Environmental Management

What is the 'waste hierarchy'?

• APrevention, reuse, recycling, recovery (energy), disposal (landfill)✓
• BRecycling, landfill, incineration
• CBurning, burying, sorting
• DCollection, disposal, recycling

Answer: The hierarchy prioritises preventing waste first, then reusing, recycling and recovering energy before final disposal.

What is 'waste prevention'?

• AReducing the amount and hazard of waste generated through design, procurement and process changes✓
• BRecycling waste
• CStoring waste safely
• DLabelling waste containers

Answer: Prevention is the most effective: reducing purchases, using efficient processes and choosing less-wasteful options.

What is 'hazardous waste'?

• AWaste posing significant risk (batteries, paint, chemicals, asbestos) requiring special handling and disposal✓
• BAll industrial waste
• COnly chemical waste
• DOrdinary waste

Answer: Hazardous waste has properties (toxicity, flammability, reactivity) requiring special handling and approved disposal.

What is 'Environmental Management System' (EMS)?

• AAn integrated approach to managing environmental aspects and impacts through planning, implementation and review✓
• BWaste disposal only
• CPollution monitoring only
• DRegulatory compliance only

Answer: EMS (like ISO 14001) systematically manages environmental aspects, sets objectives and tracks performance.

What is 'water pollution' prevention?

• APreventing contamination of watercourses through spill control, treatment and responsible disposal✓
• BOnly sewage treatment
• COnly rainfall management
• DNot an employer responsibility

Answer: Employers must prevent pollution of water from chemicals, waste, oils and other contaminants.

What is a 'spill containment' system?

• APhysical barriers (bunds, trays, drip pans) preventing release of liquids to environment or drains✓
• BJust absorbent material
• CWarning signs only
• DDrain plugs

Answer: Bunded areas contain spills; required for fuel, oil and chemical storage to prevent environmental damage.

What is 'air pollution' from workplaces?

• AEmissions of gases, dust and particulates from processes, combustion and materials affecting air quality✓
• BOnly indoor air quality
• COnly dust from cleaning
• DVehicle emissions only

Answer: Occupational air pollution includes dust, fumes, gases and particulates; control is required.

What is 'noise pollution' prevention?

• AControlling workplace noise to protect worker hearing and prevent noise nuisance to community✓
• BOnly using hearing protection
• COnly in industrial areas
• DNot an environmental issue

Answer: Noise control protects workers and the community; regulations limit noise emissions from activities.

What is 'light pollution'?

• AExcessive artificial lighting affecting wildlife and ecosystems, particularly night-active species✓
• BOnly artificial lighting
• COnly outdoor lighting
• DNot an environmental concern

Answer: Light pollution from 24-hour operations affects wildlife behaviour; dimming and directing lights helps.

What is 'soil contamination'?

• APresence of harmful substances (heavy metals, chemicals, oils) in soil from leaks, spills or burial✓
• BOnly from poor farming
• COnly historical manufacturing
• DNormal condition

Answer: Workplace activities can contaminate soil; prevention through spill control and proper disposal is essential.

What is a 'contaminated site'?

• ALand where hazardous substances have been released, posing risk to human health and environment✓
• BAny industrial land
• COnly derelict sites
• DNew building sites

Answer: Contaminated sites may require investigation and remediation before redevelopment; risk assessment is essential.

What is 'biodegrad ability' of substances?

• AThe extent to which substances decompose naturally in environment; non-biodegradable substances persist and accumulate✓
• BSpeed of recycling
• COnly organic materials
• DComposting ability

Answer: Non-biodegradable persistent substances (plastics, some chemicals) accumulate in environment causing long-term impacts.