EU Climate Change Targets ‘unrealistic’

New legislation: open

The EU has announced that it is unlikely to meet its target to maintain global warming below 2°C, according to the final conclusions of an International Scientific Conference. Reaching the EU's goal of keeping the rise in global temperatures to below 2°C would require keeping CO2 concentration in the atmosphere at a maximum of 450 parts per million (ppm). But according to the UK Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir David King, such a target may not be reached. "To aim for 450 (ppm) would, I am afraid, seem unfeasible," he told a news conference as reported by the BBC on 30 January. Sir David King was presenting the final report of an International Scientific Conference, held in Exeter last year, on avoiding dangerous climate change. The conference report was published on 30 January 2006. A rise in temperature below the EU's 2°C target may be enough to melt the Greenland ice sheet, the report concludes. "Complete or partial deglaciation of Greenland may be triggered for even quite modest [greenhouse gas] stabilisation targets," it says. "Technological options for significantly reducing emissions over the long term already exist," says the report. But it warns "major investment is needed now in both mitigation and adaptation" technologies if they are to be achieved. Recommended technologies include "energy efficiency, nuclear energy, low-emission transport fuels and fossil fuel power plants with CO2 capture and storage". In a related development, President George W. Bush urged the US to put an end to its oil addiction in his annual state of the union address before Congress. He said he would seek a 22% increase in R&D funding into clean energy. Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 13/02/06)

JPD with NQA provide training on Environmental Management and Climate Change, for more information visit our website www.jpd.co.uk or call one of our friendly Training Advisors on 0870 438 2573

Limits set for PCBs in food

New legislation: open

The EU have set limits on the level of PCBs allowed in food and animal feed for the first time. The limits will run in parallel to existing controls on dioxin levels in foodstuffs. The new legislation looks at the combined total levels of dioxin-like Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins themselves, rather than setting a limit for the PCBs alone. Dioxins in meat, dairy produce and other animal-based foods have been restricted since July 2002. The same wave of legislation also covered animal feed. However, due to lack of sufficient data and scientific information at the time, no levels were set for dioxin-like PCBs. Since 2002 new data on dioxin-like PCBs has become available and the legislation means that from November 2006 any food or feed in which the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs exceeds these maximum levels will not be allowed to be marketed in the EU.

The reduction of persistent chemicals such as dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in the food chain is an important part of ensuring the health and safety of EU consumers. A particularly nasty family of chemicals, even at low doses dioxins can provoke a wide spectrum of health problems, including cancer, immune and nervous system disorders, liver damage, sterility and endocrine disruption. Once they enter the food chain they can remain in the environment, causing havoc for years.

Source: www.edie.net (accessed 13/02/06) For further information on JPD with NQA's range of Food Hygiene Courses, please visit our website www.jpd.co.uk or call our training advisors on 0870 438 2573

Contaminants in Food Regulations 2005

New legislation: open

The Contaminants in Food (England) Regulations 2005 (SI 2005 No. 3251) come into force on 1st January 2006. These regulations which apply to England only revoke and re-enact with changes the Contaminants in Food (England) Regulations 2004, as amended. The Regulations state that, except in certain cases, it is an offence to: Place on the market certain foods if they contain contaminants of any specified kind, at levels exceeding those specified. Use food containing such contaminants at such levels as ingredients in the production of certain foods. Mix foods that do not comply with the maximum levels with foods that do comply. Mix certain foods intended for direct consumption with certain foods intended to be sorted or otherwise treated prior to consumption. Detoxify by chemical treatment food not complying with the limits specified. The Contaminants in Food (England) Regulations 2005 can be accessed at www.opsi.gov.uk Source: www.edie.net (accessed 14/02/06)

 Visit our website www.jpd.co.uk for more information on JPD with NQA's Food Hygiene courses or call 0870 438 2573

ISO 14001:2004 Legal Requirements

New legislation: open

Did you know that Clause 4.3.2 of ISO 14001:2004 states: "The organisation shall establish, implement and maintain a procedure(s)a) to identify and have access to the applicable legal requirements and other requirements to which the organization subscribes related to its environmental aspects, and b) to determine how these requirements apply to its environmental aspects. The organization shall ensure that these applicable legal requirements and other requirements to which the organization subscribes are taken into account in establishing, implementing and maintaining its environmental management system".

JPD with NQA can help you to comply to this clause with in Touch our free Legislation Update Service. You can either subscribe to in Touch through bloglines (see Subscribe to in Touch) or you can register to receive monthly updates on Environmental and Health & Safety Legislation from in Touch via e-mail. Formore information please contact one of our friendly training advisors on 01565 724200.

 If you would like to receive free monthly updates via email from in Touch please send your full company details (including a contact telephone number) to intouch@jpd.co.uk Need some training on ISO 14001 and its requirements?

