmentplan
• Spillresponseproceduresincludingrestrictingthespilltoonearea,reducingtheseverityofadverseeffectsand,ifpossible,eliminatingadverseeffects
• Provisionofspillkitsappropriatetothevolumesandtypesofmaterialsusedorstored,includingsignage.
3.3 Managing Sub-contractorsAsub-contractorworkingforyoumustmeetthestandardssetoutinthecontractdocuments,consentsandpermittedactivitystandards,andyourenvironmentalandhealthandsafetysiteplans.Makesureyourenvironmentalplanoutlineshowyouwillmanagesub-contractorssotheyachievethesamehighstandardsexpectedofourcontractors.
3.4 Doing On-the-job InspectionsInspectallenvironmentalcontrolstoidentifyactualorpotentialproblemsandfixthemassoonaspossible.Foreachjob,considersettingupasimplechecklistthatcoversthemainrisksidentified,risksposedbythesiteandbytheworkcarriedoutforthePrincipal.Documentallinspectionsandcorrectiveactions.
3.5 Keeping Up-to-date RecordsRecordsshouldbeinwritingandaccessible,suchas:
• Environmentaltraining;
• Environmentalinspectionsorchecklists;
• Anyincidents,emergencies,non-compliancesorcomplaints,andyourresponse(notifythePrincipal'scontractmanagerimmediately);
• Anyreports(completemonthlyreporting);and
• Otherreportsrequiredbyregulatoryagencies.
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3.6 Responding to Emergencies and ComplaintsYoumusthaveanemergencyresponseplan,whichistrialledregularly.Yourwrittenresponseplanshouldcover(butnotbelimitedto):
• Trainingyourstaffandsub-contractors;
• ReportingenvironmentalincidentstothePrincipal;
• Contactphonenumbersofemergencyservices;
• Howtodisposeofspillagesandclean-upmaterials;
• Provisionofsitedrainage;
• Post-spillactiontore-establishcontrolsovertheremainingmaterial;and
• Aprotocolforinvestigatingspillsandnear-misses.
Followtheflowchartoverleaffortheproceduresaboutwhomtonotifyintheeventofanincidentorcomplaintandhowtorespond.
Emergenciesthatcouldposeenvironmentalrisksinclude:
• Storms;
• Damagetootherservicesresultingindischargestotheenvironment,especiallyfromtradewastesewers,whichmaycontainhazardoussubstances;
• Plantorequipmentfailure,includingoilandhydraulichoseleaks;
• Spillsofdrillingfluid,oils,fuels,paints,turpentine,paintstrippers,weedkillersandotherchemicalstotheenvironment,includingfromwaterblasting,sandingorincorrectlywashingpaintbrushes,rollersandotherpaintingequipmentintostormwater;
• Spillsorrunofffrom'hot'asphalt,whichcontainshighlevelsofhydrocarboncompounds;
• Spillsorrunofffromuncuredconcreteorconcretecutting/drilling/grinding(highlyalkalineandlethaltotheenvironment'sfloraandfauna);and
• Vandalism,ofanyvehicles,machinery,storedsubstancesorwastes.
Contingencyplansshouldbeconsideredforallidentifiedemergencies.
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3.7 IncidentResponseandNotification
Ensure staff have correct PPE
MaintainSite safety
Environmental or safety incidentor accident
(personal injury, chemical spill,damage to fauna, sediment or
waste run-off to drain).
Contain incident (bundspills, secure fauna –
stop flow to drain)
Speak to Contract Manager/Engineer within
1-2 hours
Contact the Pollution Hotline at Auckland Council
Provide other means tomitigate damage, i.e. flushing
(confirm with ContractManager/Engineer)
Incident investigation:Identify root causes of
incident (i.e. lack of controls,training, equipment failure)
within 3 days
Our Contract Manager/Engineerto communicate verbally with
affected public & pollution response personnel (within 12 hours)
Forward report to ourContract Manager/Engineerand Safety Representative
Our Contract Manager/Engineerprovides report to their
manager including:- Root causes
- Contributing factors- Mitigating actions
- Improvement recommendations
Principal ContractManager/Engineerforwards summary
report to EnvironmentalRegulatory Agency
within 5 days
Is the incidentsignificant?
Contact Environmental
Regulatory AgencyNO YES
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27Section Four
Common Construction Activities and Typical Environmental Risks
Working Safer & Smarter
Common Construction Activities and Their Environmental Risks
IntroductionAteverystageoftheconstructionprocessthereisthepotentialforenvironmentalproblemstoarise.Thissectionidentifiescommonconstructionprocesses,someofthemainenvironmentalrisksandpotentialcontrols,andactionstominimiserisks.
Mitigating Environmental Risks
Lookathowyoumanagethejob,forexample:
• Stagethework–dothingsinadifferentordertominimisewastesorrisks;
• Haveaplanforhandling,storageanddisposalofliquidandsolidwastes;
• Workmoreefficiently.Forexample,minimiseriskbystartingtheriskiestphasesoftheworkattimeswhenyoucanfinishthemquickly(watchtheweather);
• Encouragestaffandsub-contractorstocomeupwithinnovativesolutions;
• Avoideffectsbyusingalternativemethods,e.g.trenchlesstechnologies;and
• Finishthejobtoahighstandardsothatnoenvironmentalrisksremain.
Preventorreducetheeffectsofemergencies,forexample,by:
• Reducingthelikelihoodorseriousnessofanyemergencybyminimisingtheamountoffuelandmaterialsorchemicalsneededorstoredontheworksite;and
• Trainingstafftorespondpromptlytominimisetheireffects.
Thechecklistsonthefollowingpagesfeaturecommonactivitiesundertakenbycontractors,theirenvironmentaleffectsifnotcontrolled,andpracticalactionsyoushouldconsider(wherepractical)toavoidtheseeffects.
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Common Construction Activities and Their Environmental Risks
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4.1 Construction and Earthworks
Task Detail Selected Environmental Risks/ Effects without controls
Suggested Controls and Actions to minimise Risk
Archaeological ExcavationsmayuncoverMaoriorEuropeanevidenceandartefactspre-dating1900.Somegeologicalsitesarealsoprotected.
Potentialtodamageordestroyarchaeologicalandgeologicalsitesormaterials.
•Ceaseworkinvicinityofthefindandfenceoffarea.
•ContactContractManager.•ContactHistoricPlacesTrust.•CalltheCouncil'senvironmental
protectionagency.
Strippingandstockpilingofsoil,leadingtodustissues
Dustcausedbynotcoveringexposedsoils,andstockpilescandryoutandbepickedupbywind.
Fineparticulatescancauseairpollutionandnuisancetopublic.Sedimentscanlaterbewashedintostormwaterordirectlyintowaterbodies.
•Stopworkinhighwinds.•Waterdrystockpiles,ensuringno
runoff.•Coverstockpileswithpinnedgeotextile
materialstoprotectsoil,mulchorgrassdowntostabilise.
Earthworks/excavation,usingheavymachinery
Heavymachineryisoftenrequiredtocarryoutconstructionandmaintenanceworksincludingexcavators,horizontaldrills,slurrycontrol(pits)largeverticaldrills,rockbreakers,pneumatichammers,spadesandshovels.
Exhaustfumes.Noise.Sedimentdischarge.Spillsofhydraulicoilsandfuels.Damagetotreesandtheirroots.Damagetoarchaeologicalandgeologicalsites.Erosionandlandinstability.
•Ensureallplantandequipmentismaintainedregularly.
•Avoidtrackingonroads:sweepregularlyand/orinstallstabilisedconstructionentranceway.
•Considernoiselevelswhenbuyingorselectingplant.
•Communicatewithpubliconhoursofwork.
•Haveaspillcontainmentandresponseplanonsite.
•Installcatchpitprotection.•Protectanyonsiteanddownstream
stormwatertreatmentdevicese.g.raingardens,swales,pondsetc.
•Onfollowingpages,seechecklistsforDewatering,TreesandParks.(Alsosee4.15).
Sediment/soil(undergroundworks)
Sedimentandsoilpollutewaterfrommanyaspectsofundergroundworks.
Potentialtoenterstormwatersystemanddamageitbycloggingwithsediment,concreteorothermaterials.SeeDewatering.
Potentialtoenterwaterwaysaffectingstreamhealthandaquatichabitats.
Whenpumpingwaterfromaroundamainorfromasumpunderamain,putafilterclothbagaroundthesuctionheadofthepump.Dischargepumpedwaterontograsswherepossible.Periodicallyremoveaccumulatedsiltfromaroundthefilterbag.
Alternatively,useTP90measures,settlingtankandsuctionpumpandremovetoanapproveddisposalsite.(Alsosee5.1).
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Sedimentcontrolmeasures(includingoncatchpits)
Sedimentcontrolmeasurescanbecomeasourceofpollutionifnotwellconstructed,maintainedanddecommissioned.
Potentialforsedimentfromsecondarycontrolmeasurestoenterstormwatersystemandpollutestreamorbeachatoutfall.
•Divertcleanwaterawayfromexposedsoils.
•Asacontingency,installacatchpitinsertorapproveddevicewitha30-50micronmeshsize)withinthecatchpit.Putgeotextileclothatthebackentryslotsofthecatchpittopreventsedimententry.Cleanorreplacedailyifitrains.
•Provideon-sitesuctionpumporsuctiontruckandremovetoanapproveddisposalsite,orprovideawatertightskipwithacover.
•Alternatively,useTP90catchpitmeasuresiftheaboveisimpractical.
•Haveaspillcontainmentandresponseplan.
•Monitorcontrols:checkbeforeendofdayandafterrain.Repairpromptly.(Alsosee5.1).
Stockpiling Stockpilingofmaterialsandspoilmaybeneededonsomesites.
Harmtotreerootsifplacedinthedripline.
Sedimentrunoffintothestormwatersystemordirectlyintowaterbodies.
Dustnuisance.
StockpilesofexcavatedmaterialmustbeapprovedintheRoadOpeningNoticeandconfirmedatpre-commencementmeeting.
Putexcavatedstockpilematerialsawayfromoverlandflowpaths,lowpointsandimperviousareas(roadway,footpathsordriveways)andatleast500mmfromkerb.Putexcavatedstockpilematerialsinaskipforremoval(coverifraining).Removesaturatedmaterials(slurry,moistclay)toanapproveddisposalsiteinasealedcontainertoavoidspillage.
Putlargestockpilesinapprovedareas.Coverwithsuitablegeotextile,pinnedneedlepunch12.0gmandsecurearoundtheedge,orgrassandmulch.
Iflongterm,surroundwithTP90siltfences.
