The BMRA said that it hopes the guidance will assist its members in developing their fire prevention plans (FPPs).
The recommendations are in accordance with requirements set out in the Environment Agency’s permitting regime and include practical examples of how site layout, infrastructure and fire management provisions can mitigate fire risk.
The guidance also provides information on specific techniques to consider based on the activities and materials processed by each facility.
The BMRA said that it designed the guide to apply to a wide range of operator and site sizes found across the sector and features appendices which provide more detailed information on specific materials and activities, including:
- Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
- End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV)
- Waste not covered by the EA’s FPP Guidance:
- Batteries
- Cylinders
- Dockside storage
Head of policy and public affairs and the BMRA’s fire lead, Antonia Grey, said: “Given the ever-increasing risk of fires BMRA members are facing caused by improperly discarded WEEE and lithium-ion batteries, we are very pleased to launch our Metals Recycling Fire Prevention Sector Specific Guidance.
“The result of many months of work, the Guidance is the latest tool in our suite of offerings for members around fires. We are confident that it will help operators prepare FPPs that reflect the specific challenges faced by metals recycling sites.
“Alongside informative site posters, the Guidance is supported by national fire workshops, a sector-specific offering we have developed with BMRA’s partner Packattack. We have already held three successful workshops across the UK, and we look forward to hosting more for members in the near future.”
The guidance is only available to members of the BMRA. It can be accessed as either a printed or digital version.
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