The HSE has issued guidance on how to operate civic amenity sites safely – covering risk assessments, manual handling, machine guarding, protective equipment and personal welfare.
” We have decided that an earlier closing time should be implemented for the time being while further investigation is carried out “
– Tim Knight, Hampshire county council
In the guidance it states that vision is a key area, particularly for transport, and suggests that local authorities should either consider changing operational hours in line with seasonal natural light levels, or provide illumination when working at twilight or in the dark.
In response to this, all civic amenity sites in Hampshire will now open until 4pm every day, rather than 4.30 – the regular closure time last winter.
Councillor Tim Knight, executive member for environment at Hampshire county council, said: “We have decided that an earlier closing time should be implemented for the time being while further investigation is carried out.
“This is considered preferable to providing artificial lighting as it would have to be at a very high level to avoid potential hazards associated with shadows and contrasting light – and would therefore be very intrusive in some locations, and also good value for money for such a short time extension,” said Mr Knight.
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The household waste recycling sites in Hampshire receive up to 4 million visitors per year, dropping of around 250,000 tonnes of waste.
Mr Knight added: “We clearly have to take into serious consideration this revised guidance from the HSE. I do appreciate that the earlier closing time will be a bit less convenient, but I am sure people will understand the reason why.”
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