Tips for Managing Stockpiles
•Coverstockpileswithgeotextilecloth.•Planthedisposalofsurplusmaterialsbeforestartingworks.•Aimtoreusespoilratherthandisposingofittolandfill.•Storetopsoilforreuseinpileslessthan2metreshightopreventdamagetothesoilstructure.•Segregatedifferentgradesofsoil.•Positionspoilandtemporarystockpileswellawayfromwatercoursesanddrainagesystems.•Minimisemovementsofmaterialsinstockpilestoreducedegradationofthesoilstructure.•Siltywaterformedbyerosionofthestockpilemustbemanagedcorrectly.•Directsurfacewaterawayfromthestockpilestopreventerosionatthebottom.•Placesiltscreensaroundspoilheapstotrapsiltinanysurfacewaterrunoff.•Vegetatelong-termstockpiles.Thiswillpreventdustindryweatherconditionsandreduceerosionofthe
stockpiletoformsiltyrunoff.Ensureadequateweedcontrol.
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31
Vehiclecleaningandtravellingon–andoff-site
Vehiclesgainingaccesstoandfromsitestracksedimentintoareaswithoutcontrols.
Generalclayandsedimentleftontheroadcanrunoffintostormwatersystem.
Providestabilisedentryandexitpointsfromsite(i.e.basecourse).ReferTP90.Asacontingency,providecatchpitprotection.Removecontainedsediment.
Washingtrucksandotherequipment
Cleaningvehicles,tools,plantandequipment.
Washwaterscanbecomeapollutant.
•Neverwashconcreteequipmentonsite(see4.3and4.5).
•Directsmallamountsofwashwatertoexcavationstosoakintoground,ortakeequipmenttobaseandwashinadesignatedareathathasatradewastepermitorcontainswaterinasealedpondortank.
Contamination Seeitem4.8SubstancesHandlingandContaminatedMaterials.
Excavation Referto4.15(Excavation).
Alsosee5.3to5.6.
4.2 Stormwater Inspection, Maintenance and Replacement
Task DescriptionEnvironmental Risks/ Effects without controls
Controls and Actions to minimise Risk
Earthworks/excavation
Watermainsmustbeisolatedandflushedwithmainswaterbeforebeingreinstated.
Dischargeofsedimentorchlorineintothestormwaterordirectlyintoenvironment.
•Containmentandremovalbysuctiontrucksitereferredtoincontract.
Flushingofstormwaterpipes
Stormwaterpipesblockedbyrootsorsediment,whichneedtobebrokenupandremoved.
Dischargeoftreeroots,sedimentandcontaminantsintostormwatersystemortheenvironment.
•Containmentandremovalbysuctiontruck.
•Seerootcutting(UnderTrees,4.11).
Unblockingdrains
Drainsareunblockedusingwaterblastingormechanicalscrew.
Potentialoverflowofwastewater.Dischargeoftradewaste.Treerootdamage.
•Bypasspumpingorsuctiontruck.•Haveaspillcontainmentand
responseplanonsite.•SeeTrees(Under4.11).
Alsosee5.2.
Common Construction Activities and Their Environmental Risks
32
4.3 Concreting and Piling
Task DescriptionEnvironmental Risks/ Effects without controls
Controls and Actions to minimise Risk
Concreting,concreteandsheet-piling
Concretecutting,handlingwetconcrete,rinsingexposedaggregateordampingconcreteasitcures.
Runoffofbladecoolingwater.
Noiseandvibration.
Airpollutionandirritation.Pollutionofwaterwaysandpotentialfishkills.Exposedaggregateconcrete–dischargeofhighlyalkalinewashwaterwhenexposingaggregate.Washfromconcreteequipmentand/orconcretetrucks,resultinginenvironmentalenforcement.
Lime/concrete/asphalt:dischargeofhighlyalkalinewatertostormwatersystemandenvironment.Dischargeoflime/concretedusttoair.
•Planyourwork–considertheweather.
•Preventdischargefromwetcuttingtothestormwatersystem.Surroundthecuttingareawithbundstodamthecuttingwaterandsealcatchpitoutlet.
•Excavateawashpitorraiseabundtocapturedischarge.
•Removethewaterfromsitewithaportablevacuumorsuctiontrucktositereferredtoincontract.
•Forsmallquantities,diverttherunofftoapit,grassedorunsealedareaawayfromstormwaterdrainsorprotectedtrees,whereitcansoaktoground.
•SeeRoadSurfacingandConstruction(4.5)andNoiseandVibration(4.9).
(Alsosee5.2).
Resurfacing Theuseofasphaltandbitumenintheresealingandreinstatementofworksites.
Spills,washdownorrunofffrom'hot'asphaltandbitumenemulsioncanresultinsurplusrunoff.
•SeeRoadSurfacingandConstruction(4.5).
(Alsosee5.2).
Alsosee5.2.
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33
4.4 Contamination of Surface and Underground Water
Task DescriptionEnvironmental Risks/ Effects without controls
Controls and Actions to minimise Risk
Dewatering Dischargeofgroundwaterorsurfacewaterfromtrenchesandotherworks.SeeSediment,inEarthworks4.1,above.
Dischargeofsedimentandcontaminantstostormwaterandwaterwaysmaysiltup,discolourandpollutewaterways.
•Donotpumpsediment-ladenwatertogutterorcatchpit.Directtosiltfence,decantingearthbundorsettlingtanks/storagedevices.
•Neverpumpfromthebottomofthetrench.•Useadrainsockoverthepumphousing.•Callasuctiontruck.•Silty/sandysoils(notclays)canbesettled24
hoursbeforesiphoningorpumpingtoanapprovedoutfall,whichleavesundisturbedcoarsesedimentonthebottom.Checkwaterissufficientlyclearpriortodischarge.
4.5 Road Surfacing and Construction
Task DescriptionEnvironmental Risks/ Effects without controls
Controls and Actions to minimise Risk
Aggregateuse
Roadingaggregatesusedforconstructionandmaintenance.
Depletionofanaturalresource.
•Considerothermethods:stabilisation;geogrids;thickerasphaltlayers.
•Reusedigoutmaterial.
Aggregatestockpiles
Aggregatesneedtobestockpiledonsiteforproduction.
Dustnuisanceforneighbours/public
•Storeinpavedsheds.•SeeStockpiles(inEarthworks,4.1above).
Asphaltcutting
Waterusedtocoolthebladecancreaterunoff.
Entrytostormwaterordirectlytowaterbodiescancausepollutionandpotentialfishkills.
•Surroundthecuttingareawithbunds,sealthecatchpitoutlet.
•Removewithaportablevacuumorsuctiontruck.
Bitumen Potentialforbitumenspillage(includingwhenusingemulsion).
Pollutionofgroundsurfaceandwaterways.
•Bundaroundstorageareas.•Includespillkits.(AlsorefertotheBitumenCodeofPractice).
Work areaTopsoil or compacted fill
Non perforated pipe through bund
Construction pod to collect silt
Decanting earth bund design (Example)
Stabilised spillway extendingfrom bund to kerb
Cover dry loads
Water haul roads regularly Cover Stockpiles
Sprinklers used on small areasKeep speeds low
Wind break 50%porosity open weave mesh
Dust management techniques
Sucker Truck collects flows from pit or skips
During drilling all slurry to be collected and discharged to retention device
Construction pod inserted trapping silt
Drilling Operation and Management
Discharge from skip to a grassed area
Silt fence shaped to provide impoundment
All pumped flows passthrough silt fence
Stockpile of excavated material placedwhere runoff will flow to trench
Hardfill is progessively placedon a daily basis
Protect stormwater inlet with filtersock or sandbags
Block/filter back
(NOT to be used as primary sediment control)
Close footpath(signage/fencing)
Hardfill placement as stabilisation and stormwater inlet protection
Insert constructionpod to collect silt
Common Construction Activities and Their Environmental Risks
Work areaTopsoil or compacted fill
Non perforated pipe through bund
Construction pod to collect silt
Decanting earth bund design (Example)
Stabilised spillway extendingfrom bund to kerb
Cover dry loads
Water haul roads regularly Cover Stockpiles
Sprinklers used on small areasKeep speeds low
Wind break 50%porosity open weave mesh
Dust management techniques
Sucker Truck collects flows from pit or skips
During drilling all slurry to be collected and discharged to retention device
Construction pod inserted trapping silt
Drilling Operation and Management
Discharge from skip to a grassed area
Silt fence shaped to provide impoundment
All pumped flows passthrough silt fence
Stockpile of excavated material placedwhere runoff will flow to trench
Hardfill is progessively placedon a daily basis
Protect stormwater inlet with filtersock or sandbags
Block/filter back
(NOT to be used as primary sediment control)
Close footpath(signage/fencing)
Hardfill placement as stabilisation and stormwater inlet protection
Insert constructionpod to collect silt
34
Task DescriptionEnvironmental Risks/ Effects without controls
Controls and Actions to minimise Risk
Chip-sealing
Chip-sealingofroadswithliquidbitumenandstone.
Bitumencanrunoffintodrains,noisegeneratedbywork,airpollutionfrommachineryexhausts.
•Provideawatertightskipwithacovertocollectmaterialforremovalanddisposal.
•Havespillcontainmentandresponseplanonsite.
•Informaffectedpartners.
Digoutmaterial
Suitablematerialgoesascleanfilltopit.Remaindertowaste.
Wastedumpedandincreaseslandfillvolumes.
•Maximisecleanfillgoingtopit.Considerscreeningandre-useoftopsoil.Considerre-useofbackfill.Usestabilisationtechniques.
Limestabilisation
Limeiscommonlyappliedtoimproveclaysubstrates/stabilisationduringroadconstruction.
Dust.Damagetovehicles.Highlyalkalinerunofftowaterways.Airpollutionandirritation.Pollutionofwaterwaysandpotentialfishkillsifanywatercontaminatedwithlimeentersthestormwatersystem,andlikelyresultinenforcement.
•Neverstartstabilisationwhenrainisexpected.•Useonlyinlowwind.•Whenusinglime,identifythelocationand
depthofwater,andpipes.•Identifystormwateraccesspointsanddevelop
site-specificresponseplanforlimedischarge.•Preventlimefrombeingwashedtothe
environment.•Neverwashdownplantorequipmentwhere
itcandraintoastormwaterdrainorstream.•Dry-sweepworkareasratherthanrinsing
away.•Haveaspillresponseplanwithequipment
andyourstaffwelltrained.•Followcontractspecs.
Reinstate-ment
RoadsandpavementsmustbereinstatedaspertheCodeofPractice"WorkingontheRoad".
Materialsusedforreinstatingexcavationsmaybeunsuitable.
Dust.Noise.Vibration.
•Removesaturatedexcavatedspoils.Placetopsoil100mmdeepingrassedberms.Mulchnewly-reinstatedgrassedareasandremovewhengrasshasre-established,orhydro-seed.
•See4.9Noise,vibrationanddust.
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4.6 Utilities
Task DescriptionEnvironmental Risks/ Effects without controls
Controls and Actions to minimise Risk
Beddingandfill Supplyandplacementofdesignedaggregatestospecifiedcompaction.
Consumptionofnon-renewablenaturalresources.
•Recycledugoutmaterial.
•Usetrenchlesstechnologytominimisefill.
Gaslinedamage Inadvertentdamagetoundergroundservices.
Gasleak. •Evacuatearea;callFireService,localgassupplierandourengineer.Adviselocalresidents.
Openpits(excavationholes)
Opencutworksrequireapitortrench,anddrillingandothersubsurfaceworksneedentryholes.
Slumpingoftrenchsides.Liquidfrompits,trenchesorentryholescanoverflowtothestormwatersystemorwaterbody.Reinstatingmaterialsmustbesampledandtestedbyacertifiedtestingagency.Principalmayrequestrecords.
Dust/Noise/Vibration
•Promptlybackfillpits,trenchesandentryholes.
•Ifitisnecessarytoremoveliquidbypumping,wrapafiltersockaroundinlet.
•Neverpumpsediment-ladenwatertogutterorcatchpit.Whereappropriate,directtosiltfence,decantingearthbundorsettlingtanks.
•Neverpumpfromthebottomofthetrench.
•Materialtoosaturatedforcompactionmustberemovedfromsite.
•Silty/sandysoils(notclays)canbesettledforapproximately24hoursinsettlingtanksbeforesiphoningorpumpingtooutfall.
•Topsoilgrassedberms.Mulchnewlyreinstatedgrassedareas,orhydroseed.
•See4.9Noise,DustandVibration.
Common Construction Activities and Their Environmental Risks
36
4.7 Trenchless Work
Task DescriptionEnvironmental Risks/ Effects without controls
Controls and Actions to minimise Risk
Breakageofwastewaterpipe
Excavationsanddirectionaldrillingruntheriskthatwastewaterpipescanbebroken.
Overflowofwastewatertoenvironmentifpipeblockageoccurs.Damagetoecosystems.
•Containment,reinstatementoftheservice,erectingsignage,cleanupandmonitoring.
•CallAucklandCouncil.•Follow'DryWeatherSewer
OverflowsBestPracticeManagementGuidelines'.
CCTV:Operationofgenerator
Closedcircuittelevisioninspectionofundergroundpipes,whichneedstobepoweredbyagenerator.
Noisenuisanceforpublicandneighbours.
•Complywithstandardsandconditionsfornoiselevelsandhours.
•Communicatehoursofworktoneighbours.
•Considernoiselevelswhenbuyinggenerator.
Curedinplacepipe(CIPP)
CIPP,usedinrehabilitationoftheexistingsewer.Bypasspumpingisusedtodivertflow.
Spills/pumpfailure.Dischargeofcontaminantsduringpipereinstatement.
•Supervisepumping.•Alarmsorstandbypumps.•Spillcontainment/response
planonsite.
Cuttingpipes Useofcuttingequipmentonpipes.
Asbestosdustresultinginpersonalhealthrisk.
•Removalandcuttingbyapprovedcontractorsonly.
•Keeppipemoist/wrap.
Grouting/lining
Groutingiswherecementitiousmaterialsarepumpedinstructuralsupportortofillvoids.
Chemicalsforgrouting/liningareflushedintoseweraswaste,causingdamagetothesewerorcloggingitwithmaterials.Thesecancontaminategroundwater.
•Selectchemicalsusedbasedonacceptabilityinthesewersystem.
•Haveinplaceaspillcontainmentandresponseplanandkittopreventescapeofchemicalsenteringsewer.
Work areaTopsoil or compacted fill
Non perforated pipe through bund
Construction pod to collect silt
Decanting earth bund design (Example)
Stabilised spillway extendingfrom bund to kerb
Cover dry loads
Water haul roads regularly Cover Stockpiles
Sprinklers used on small areasKeep speeds low
Wind break 50%porosity open weave mesh
Dust management techniques
Sucker Truck collects flows from pit or skips
During drilling all slurry to be collected and discharged to retention device
Construction pod inserted trapping silt
Drilling Operation and Management
Discharge from skip to a grassed area
Silt fence shaped to provide impoundment
All pumped flows passthrough silt fence
Stockpile of excavated material placedwhere runoff will flow to trench
Hardfill is progessively placedon a daily basis
Protect stormwater inlet with filtersock or sandbags
Block/filter back
(NOT to be used as primary sediment control)
Close footpath(signage/fencing)
Hardfill placement as stabilisation and stormwater inlet protection
Insert constructionpod to collect silt
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37
Task DescriptionEnvironmental Risks/ Effects without controls
Controls and Actions to minimise Risk
Drillingandthrusting
For'OpenPits'see4.6.Utilities(previouspages).
Anentryandexitpitisdugandthepipeisinserted.Thrustingmachinesareputinthepit;acavityisthrustthroughtotheotherpit.Thepipeispulledthrough.
Sediment,slurryandpolymersdischargefromsub-surfacepipelinedrilling.Sedimentdischargefromde-wateringoftheentry/exitpit.Spillsofdrillingfluid,oilsorfuels.
•Prepareasedimentcontrolplan.
•Providewatertightsettlingtanksorsuctiontrucktocollectsaturatedmaterial(slurry,clay)duringdrillingforremovalfromsite.
•Removeothermaterial,ideallyonthesamedayitisremovedfromthedrillingrig.
•Donotdisposeofanyextracteddrillingmaterialonkerb,stormwatercatchpitorwastewater.
•Keepsiteandsurroundingareatidy.
•Resourceconsentisneededwhendrillingorthrustingthroughtreerootszones.
•Haveaspillcontainmentandresponseplanonsite.
Microtunnelling
Amicro-tunnellingmachineisplaceddownamanholeandpilottubepipedaheadofmachine,whichhasacuttingface.
Sedimentdischargefromworksarea.Spillsofdrillingfluid,oilsandfuels.Damagetotreesandtreeroots.
•Prepareasedimentcontrolplan(seeEarthworks,4.1).
•Haveaspillcontainmentandresponseplanonsite(seeabove).
•SeeTrees(4.11)andArchaeology(4.1).
Pipecracking Ahydraulicheadispulledorpushedthroughanoldexistingpipe.Theexistingpipeisburst.Thenewpipeispulledthroughafterwards.
Groundheavearoundpipedamagingservices.Sedimentdischarge.Spillsofhydraulicoilsandfuels.Treesroots.Archaeological/geologicalsites.
•Prepareasedimentcontrolplan(seeEarthworks,4.1).
•Haveaspillcontainmentandresponseplanonsite(seeabove).
•SeeTrees(4.11)andArchaeology(4.1).
Pipejacking Alargepipeisthrustintoposition.Materialremovedmanuallyorbymachinewhilejackingthepipeintoposition.
Sedimentdischargefromworksarea.Damagetotreesandtheirroots.
•Prepareasedimentcontrolplan(seeEarthworks,4.1).
•SeeTrees(4.11)andArchaeology(in4.1).
Tunnelling Onlyusedinspecialcircumstances,e.g.veryinaccessibleordeepsitesandlargediametersewers.
Sedimentdischargefromworksarea.Spills.Loweredgroundwaterlevels,resultinginsettlement.
•(SeeEarthworks,4.1).•Haveaspillcontainmentand
responseplanandequipmentonsite.
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4.8 Substances Handling and Contaminated Materials
Task DescriptionEnvironmental Risks/ Effects without controls
Controls and Actions to minimise Risk
Asbestosstructuresandcoatings
Asrequiredinregularmaintenance,testingorpermanentremoval.
Handlinganddisposalofcontaminatedmaterial.
•InstructOSH-certifiedasbestoscompanytoundertakeworks.
Contaminatedmaterial
Maintenanceofwaternetworksmayrequireremovalofcontaminantsfromcatchpits.Sedimentmayrequirede-wateringbeforedisposal.Thereispotentialtounearthcontaminatedmateriale.g.industrialareas/historicalservicestationsites.
Handlinganddisposalofcontaminatedmaterial.Dischargetotheenvironmentduringdewateringofsediments.
•SeeDewatering(inEarthworks,4.1).
•Provideawatertightskipwithacovertocollectmaterialforremoval.
•Haveaspillcontainmentandresponseplanandequipmentonsite.
Litterremovalfromcatchpittraps,grillesandbooms
Littertrapsincatchpits,grillesatstormwaterpondoutlets,andboomsacrosspondsorstreams,needregularinspectionandmaintenance,includingperiodicremovaloflitter.
Handlinganddisposalofcontaminatedmaterial.Spillingandre-suspensionofmaterialintotheenvironment.
•Provideawatertightskipwithacovertocollectmaterialforremoval.
•Haveaspillcontainmentandresponseplanandequipmentonsite.
Oilbooms,maintenanceorreplacement
Hydrocarbon-absorbentboomsrequireregularinspection/maintenance,periodicremovalandreplacement.
Riskofcontaminatedmaterialreleaseduringhandlinganddisposal.
•Removeliquidbysuctiontruck.•Haveaspillcontainmentand
responseplanandequipmentonsite.
Paintingstructures
AsrequiredintheregularmaintenanceofAucklandTransportassets.
Spillofpaints,turps,thinners,paintstrippers.Preparationofthesurfaceforpaint,includingwaterorsandblasting,washingofbrushesandrollerstostormwater.Dischargetoairduringspraying.
•AucklandCouncilrequirements–nowaterblastingrun-offtostormwater.
•Containtheareabytarpaulinsetc.
•Containmentandremoval.•Haveaspillcontainmentand
responseplanandequipmentonsite.
•Correctlydisposeofalllead-basedpaints.
Spills Spillsofsediment,concrete,lime,asphalt,paint,fuels,chemicalsandothersubstancesusedonsite.
Potentialforpollutantstoenterthestormwatersystemordirectlyintosurfaceandundergroundwaters.Soilpollution.
•Provideaspillkitforeachsiteandvehiclethatcancontain/cleanupallspills.
•Trainstaff/sub-contractorsinemergencyprocedures.
•Avoiddecantingonsite.•Maintainequipmenttoprevent
leaks.
Common Construction Activities and Their Environmental Risks
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Task DescriptionEnvironmental Risks/ Effects without controls
Controls and Actions to minimise Risk
Storageofchemicals/substances
Mostjobsneedmaterialstobestoredonsite,suchasfuels,lubricantsandothersubstances.
Potentialforspillstopollutesoil,water,andairduringstorageorwhiletransferringthemtoorfromsiteordecanting.
•ComplywithGrowsafeCodeofPractice.Storeallsubstancesinsecure,bundedstore,metalbinsorcabinets.
•Labelallcontainers.Neverdecantintounmarked/unsuitable(e.g.foodorbeverageorother)containers.
•Alldecantingtobeoffsite.•ProvideMaterialSafetyData
Sheetsforallsubstancesonsite(includingfuels).
•Providespillkitsandtraining.•Segregatesubstances.•Isolatesubstancesfromthe
stormwatersystem/coverstormwaterinlets.
Wastehandlinganddisposal
Wastesmayincludespoil,plantmaterialsandconstructionordemolitionmaterials.Cleanfillscanonlyacceptcleansolidwastewithnocontaminatedsoil,greenwasteorothercontaminantsthatcouldleachout.
Stockpilingwastematerialsfordisposalmayresultincontaminatedrunoff.
•Prepareawastemanagementplanforhandling,storageanddisposalofallhazardouswastes.
•Storeallmaterialsinsturdyandwell-labelledcontainersthatseparateoutdifferentproductsforre-useorrecycling.
•Compostanygreenwasteviarefusetransferstations.
(Alsosee5.2).
Wooddisposal Trimmingoftreesgenerateswoodoff-cuts.
Potentialtobetreatedaswaste,dumpedandincreasedlandfillvolumes.
•Chipbranchesformulchforre-use.
4.9 Noise, Vibration and Dust
Task DescriptionEnvironmental Risks/ Effects without controls
Controls and Actions to minimise Risk
Dust Strippingandstockpilingsoil;exposingsoilswhichcandryandbepickedupbywind.
Polluteair,looksbad,causesnuisancetoneighbours/public
•Dampdownsiteandcontainrun-offtostormwatersystem.
•Usestabilisedentranceways.•Stabiliseexposedareasandcoverstock
piles.•Seeothertechniquesbelow.
Common Construction Activities and Their Environmental Risks
40
Noisegeneratedbyplantandequipment
Normaloperatingnoiselevelscanbedisturbingandnoisearisingfromworksdoneoutofnormalworkinghours.
Noisepollutionforneighbours/public.
•Communicatehoursofworktoneighbours.
•Complywithstandardsandconditionsfornoiselevelsandhours.
•Separatenoisyequipmentfrompeoplebymovingitfurtherawayorputtingsound-suppressingmaterialbetweenitandpeople.
•Considernoiselevelswhenbuyingplant.
See Section 5.3 - 5.5 for more information on 'Noise', 'Vibration' and 'Dust, Emissions and Odours'.
4.10 Plant and Equipment
Task DescriptionEnvironmental Risks/ Effects without controls
Controls and Actions to minimise Risk
Maintenance.
Noiseandemissionsgeneratedbyplant.
Poorfuelefficiency.
Oldorpoorlymaintainedplant,vehiclesandequipmentusemorefuel,arenoisierandemitmorefumes.
Noise,exhaustfumes,unnecessaryuseoffossilfuels.
Noisepollutionforneighbours/public.
•Ensuretrainedstaffundertakeregularmaintenance,anddevelopprotocolfordisposingofwastes.
•ComplywiththerelevantTP90.Adviselocals.
•Noiseattenuationmaterialtoreducenoise.
•Designateanareawithinsiteforroutineplantmaintenancewithrun-offtreatedpriortodisposalordisposedoftosewer.
Working Safer & Smarter
Work areaTopsoil or compacted fill
Non perforated pipe through bund
Construction pod to collect silt
Decanting earth bund design (Example)
Stabilised spillway extendingfrom bund to kerb
Cover dry loads
Water haul roads regularly Cover Stockpiles
Sprinklers used on small areasKeep speeds low
Wind break 50%porosity open weave mesh
Dust management techniques
Sucker Truck collects flows from pit or skips
During drilling all slurry to be collected and discharged to retention device
Construction pod inserted trapping silt
Drilling Operation and Management
Discharge from skip to a grassed area
Silt fence shaped to provide impoundment
All pumped flows passthrough silt fence
Stockpile of excavated material placedwhere runoff will flow to trench
Hardfill is progessively placedon a daily basis
Protect stormwater inlet with filtersock or sandbags
Block/filter back
(NOT to be used as primary sediment control)
Close footpath(signage/fencing)
Hardfill placement as stabilisation and stormwater inlet protection
Insert constructionpod to collect silt
Common Construction Activities and Their Environmental Risks
Working Safer & Smarter
41
Refuelling Onsiterefuellingoflargeequipmentmayoccur.
Spillsoffuelsintostormwaterordirectlyintowaterbodies.
•Bundoffandusedriptrays.•Spillcontainment/response
onsite.•Cleanupspills
immediately.
Spillages Beprepared Contaminationandwaterways
•Displaythesite'semergencyresponseprocedureatmaintenancearea.
Spill containment barrier deployed in a stream to prevent further environmental damage.
4.11 Trees, Weeds and Parks
Task DescriptionEnvironmental Risks/ Effects without controls
Controls and Actions to minimise Risk
Chainsaws Sprayingofbaroil. Contaminationofplants,soil,waterways.
•Useorganicratherthansyntheticlubricant.
Fertiliser Useoffertilisers. Breaksdownsoilstructureandleachesnutrientsintogroundwater.
•Exploreorganicalternatives.•Exploredifferentplantspecies.
Mowing Disposalofgrassclippings.
Oftentreatedaswaste,landfill.RaisedBODlevelsinstreams.
•Neverallowclippingstoenterwaterways.
•Onsitecomposting.
Spraying Chemicalvegetationandpestcontrol.
Chemicalskillnon-targetplantsandinsects.
•Providearegistrationorapplication.Useselectedspecies.
•Explorebiological/organiccontrols.
•Hand-pullweeds.Improveapplicationtechniquese.g.lowdriftnozzles,air-assistedbooms.Putinplacestormwatercontrols.
Common Construction Activities and Their Environmental Risks
42
Task DescriptionEnvironmental Risks/ Effects without controls
Controls and Actions to minimise Risk
Trimmingandremovalforaccess
Trimmingandtreeremovalrequiredformachineryorworkswherethereisnoalternative.
Erosionandsedimentdischargepriortostabilisation.Dischargesof'loose'vegetationtoenvironment.
•Mulchnewly-reinstatedgrassedareas,anddampdown.
•Chip/mulchwood.•Compostothermaterialvia
refusestations.
Weedcontrol Controlofnoxiousweedsandinvasiveplants.
Potentialforspillsorrunoffofchemicalsandhotfoam.
•Compliancewithapplicationmethods,handlingandstorage.
•SeerelevantAucklandTransportpolicyonconditionsofuse.
Rootcutting Rootcuttinginpipeswhentreerootsenterwastewater/stormwaterpipes.Donetopreventpipeandrootexpansionthatcancausesewageoverflowsorflooding.Aftercutting,thepipemaybegrouted,curedorsliplined,tosealit.
Dischargeofseveredtreerootfragmentsorchemicalsintothestormwaterorwastewatersystem.
Damagetotreethroughinappropriatecutting.
•Removaloftreewastetoorganicfill.
•Consultarboristifappropriate.•Containmentandremovalby
suctiontrucktotheapproveddisposalsitereferredtoinyourcontract.
Workingroundtrees,andwithindripline
Workingwithinthedriplineoftreesintheroadreserveorremovingtreesintheroadreservemayneedaresourceconsent.Currentlyablanketconsentrequirementisinplacetoworkaroundtrees.
Machinery,spoilorfill,andholesortrenchescandamageroots.AAucklandTransport-approvedarboristshouldoverseeworksaroundtrees.Reportanytreeproblemstosupervisororarboristbeforeproceeding.Arboristmustsubmittotheengineermonthlyauditformsonpruningand/orworkswithinrootzoneoftreesonroadsandreserves.
•Nomachinery,holes,orspoilundertreesunlessonhardsurfaces.
•Holes/trenchesundertreestobehand-dug.
•Leaveintactandundamagedallrootsover50mmdiameter.
•Allgroundopeningswithrootsorcutrootsurfacesnotbackfilledwithin2hours,tobecoveredwithdamphessiantopreventdryingout.
•Nodamagetobranches/trunks.
•Excavationworkwithindripline,whererootsarecutordamaged,tobeinspectedbyanarborist.
•Workinaccordancewiththeblankettreeconsent.
Working Safer & Smarter
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4.12 Bored Tunnelling
TaskEnvironmental Risks / Effects without controls
Controls and Actions to minimise Risks
Boredtunnelling Boredtunnellingmayhaveimpactsongroundwater,whichcouldthenhavesubsequentimpactsonecologicalhabitats.
Planthedisposalofspoilandslurryarisingfromtunnellingaheadofworks.Considerre-useoptions,butbeawareofwasteregulations.Minimiselong-distancetransportviaroadinordertominimisetrafficimpacts.
Groundbornevibration Large-diametertunnelsneartogroundlevelaremostlikelytocausegroundbornevibration.
Beawareofanysensitivebuildingsinthelocality.
Noise 24-hourworkingmaycauseannoyancetoneighboursnearthetunnelportal.
NotelimitsinrelevantDistrictPlan.
Contaminatedgroundorgroundwater
Contaminatedgroundorgroundwatermaybeencounteredduringtunnelling.
Tunnellingmaycauseapreferentialpathwaythroughwhichcontaminants,mobilisedbygroundwater,mayescape.
Developacontingencyplanfordealingwithit.Ifitisencounteredhaltworksimmediately.Clearthesiteandensurethereisnosmokingwithin10metresofthesite.Seekexpertadvice.Keepanycontaminatedspoil/groundwaterseparatefromuncontaminatedspoil/groundwaterasitshouldbehandledanddisposedofappropriately.Ensurethatanycontaminationthatisencounteredisdealtwithappropriatelytopreventitsspread.
Archaeologicalfinds Watchoutforunexpectedarchaeologicalfinds.
Refer4.1,4.5and5.6.
4.13 Microtunnelling
Task/Issue Environmental Risks and Actions to Mitigate
Smallplantmaintenance Maintainsmall planttominimiseemissions.
Wastes Managewastesarisingfromtheworksproperly.
Noise Noisefrommicrotunnellingmayannoyneighbours.
Traffic Trafficenteringandleavingsitemaydisruptnormaltrafficflow.Emissionsfromtrafficmayannoyneighbours.
Damagetotreeroots Microtunnellingcandamagetree roots.
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Contamination Contaminated groundmaybeencounteredduringtunnelling.•Developacontingencyplanfordealingwithit.Ifitisencountered,halt
worksimmediately.•Clearthesiteandensurethereisnosmokingwithin10metresofthe
site.•Seekexpertadvice.Keepanycontaminatedspoilseparatefrom
uncontaminatedspoil,asitshouldbehandledanddisposedofappropriately.
•Tunnellingmaycauseapreferentialpathwaythroughwhichcontaminants,mobilisedbygroundwater,mayescape.
•Ensurethatanycontaminationencounteredisdealtwithappropriatelytopreventitsspread.
4.14 Excavation
Task/Issue Environmental Risks and Actions to Mitigate
Excavationscanleadtomanyenvironmentalrisksifnotcarefullymanaged.
Preventwaterenteringexcavations.Whenitdoes,takemeasurestoavoiditbecomingcontaminated.Disposeofitproperly.
Beawareofunexpected archaeological finds.Materialstolookoutforduringexcavationsincludeburntorblackenedmaterial,brickortilefragments,coins,potteryorbonefragments,shelldeposits.Alsosee4.5and5.6Archaeologyskeletons,timberjointsorpostholes,brickorstonefoundations,infilledditches.
Ifexcavationrevealscontamination,haltdiggingimmediately.Clearthesiteimmediately,ensurethereisnosmokingwithin10metresofthesite.Whereappropriate,tryasfaraspossibletoidentifytheextentandcauseofcontamination(e.g.anymovementofcontaminants.)Seekexpertadvice.
Ifasbestosisuncoveredunexpectedlyduringdiggingoperations,haltdiggingoperationsatonceandrefilltheexcavation.Exposureofasbestosfilingstotheopenaircanresultinwidespreadcontaminationastheparticlesareeasilyairbornefarfromsite.Removepersonnelimmediatelyandsecurethearea.Contactsitemanagementimmediately.
Excavationplant and vehiclesusedtotransportmaterialsfromandaroundsitemaycauseimpactsfromemissions,mud,noise.Poorlymaintainedplantandvehiclescausemoreenvironmentaleffectsthanwell-maintainedplant.Useawheelwashtominimisedirtonroad.
Task/Issue Environmental Risks and Actions to Mitigate
Spoilarisingfromexcavationcanberecycled.Crushanyrockuncoveredanduseonoroffsite.Storetopsoilforreuseinpileslessthan2metreshightopreventdamagetothesoilstructure.Useexcavatedmaterialstoformnoisebundsandforlandscaping-checkwhetherplanningpermissionisrequired.
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Dealingwithwaterinexcavation
•Preventwaterfromenteringexcavations.Waterrunningdownthesideofanexposedbatterfacemaydislodgefineparticlesandtakethemintosuspension.Itmayalsocausecollapse.Divertwaterbydiggingcut-offditchesaroundtheexcavationorgradingtheground.
•Priortoanyexcavationbelowthewatertable,includinganysitedewatering,informtheAucklandTransportoftheworkstobeconducted.
•Ifthereiswaterintheexcavation,donotallowplantorpersonneltomoveaboutinitandstirparticulatematter.Onceparticlesareinsuspension,particularlyfineparticlessuchassiltorclay,theycanbedifficultandexpensivetoremove.Usethecorneroftheexcavationasasumpandavoiddisturbingthatcorner.
•Waterinanexcavationwhichisopenforsometimecanbecontrolledbystone-fillededgedrainsleadingtosumps.
•Ifgroundwaterisflowingintoexcavations,considerinstallingcut-offditches,wallsorwell-pointdewatering.
•Beforedischarginganywater,alwayscheckthatyouhavepermissiontodosoandthatthedischargecomplieswithanyconditionsattachedtothatpermission.
4.15 Grouting
Task/Issue Environmental Risks and Actions to Mitigate
Groutingandrelatedissues
Blowbackfromblockagesoroverfillingfrompressuregroutingwithdrymaterialssuchascementcancausesignificantdustproblems.
Workingwithinanenclosuremaybenecessaryinparticularlysensitiveareas,althoughhealthandsafetyprecautionsmustbetakenbytheworkforce.
Groutinginornearcontaminatedgroundmaydisplacepollutedwaterfromtheexcavation.Preventtheuncontrolledreleaseofthiswater.
Preventtheuncontrolleddischargeofcementandbentoniteslurries.Useasettlementtanktoremovesediments,checkpHandcontaminationlevels,andthenobtainaconsentbeforereleasingtheeffluent.
Dealingwithwastegrout:Groutfinescanbemoresuccessfullyseparatedbytheadditionofachemicalflocculant,byhydrocloneseparationormechanicaldewatering.Thisallowseasierdisposaloftheconstituents.
Dealwithanyslurrywaste(watermixedwithsilt)appropriately.
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5.1 WaterItisvitaltomanagewaterproperlyonsitetoprotectourenvironment.Youandyourcompanymayfacelegalactionifyoucausewaterwaystobepolluted,ordisposeofunacceptablewastesviathesewersystem.
Thesitedoesn'tneedtobenexttoarivertocauseaproblem.Anypollutantsgettingintoasurfacewaterdrainorgroundwatercanendupinastreamorriverfaraway.Thepollutantscanoftenbetrackedtotheirsource.
Itdoesnottakemuchspillagetocausepollution,anditcanimpactonthewholefoodchain:highlevelsofsiltcanclogupafish'sgillsandeventuallykillit,aswellassmotherinvertebratesandsensitiveplantlife.Siltcanalsopreventfishspawningandsuffocateeggs.
Otherpollutantscandamageourwaterwaysby:
• Changingthechemicalbalanceofwaterways(e.g.cementorconcretewashwaterishighlyalkaline);
• Removingdissolvedoxygen(e.g.detergents);
• Contaminantsthatdissolvequicklyaredifficulttocontrolandtreat.Theyareeasilytransportedinwaterwaysand,iftoxic,theeffectsarelikelytobewidespread.
Potential Harm to Waterways
Concrete,chemicals,paints,sedimentfromexposedsoils,spills,dustandwashwaterdischargesaresomeofthepollutantsthatcangetintothestormwatersystem.Theseendupinstreamsandonbeaches–harmingpropertyandtheenvironment,includingkillingfishandotherwildlife.Dumpingorincorrectstorageandcontainmentofrubbishandothersolidwastescanalsoenterdrainsandflowdirectlyintofreshandsaltwater.
Sourcesinclude:
• Exposedsoil,stockpilesoffill,compostorbarkorskipsofwaste,whichifwashedintowaterways,smotherstreamlifeoruseupoxygen;
• Concreteandlimeorasphalt-cuttingwastewater;
• Sedimentorchlorineusedwhenflushingnewwatersupplylines;
• Contaminantsfrompipereinstatement;
• Wastewateroverflowscausedbypipeblockages;
• Handling,storage,dewateringanddisposalofmaterialsfromcontaminatedsitesorstormwatertreatmentdevices;and
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• Inappropriatewashdownofconcreteequipment,andgeneralmachinery.
Generalprinciplesare:
• Keep 'clean' water separate from 'dirty' water:cleanrainwater,stormwaterrunningontoyoursiteorcleangroundwaterflowingintoanexcavationneedstobedivertedawayfromworkingareasorstockpilesthatcouldcontaminatethem.Youcanthenletthis'clean'watercarryonflowingdownthegutter,intothestormwatersystemoroverlandtowardsawaterbody.Thiswillminimisetheamountof'dirty'waterassociatedwithyourworkthatyouhavetotreatanddisposeof.Assuch,youshouldconsiderthefollowing:
- Treat and dispose of 'dirty' waterthatyourworkhascontaminatedwithsoil,concreteorotherchemicalssopollutiondoesnotoccur-suggestionsaregiveninthisbooklet.
- Prevent or control spillsfromrefuellingorhandlingchemicals,anddisposeofotherliquidwastesfromyourworkinanenvironmentallyresponsibleway.
- Protect stockpiles:coveranddivertwatertopreventrunoffordust.
• Separate hazards:storewastesinbinsthatdon'tleakorallowmaterialtoblowaway,andsegregatehazardoussubstances.
• Good housekeeping:keepingatidy,cleansitewillhelpyoutodothejobmoreefficientlyaswellasprotecttheenvironment.
• Understand drains:runofffromaworksitecancarrypollutantsintostormwaterorwastewaterpipes.Useeachpipefortherightpurpose:
- Onlyuncontaminatedortreatedrainwatercangointothestormwatersystem.- Onlywastewatercangointothesanitarysewer–don'tputstormwaterintoit.- Sometradewastescangointothesewer.Commoncontaminantsfromcontractworkarelimeand
hydrocarbons.Youneedatemporarytradewastepermittodischargewastesintoanysewer.
Lime and Concrete: A Special Case
Thelimeusedforroading,stabilisationandconcreteproductsislethaltostreamlife.Itisastrongalkaliandsoluble,makingitpracticallyimpossibletofilterout.Itcancontaminatesoilandwater,justasastrongacidwould.It is so strong that diluting it with more water may cause harm to a greater length of stream which can take many years to recover.
Allowingthis–oranyothermaterial–intothestormwatersystemisillegal,andmayresultinaninstantfine,anabatementnoticeorprosecution.
Managing Water Onsite
Takethefollowingstepstoavoidcausingpollutiontowaterways:Step 1: Evaluate the potential challenges and risks for the project
Waterpollutionproblemsariseasaresultofbothactivityandinactivityonsite.Keycausesofproblemsinclude:
• Siltywateranditsincorrectdisposal;
• Spillagesofpollutantsduetobadstorageandhandlingofmaterials,ortheinadvertentdisposaltosurfacewaterdrains;
• Washoutfromconcretingoperations;
• Worksin,aboveornearwatercourses;
• Workingingroundwater;
• Waterinexcavations.Step 2: Identify appropriate control and management methods for each potential issue
• RefertoSectionFour:CommonConstructionActivitiesandTypicalEnvironmentalRisksasausefulguide,andyourownprocedures.
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Step 3: Ensure compliance and monitor implementation
• Predictpotentialpollutionincidentsbyundertakingriskassessments.
• Providetrainingsostaffandsub-contractorsknowwhattodo.
• Supervisesitepersonnelsoworksareundertakenasintendedandproblemsareaddressedquickly.
• Securesitesagainstvandalism.Step 4: Adopt an emergency response plan
Ensurethesitehasanemergencyresponseplanandthatallstaffknowhowtocarryitout.
Disposing of Water from Worksite
AAucklandTransportconsentisrequiredtodischargedirecttoawatercourse.Anyconsentissuedwillestablishallowableconcentrationsofpollutantsandflowrates,andmayprescribepeakflowratesforunpolluteddischarges.
Consentstaketimetoobtain,soplanaheadtoavoiddelays.Evenifconsentisapproved,allowablepollutionlimitswillbelow.Controlledwatersincluderivers,streams,ditches,pondsandgroundwater.Pollutionincludessiltywater,oils,chemicals,litter,andmud.
Preventanythingthathasthepotentialtopollute,includingmuddywater,fromenteringthesurfacewaterdrains.
Avoiding Spillages
Precautionstoavoidspillagesincludetheuseofbundsaroundoilstoragetanksandtheuseofdriptraysaroundmobileplant.
Planaheadtoavoidtheneedforemergencymeasures.Forexample,sandbagscanbeusedasabarriertoprotectsensitiveareas.Blockoffdrainsduringrefuelling.Anysandorsoilthatbecomescontaminatedmustbedisposedofproperly.
Managing Surface Water Runoff
Surfacewaterrunningacrossorpondingonasitemaycausewatermanagement,pollutionanderosionproblems.Thesolutionistocontrolsurfacewatersothatitdoesnotrunintoexcavations,disturbedgroundorhaulroads,andtominimiseerosiononsite.
Ensurethatthewatercollectionsystemisadequatetohandlethecontrolledreleaseofstormflows.Ensuresiltyrunofffromdisturbedgroundandsoilstockpilesdoesnotreachwaterways.
Indryweatherlargequantitiesofmudandoilscanbuilduponhard-surfaceareas.Ifthesearenotcleanedfrequently,asuddenshowercanwashthemintowatercourses,causingmajorpollution.Therefore,keephardstandingandsurfaceroadssweptclean.
Emergency Response
Followtheemergencyplanforthesite.
Intheeventofsilting,erosionorpollutionofawaterway,thesitemanagershouldfollowtheIncidentResponseandNotificationProcedureinSectionOneofthisguide.Followingclean-up,theincidentmustbereportedtothecompany'senvironmentalrepresentativetolearnfromwhathappenedandavoidfutureoccurrences.
Aneffectiveemergencyresponsesystemreliesonthefollowingelements:
•Anemergencyresponseplan •Definitionofresponsibilities
•Contactnumbers •Traininginimplementation
Sitemanagersshouldensurethenecessaryinformationandequipmentisathandandupdatedregularly.
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Thiswillrequiredetailedplanning.
Emergency Response Plan
Ensurethatallappropriatestaffareawareofthecompany'semergencyprocedureandknowhowtouseit(seetheexamplegivenbelow.ThiscouldbeintegratedwiththeIncidentResponseandNotificationProcedureandotherrelevantguidanceabove).
Example of a Typical Emergency Plan
1. Incaseofspillageofoilsandchemicalsreportimmediatelytomanager/supervisorwhoshouldthenreporttheincidenttotheAucklandTransportanditsenvironmentalagency.Theywillfindouteventually,butifyoureportfirst,itwillbuildabetterrelationship.
2. Trytoidentifythesourceofpollutionandstoptheflowimmediately.Switchoffsourcesofignition.
3. Avoidthespillagespreading:
•Checkthesitedrainageplan-wherewillthespillageendup?
•Stoptheflowifpossible.
•Damtheflowwithearth/sand/polythene.
•Divertfromdrains/watercourseswherepossible.
•Getaspillkit.
•Useabsorbentmaterialsifappropriate
•Placeaboomacrosswatercoursesasprecaution.
4. Donotwashspillageintothedrainagesystem-itonlymakesthingsworse.Neverusedetergents–usesandorabsorbentpadstomopitup.
5. Ifthespillhasalreadyenteredthedrains,blockofftheentrancetothedrains.
6. Shovelcontaminatedsand/earth/granulesintosacksorskipsaccordingtosize.Thesemustbedisposedofappropriately.Oilpoolsmayfirstberemovedbyasludge-gulper.
Responsibilities
Definetheresponsibilityforthefollowingwithsitepersonnel:
• Reportingtothesitemanager;
• Reportingtoenvironmentalagenciesandotherregulatoryauthorities;
• Takingchargeatthescene;
• Recordingeventsasanincidentrecord;
• Regularlycheckingthatthecontentsofthespillagekitsarecomplete.
Ensurethatthecontactdetailsforthefollowinggroupsareeasilyavailable:
• Listofsitepersonnelandsub-contractoroffices;
• Yourcompany'senvironmentalrepresentative;
• FireService/Police111;
• AucklandTransport'senvironmentalagencies;
• DistrictHealthBoard;
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• Equipmentsuppliers(e.g.pumphireandwastedisposalsub-contractorsforskiphire);
• Liquidwastedisposalcontractors.
Equipment• Emergencyspillkitsareidealfordealingwithspillages,usuallyconsistingofequipmenttocontainand
absorbspillsonlandandwater.Obtainthemfromareputablesupplier.
• Thecontentswilldependontheproject,buttheymayincludeoil-absorbentgranules,"pigs"or"sausages",floatingbooms,absorbentmats,polythenesheeting,orpolythenesacks.
• Storetheminamarkedbagorwheeliebininawellsignpostedlocation.Itisbesttostorethemnearwheretheymaybeneeded.Ensureinadvancethatboomsforriversarelongenoughandhavesuitableanchorages,andthekitisadequateforthetypesandvolumesofsubstancesused.
• Assessthenumberanddeploymentofitforquickaccessacrossthesite.
Bucketsofsand,earth,strawbalesandragsaregoodforcleaningupsmallspillages.Thereisalsoawiderangeofproprietaryequipmentavailablefromsupplierstodealwithspillages.Specialmatsorcushionscanbeplacedoverdrainstopreventpollutiontowatersupplies,locatedatthesourceofleaksorunderpipejoints.
Training
Makesurethatsitepersonnelknowwhotocontactintheeventofaspillage,whattodoandwheretogetequipmentfrom.Manufacturersofspillagekitsusuallyprovidetrainingintheiruse.
5.2 WasteSediment,concrete,dustandotherwastesarehighlyvisiblepollutantsthatcauseagreatdealofcommunityconcern.Messyanduntidyworksitesarealsomorelikelytobeunsafeandpolluting,andwillinevitablyattracttime-consumingpubliccomplaints.
Differenttypesofwasteneedtobetreatedappropriately:
• Inactive wastecoversmaterialsthatdonotundergosignificantphysical,chemicalorbiologicalreactionsorcauseenvironmentalpollutionwhendepositedatalandfillundernormalconditions.Theseincludeuncontaminatedsoilsandrocks,ceramics,concrete,masonry,brickrubbleandminerals.
• Active wastesincludeacids,pesticides,woodpreservatives,oilysludges,batteries,wasteoils,asbestos,timber,plastics,alkalinesolutionsandbitumen.Someactivewastesmayalsobespecialwastes.
• Special wastesarethosethataredeemedtobedangeroustolife;theymaybecorrosive,reactive,explosive,oxidising,carcinogenicorflammable.Someofthemorecommonspecialwastesincludeacids,alkalinesolutions,oilysludges,wasteoilsandwoodpreservatives.
Waste Management Onsite
Tomanagewasteseffectively,focuson:
• Theamountofmaterialsthatarewasted;
• Thewayinwhichwastesarehandledandstored;
• Theamountofwastesthatcanbereclaimed;and
• Themethodofdisposalofwastes.
Thissectionprovidesguidanceonhowtoaddresseachoftheseissues.Thesitemanagershouldallocateresponsibilityfortheseissuesonsitetonominatedindividuals.Onlargesitesitmaybemoreappropriatetodesignateonepersonasthesitewastemanager.
Tomanagewasteseffectivelyandefficientlyitisimportanttoallocatesufficientspaceandresources.Inordertoplanwastemanagement,itishelpfultoknowthetypesandquantitiesofwastesaregeneratedonsite.Thisinformationcanbeobtainedbymonitoringwastesonsiteandbydrawingonpreviousexperience.
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Checklist - Storing Wastes Properly Onsite• Segregatedifferenttypesofwasteastheyaregenerated.
• Markwastecontainersclearlywiththeirintendedcontents.Considerusingcolourcoding.
• Usecontainerssuitablefortheircontents.Checkthatcontainersarenotcorrodedorwornout.
• Minimisetheriskofaccidentalspillagesorleaks.Providecoversandbundstopreventevaporationandspillageofwastes.
• Ensurethatwastescannotblowaway.
5.3 NoiseThenoiselevelsandtimingthatapplytothejobshouldbeconsideredundertherelevantDistrictPlanand
NZS6802,Aguidetonoisecontrol–constructionnoiseandNZS68031999:'Acoustics-ConstructionNoise'.
What is Noise?
Noiseisoftenexplainedasbeingasoundthatisunwantedbythelistener.Soundisawavemotioncarriedbyairparticlesbetweenthesourceandthereceiver,usuallytheear.Itmayconsistofahigh-pitchedorlow-pitchedwhine,oritmayhavenospecialdistinguishingfeatures.Sound,pressureandnoisearemeasuredinunitsofdecibel(dB)usingalogarithmicscale.Thismeansthatifyouincreaseasoundby10dBitisperceivedasadoublinginloudness.
Asaruleofthumb,ifyouhavetoshouttomakeyourselfheardoverbackgroundnoisefromthesite,thenthebackgroundnoiseislikelytobeabout75-80dB.
Why Noise is Important
Excessivenoiselevelsonsiterepresentamajorhazardtositeworks.Neighbours/occupiersoflandhaveadutytoavoidunreasonablenoiseundertheRMA.Noisecausesmoreoffsitecomplaintsthananyothertopicandcanrapidlysourrelations.Noisecanalsodisturbourwildlifeandnaturalheritage.
Varioustypesofcontrolonnoiselevelsfromconstructionsitescanbeimposedwhennoisestartstocauseanuisance.Thesecontrolscanaffecttheprogrammebylimitingthelengthoftimewhichnoisyactivitiesareallowedandinfluencingtheconstructionmethod.Failingtomeetnoiseconstraintscanresultinfines.
Reducing Noise Levels in the Community
Therearethreefactorsthatinfluencenoiselevelsatagivenpoint:
1. Sitemanagementandconstructionmethod.
2. Plant.
3. Screening.
Foreachofthesefactorssimplyfollowinggoodpracticecanbringgreatbenefits.Furtherreductionsrequireattentiontobedirectedtospecificequipmentormethods.
Inplanningtheapproachtonoisereductiononaproject,thebenefitstobegainedfromeachfactorshouldbeweighedagainstthecostofimplementation.Insomesituationstheremaybeonlyonesolution.
Site Management and Construction Method (including Timing, Duration and Phasing)
Thegeneraloperationofthesiteneedstobeaddressedtocontrolnoise.Itisnotonlyloudnoisesthatcausecomplaint,butalsoanti-socialactivityandirregularortonalnoisessuchasreversingwarnings.Otherreasonsforcomplaintincludeshouting,badlanguage,radiosandout-of-hoursdeliveries.
Someoftheconstructionactivitiesthatcausethegreatestproblemsarepiling(particularlybydieselhammer),breakingoutwithpneumatictools,fallingballdemolition,earthmoving,scabbling,concretepoursandmaintenanceworks.
Calculatingnoiselevelsforrealoperationsinvolvescombiningthecumulativeeffectsofmanydifferentitemsofplant.
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Usethechecklistbelowtominimisenoiseandvibration.
Checklist• Itisimportantwhencommunicatingwithstakeholderstoemphasisetheimpactofnoisetofullyand
realisticallyinformthem.
• Changetheworkingmethod,equipmentormodesofoperationtoreducenoise.Forexample,indemolitionworks,hydraulicshearscanbeusedinplaceofhydraulicimpactbreakers.Indrivingsteelsheetpiles,wouldthegroundconditionssuitthejackingmethod(i.e.cohesivesoils),whichgenerateonlyafractionofthenoiseofconventionalhammer-driving,piling.Whenbreakingoutpavementscanmethodsotherthanpneumaticbreakersanddrillsbeused?Considerchemicalsplittersorfallingweightbreakers.
• Reducetheneedfornoisyassemblypractices,e.g.fabricateoffsite.
• Keepnoisyplantasfarawayaspossiblefrompublicareas.
• Adoptworkinghourstorestrictnoisyactivitiestocertainperiodsoftheday.
• Routeconstructionvehiclestotakeintoaccounttheneedtoreducenoiseandvibration.
• Keephaulroadswellmaintained.
• Usemufflersorsilencerstoreducenoisetransmittedalongpipesandducts.
• Minimisethedropheightintohoppers,lorriesorotherplant(reducingthedropheightbyafactorof10reducesnoisebyabout10dB).
• Considerusingrubberliningsontippersinnoise-sensitivesites.
Plant
Noiselevelsfromindividualplantitemscanvaryconsiderablydependingonhowtheyareconfiguredandused.Carefulselectionofplantisessentialwhennoiseisimportant.Tominimisethenoisefromyoursiteplant,observethefollowingrules:
• Useonlyplantconformingwithrelevantstandardsanddirectivesonemissions.Olderplant,althoughstilllegaltouse,maynothavesuchidentification;asitmaybenoisierthanmodernplant,avoidusingitinnoise-sensitiveareas.
• Whenoperatingplant,usenoise-controlequipmentsuchasjacketsonpneumaticdrills,coversoncompressors,shroudsonpilingrigsandcranes.Ifindoubtaboutwhatisappropriateaskthemanufacturer.Hoodsanddoorsoncompressorsandcranesetc.shouldnotonlybeclosedbutalsobetightlyfittingandwellsealed.Apartlycloseddoorisoflittleuse.Considerplacingadditionalscreeningaroundtheplantsuchasplywoodscreens(seeScreeningexplantationbelow).
• Electrically-poweredplantisquieterthandieselorpetrol-drivenplant.
• Operateplantproperlysothatitdoesnotcauseexcessivenoise.Shutdownplantwhenitisnotinuse.
• Maintainplantproperly-adequatelubricationtoreducesqueaksandthetighteningofloosenutsandboltstominimiserattlesarepartofroutinemaintenance.
• Provideeffectivesilencersforplant,e.g.pneumaticpercussivetools.
• Fixrotatingorimpactingmachinesonanti-vibrationmountings.
• Ensurethataudiblewarningsystems(includingreversingalarms)areswitchedtotheminimumsettingrequiredbytheHealthandSafetyExecutive.Considertheuseofalternativesystems(e.g.cab-mountedCCTV)whereappropriate.Trafficroutesthatavoidreversingonsitewillminimisetheimpact.Usetannoysystemsonlywhennecessary.
Beawarethatnoisefromsomeplant,suchascompressors,maybeemittedmoreinsomedirectionsthanothers,thereforeconsidertheorientationofstaticplant.Ifyouputplantnexttoasolidsurface(e.g.awall)thenoisewillbereflectedawayfromthesurfaceandincreasedby3dB(A).
Screening
Screenscanreducenoiselevelsfromasiteconsiderablyatarelativelylowcost.Factorsaffectingtheefficiencyofascreenincludedistancefromthesourceandfromthereceiverofnoise,densityofmaterialused,heightandlength,thepresenceofholesanditspositionrelativetonoise-reflectingsurfaces.
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Noisescreenscanconsistoftopographicalfeaturesaswellasartificialmaterials(treesdolittletoreducenoise).Tobeeffectiveanartificialscreenshouldhaveadensityofatleast7kg/m2ofsurfacearea.Thisequatesto12mmthicknessofplywood.Asitehoardingcanthereforehaveascreeningeffect,althoughitsvalueisdiminishedifitisdistantfromthesourceandreceptor.Ifthehoardingisactingasanoisescreen,worksitegatesshouldbeopenedfortheminimumamountoftimetoallowthepassageofvehicles.
Checklist - Design and Placement of Screens• Wherepossible,placesourcesofnoiseawayfromsensitiveareas.
• Avoidsound-trapsthatamplifynoise.
• Almostanysolidly-builtscreenisbetterthannone.
• Erectthescreenclosetothesourceofnoise.
• Buildthescreenfromstoutmaterials,withpanelsstiffenedtopreventdrumming.
• Forthemosteffectiveresultsbuildthescreenabout1metreabovethehighestsightline.
• Sealallgapsandopenings,includinggapsatthebottomofthescreen.
• Glazeanypublicobservationopeningsinperimeterhoardingswithperspex(protectedwithwiremeshorsimilar)ifsensitiveareasarecloserthantheheightofthehoarding.
• Considerplacingadditionalscreensclosetosensitiveareasbutnotparalleltonearbywalls.
5.4 VibrationWhy Vibration is Important
Althoughrare,highvibrationlevelsoversustainedperiodscancausedamagetobuildingsandsensitiveequipmentwithinbuildings,suchascomputers.Lowerlevelscancausenuisancetoresidents.Thedegreeofannoyancedependsontheactivity,thepersonsaffectedandthevibrationintensity.Itislikelylocalresidentswillcomplainaboutanyperceivedvibrationsassoonastheybecomenoticeable.
Vibrationmayalsocausedisruptiontowildlife,anddamagetogeological,geomorphologicalandarchaeologicalsites.Thelevelatwhichthisoccursissite-specific.
Sincetheeffectsofhigh-frequencyvibrationarelessthanthoseoflow-frequencyones,itisworthseekingwaystochangethefrequencyifaproblemisbeingcaused.Thisusuallyrequiresspecialistadvice;askplantmanufacturersfortheirhelp.
Pleasenoteasensitivitysurveymaynotberequiredinallinstances.Thisshouldbereferencedinyourcontract.
How to Avoid Vibration Problems
Therearethreeprimaryaimsinthemanagementofvibrationonsite:
• Toavoidcausingdamagetonearbystructures.
• Toavoidcausingannoyanceandconcerns.
• Toavoidbeingfalselyaccusedofcausingdamage.
Thefollowingfourstepswillhelpinaddressingeachoftheseaims:
STEP 1 Monitor Conditions Before Works Start
Beforestartingconstruction,itmaybenecessarytosurveysensitivelocationsandstructuresifthereissignificantriskofcausinganeffect.Thesurveyshouldincludeadetailedrecordof:
• Existingcracksandtheirwidths;
• Levelandplumbsurvey,includingdamp-proofcourse;
• Measurementsoftiltingwallsorbulges;
• Otherexistingdamageincludinglooseorbrokentiles,pipes,gulliesorplaster.
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Photographicrecordsandtheinstallationofmeasurabletell-taledevicesarealsohelpfultoestablishallegedoractualdamage.Insomesituationsitwillbenecessarytostrengthenvulnerableoffsitestructuresbeforevibrationsstart.
Sensitivelocationstosurveyandmonitorbeforeandduringconstructionmayinclude:
• Schools;
• Hospitalsandnursinghomes;
• Historicbuildings;
• Museums;
• Laboratories;
• Precisionmachineworkshops;
• Sensitiveplantorequipmentusedbylocalcompanies;
• Housing;
• Buildingsinpoorcondition;
• Brittle/ancientundergroundservices,includingtunnels. STEP 2 Inform Neighbours
Vibrationcausesanxietyandannoyancetoresidentsmostlybecausetheyfearthatitwillcausedamage.Itisthereforeusefultoexplaintothemthatdamageonlyoccursatvibrationlevelsmanytimesgreaterthanthosethatcanbefeltfromtheconstructionsite.
Informingneighboursofthepotentialforvibrationallowsthesitestafftolearnofanyparticularlysensitiveissuesthatmaybetime-dependentandthatmayberesolvedbylimitinghoursofwork.
Manufacturersshouldbeabletoadviseonthelevelofvibrationthatmightharmcomputerinstallations. STEP 3 Minimise Effects During Works
Reducingvibrationsduringtheworksisdifficulttoachievebecausetheremaybeafundamentalside-effectoftheprocessbeingundertaken.
Toreducevibrations,themethodsbeingproposedwillneedtobere-evaluated.Forexample,pilingiswellknownforcausingvibrationeffects,butdrivencasingscausegreatereffectsthanvibratedcasings.Whenevaluatinghowtoreducevibrationsconsiderthefollowing:
• High-frequencyvibrationcauseslessdamagethanlow-frequencyvibration;
• Isolatingplant;
• Plantplacedonaheavybasecauseslessvibrationthanplantonalighterbase,e.g.suspendedslabs;
• Vibrationstravellessdistanceinunsaturatedground.Ifgroundwaterlevelsfluctuate(e.g.intidalregions),carryoutworksduringlowertides.
STEP 4 Monitor Vibration Levels During Works
Tobeeffective,vibration-levelmonitoringneedstobecarriedoutbytrainedstafforbyexternalspecialists.However,itmaybenecessaryforsitestafftodiscusswithbuildingoccupantswherevibrationmonitoringcanbeconducted.Thetwomainrulesformonitoringatpropertiesduringoperationsare:
• Measureinsideroomswhenassessingnuisance;
• Measureonthestructureoutsidewhenassessingdamage(doorstepsareagoodlocation).
Withsensitivestructures,continuedvisualmonitoringandmeasurementofcrackwidthsisthebestwaytodeterminewhetherdamageisbeingcaused.
Itisimportanttorefertothecommonly-usedstandardsformeasuringvibration;specialistadvicemaybewarranted.
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5.5 Dust, Emissions and OdoursWhy Dust, Emissions and Odours are Important
Dust,emissionsandodoursarisingfromasitewillannoyneighboursandcanevencausehealthrisksathighconcentrations.Thereisalsothepotentialforlegalaction,whichwillhavecostandprogrammeimplications.Dust,emissionsandodourscanbeparticularlyhazardoustositestaffinconfinedspaces,soseekinformationoncontrolsfromthecompanyhealthandsafetyofficers.
Today'sdustistomorrow'ssediment.Coverstockpiles,orexposedareasandcontroldustfromsurfacecutting,especiallyinbuilt-upareaswheredustmayannoyresidents.
Dustisgenerallyconsideredtobeanyairbornesolidmatteruptoabout2mminsize.Particlesizescanvaryconsiderably,dependingontheirorigin,andthesmallestparticlescanbebreathedin.Humanhealtheffectsofairbornedustaregenerallyassociatedwithparticleslessthanapproximately10microns(PM10).Somedust,suchaslimestonedust,ischemicallyactive.
Largerparticles(typicallygreaterthan20microns)aregenerallyfoundtobethesourceofnuisancedustastheycansoilpropertyandaffectvisibility.
Annoyance to Neighbours
Dust,emissionsandodoursdisturbsiteneighbours.Annoyanceiscausedwhenresidentshavetore-cleanwashingthathasbeenhangingoutandwhentheyhavetowashcars,curtainsandwindows.Windblowndustcanbeunsightlyoverlongdistancesinscenicareas.Inexceptionalcircumstances,dustcanaffecthealthby,forexample,causingeyeirritation.Asthmacanbeexacerbatedbyexposuretorespirabledust.
How to Avoid Problems
Withdust,emissionsandodouragoodruleofthumbisthatthereshouldbenonuisancecausedbeyondtheboundary.Regulatorstendtobecomeinvolvedonlyonceproblemshavebeencreatedandcomplaintsreceived.Toavoidcausingcomplaints,thesiteshouldoperateamanagementsystemthatensuresthat:• Dust,emissionsandodourfromgeneraloperationsareminimisedthroughadoptionofgoodworking
practice;• Specialconsiderationforcontrolmeasuresisgivenincircumstanceswheregeneralgoodpracticemaynot
besufficienttoavoidcausingproblems.
Itisalsovaluabletokeeparecordofdailydustconditionsandmitigationmeasurestakenincasedisputesarise.
Checklist - Avoiding Dust Generation
Haul Routes• Selectsuitablehaulroutesawayfromsensitivesitesifpossible.• Paveheavily-usedareas,orusegeotextilese.g.aroundbatchingplantorhaulroutes.Sweeptheseregularly.• Providealengthofpavedroadorastabilisedconstructionentrance(TP90)beforetheexitfromthesite.• Reducethewidthofhaulroads(whilestillallowingtwo-waytraffic)tominimisesurfaceareafromwhichdust
maybeproduced.• Sweeppavedaccessroads(whilestillallowingtwo-waytraffic)andpublicroadsregularlyusingavacuum
sweeper.• Limitvehiclespeeds-theslowerthevehicles,thelessdustgenerated.• Dampdown(seeover).
Demolition• Useenclosedchutesfordroppingtoground-leveldemolitionmaterialsthathavethepotentialtocause
dustandregularlydampenthechutes.• Locatecrushingplantawayfromsensitivesites-considersitingwithinbuildings(e.g.buildingswithinthe
sitethatwillnotbedemolishedorthosetobedemolishedlast).
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Plant• Cleanthewheelsofvehiclesleavingthesitesothatmudisnotspreadonsurroundingroads-drymud
turnstodust.• Ensurethatexhaustsdonotdischargedirectlytotheground.
Earthworks and Excavations• Revegetateorsealtemporaryorcompletedearthworksassoonaspossible.• Keepearthworksdamp-trytoprogrammetoavoidexceptionallydryweather.
Materials Handling and Storage• Locatestockpilesoutofthewind(orprovidewindbreaks)tominimisethepotentialfordustgeneration.• Keepthestockpilestotheminimumpracticableheightandusegentleslopes.• Compactandbindstockpilesurfaces(inextremecases).Revegetatelong-termstockpiles.Coversmall
stockpileswithgeotextilecloth.• Minimisethestoragetimeofmaterialsonsite.• Storematerialsawayfromthesiteboundaryanddownwindofsensitiveareas.• Ensurethatalldust-generatingmaterialstransportedtoandfromsitearecoveredbytarpaulin.• Minimisetheheightoffallofmaterials.• Avoidspillage,andcleanupassoonaspossible.• Dampdown(seebelow).
Concrete Batching and Pouring• Mixlargequantitiesofconcreteorbentoniteslurriesinenclosed/shieldedareas.• Beforeconcretepours,vacuumdirtinformworkratherthanblowingitout.• Keeplargeconcretepourscleanaftertheyhavegoneoff.Theygeneratelargequantitiesofdust.
Cutting/Grinding/Grouting/Packing• Minimisecuttingandgrindingonsite.• Oncuttersandsaws,useequipmentandtechniquessuchasdustextractorstominimisedust.Considera
wetcuttingsaworusevacuumextraction.• Spraywaterduringcuttingofpavingslabstominimisedust.• Disposeofanywashwaterappropriately.
Damp Down using Water
Themosteffectiveapplicationofwaterinsuppressingdustisbyusingafinespray,buttheefficiencydependsonthespeedofthebowser.Repeatsprayregularlyandfrequently,especiallyduringwarmandsunnyweatherwhenwaterwillevaporatequickly.Considerspraying:• Unpavedworkareassubjecttotrafficorwind.• Structuresandbuildingsduringdemolition.• Sand,spoolandaggregatestockpiles(thishasonlyatemporaryandslighteffect).• Duringloadingandunloadingofdust-generatingmaterials.
Ifyouareabstractingwaterfromawatercourse,ensurethatyouhaveobtainedpermission.
5.6 ArchaeologySometimesexcavationsuncoverevidenceofhistoricMaoriorcolonialEuropeanactivities.Itisagainstthelawtodamageordestroyhistoricstructuresfrombeforetheyear1900,unlessyouhaveapprovalfromtheHistoricPlacesTrust.Shellbanksmaybemiddens.
Why is Archaeology Important?
Archaeologicalremainsareirreplaceableandareavaluablepartofournationalheritage.Encounteringunexpectedarchaeologicalfindscanaffectbothprojectprogrammeandcosts.• Delaysandcostscanoccurwhenworkshavetobestoppedtoallowforarchaeologicalexcavation.
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• Damagecausedtoscheduledsitesormonumentscanresultinprosecutionandsignificantprogrammedelayswhilethedamageisassessed,andwhilescheduledmonumentconsentisappliedfortocarryoutrepairs.
Managing Archaeology Onsite
Ifitislikelythatarchaeologicalorhistoricalfeatureswillbefoundduringaproject,theAucklandTransportwillprobablyhavecommissionedsomeworkonthesite.Askthecouncilfortheinformationtheyholdaboutthesite.
Evenifaninvestigationhasbeencarriedout,theremaystillbeapotentialforunexpectedfindstobeuncoveredduringconstruction.Thecontractor'sresponsibilitiesandliabilitieswilldependontheparticularcontractandthesitemanagershouldbeawareofthese.Thecontractorisnotexpectedtobeanarchaeologicalexpertbutmustdothefollowing:• Followthecontractualobligations,e.g.providingattendancesand/oraccesstoprofessional
archaeologists.• Protectknownarchaeologicalandheritagesites.
• Reportanysignificantfindsarisingduringconstruction.
Comply with Contract and Planning Conditions
IdentifyanycontractualobligationsandconditionsthatmaybeattachedtotheHistoricPlacesTrustpermission(seeabove).Asktheclientforanyinformationthattheyholdonthesite.
Protect Known Archaeological and Historical Features
Ensurethattheproposedmethodofworkingcomplieswithanyobligationsidentified.Worksthatarelocatedclosetoasiteofarchaeologicalorculturalsignificancecanhaveadamagingimpact.Forexample,vibrationcouldcausecrackingandsubsidenceinlistedbuildings;accessroadscoulddisturbhistoricareas.
Be Prepared for Unexpected Finds
Whetherornotknownarchaeologicalorhistoricalfeatureshavebeenidentifiedonyoursite,thereisstillthepotentialforunexpectedfindstobeuncoveredduringworks.Materialstolookoutforduringexcavationsincludeburntorblackenedmaterials,brickortilefragments,coins,potteryorbonefragments,skeletons,timberjointsorpostholes,brickorstonefoundations,andinfilledshelldepositditches.
If Any Finds Are Encountered• Stopworkimmediatelyinthearea.• Protectthefindbyfencing/blockingitoffandcontactthesitemanager.• ContactthePrincipal'sContractManagerwhowillcontacttheHistoricPlacesTrust,iwiandotherrelevant
stakeholdersasappropriate.Ifbonesareuncovered,thePolicemustbenotified.• DonotresumeworkuntilinstructedbythePrincipal'sContractManager.
5.7 Other ConsiderationsDamage to Property and Infrastructure Assets
Yourworkplanscanhelpyouminimisethedamageyourworkdoestootherproperty,suchasgrassverges,footpaths,vegetationandundergroundservices.
Soil Erosion and Land Undermining
Vegetationremoval,dewateringandvibrationcancauseerosion,soilcrackingandlandinstabilityonandaroundyourworksite.
Exhaust Fumes from Vehicles and Machinery
Considerturningenginesoffwhennotinuse,placingthemdownwindofneighbours,andconsiderlow-emissionmachinerywhenreplacingassets.Donotallowfumestogoupintoatreecanopyasthiscandamagethetree.
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Additional Resources
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6.1 TrainingHereisalistofenvironmentaltopicsyoucouldcoveratregulartoolboxmeetings:
•Consentconditions •Limeandconcrete
•Permittedactivitystandards •Erosionandsedimentcontrol
•Environmentalrisksofkeytasks •Stormresponse
•Howtousethespillkit •Dustcontrol/noise
•Respondingtopubliccomplaints •Emergencyresponse
•Wastestorageanddisposal •Safehandlingofchemicalsandpaint
•Whattodoifyoufindarchaeologicalevidence •Worksin/oraroundtrees
•Dewateringorpumping •Refuellingandmaintenance
•Wastemanagement •Newinitiativesandbrightideas
Identifying Training Needs
Topic Trainer Recipient Training frequency
Safetyandenvironmentalinduction Principal Everyone Varies
Site/projectspecificinduction Contractor Everyone Atstartofproject
Site-specificenvironmentalinduction,consentconditions,permittedactivities,environmentalcontrols
Contractororotherapprovedprovidere.g.RoadingNZ
Projectengineers,supervisorsandsub-contractors
Asrequiredwhenpersonnelchanges
Erosionandsedimentcontroltraining Externaltrainers Sitesupervisors,sub-contractors
Bi-annual
Emergencyresponsetraining Contractor Everyone,sub-contractors
Randomspillexercisesix-monthly
Contactyourrelevantindustryassociationforspecifictraininginformatione.g.RoadingNewZealand.
6.2 Helpful ContactsNZHistoricPlacesTrust:3078896
RoadingNewZealand:4482143
EECA,theEnergyEfficiencyandConservationAuthority:0800358676
ERMA,theEnvironmentalRiskManagementAuthority:044738426
MinistryfortheEnvironmentSustainableBusinessTeam:9131640
NZBusinessCouncilforSustainableDevelopment(NZBCSD):5259727
SustainableBusinessNetwork(SBN):9202400
GasEmergencycallcentre:0800764764.
References
BituminousMaterialsUsedinRoading-CodeofPracticeforSafeHandling(BCA9904).2000.PavementandBitumenContractors'Association,POBox12013,Wellington.
StandardsNewZealand,2006,Handbook.Environmentalriskmanagement–principlesandprocess.HB203:2006.
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