Just visit our website http://www.jpd.co.uk/courses/environmental.htm to see our full range of scheduled courses. JPD with NQA also offer a wide range of training services to meet your organisations needs, just call 01565 724200

The STEM project

New legislation: open

NQA is leading the way on BS 8555 with its involvement in the 'Sustainable together through environmental managment' (STEM) project. The largest of its kind in Europe, this has been set up to help nine cross-border councils in Ireland and Northern Ireland, the Southern Group Environmental Health Committee (SGEHC) and small and medium sized enterprises in the surrounding area to implement and develop environmental management systems (EMS). The aim of STEM is to bring 270 companies through to phase three of BS 8555 by August 2007. It will also deliver ISO 14001 to the nine participating councils and any companies who, having achieved BS 8555 phase three, want to commit to ISO 14001. The project is funded by the EU, the nine participating councils (seven from Northern Ireland and two from Ireland) and the DGEHC. NQA won the contract to be the independent inspection body for the project in open tender, having previously worked successfully with the SGEHC. Sam Glenn, NQA Regional Manager for Ireland and Bill McDonagh, Regional Co-ordinator, have the challenging task of managing this demanding project. 'The STEM project is proof of the growth and popularity of BS 8555' says Sam, 'and it makes NQA the leading inspection body for the standard in the UK'.

So far some 90 companies have signed up for BS 8555 phase three. The first five have already passed and will be presented with their certificates this year and the remainder are being inspected which should be completed very soon. For SME's BS 8555 is a very convenient way of going for an EMS because it uses the Acorn Scheme developed by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) to achieve registration. This is a flexible scheme with six phases. You do not have to complete all six, but can choose to only go as far as the level which best suits your organisations needs. Another benefit is that it can be tackled incrementally at a pace to suit the organisation, with the option to complete the full six stages and gain registration to ISO 14001 if desired.

NQA is one of only three inspection bodies in the UK to be accredited for BS 8555. For more information on BS 8555/Acorn Scheme contact ems@nqa.com (Article taken from NQA Reporter Winter 2005/6) JPD also offer training on ISO 14001 and BS 8555 for more information visit our website www.jpd.co.uk or contact one of our Training Advisors on 0870 438 2573

PPC and Waste Management Licensing Consultation

New legislation: open

Defra, in collaboration with the Environment Agency and the Welsh Assembly Government, has published a consultation paper seeking views on proposals for replacing the environmental permitting and compliance systems under Waste Management and Pollution Prevention and Control legislation. The Environmental Permitting Programme (EPP) is examining how to combine the Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) and waste management licensing systems into a common permitting and compliance system in England and Wales. The proposals set out in the consultation paper aim to streamline and simplify the mechanics of the permitting and compliance systems for waste and PPC without undermining environmental protection or human health. They suggest a new system consisting of fewer, simpler rules and clearer guidance. This unified approach would allow industry, regulators and the public to focus more on environmental outcomes and less on how they are achieved. The closing date for responses to this consultation is 15th May 2006.

 The consultation documents can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/envpermitprog/index.htm

Consultation on Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999

New legislation: open

Defra has launched a two-stage consultation on the review of the Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) regime, known as 'Part B' where it regulates activities not directly subject to EU air pollution controls. 'Part B' activities are those regulated under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 to control emissions to air. In England, these activities are regulated by local authorities under the system of Local Air Pollution Prevention and Control. Alternative approaches to regulation under Part B could include reliance on the Clean Air Act, statutory nuisance or the land use planning systems, or the use of simplified applications and permits as are currently provided for service stations, small waste oil burners and dry cleaners. No changes will be made if a given type of activity is a significant source of local, national or transboundary air pollutants. This includes any which would compromise achievement of existing national air quality policy or objectives, European obligations or other international agreements.

 The deadline for responses to the consultation is 19th May 2006. Further information can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/ppcact-partb/index.htm Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 14/03/06) JPD offer a series of Environmental Training courses, for more information contact one of our Training Advisors on 01565 724200

Waste Strategy Consultation

New legislation: open

On 14th February, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) launched a major consultation on its strategy for waste in England. It is five years since the Government set out its 20 year waste strategy in Waste Strategy 2000?. This review provides an opportunity to reflect on existing policies and delivery mechanisms, including those arising from the Government's response to the recommendations made in the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit report on waste (Waste not Want not?), and to consult on proposals for a revised waste strategy.

The overall objective of a revised waste strategy will be to further reduce the impacts of waste management on the environment, while developing the economic benefit of using waste as a resource and meeting EU obligations. To achieve this, the revised waste strategy will offer a clearer longer-term vision for waste and resource management as part of the Government's drive for sustainable development, consolidate current policies and set out new proposals agreed after consultation. Proposals in the consultation focus on working more closely with businesses and retailers to reduce waste, new targets for recycling of household waste and a greater strategic role for local authorities.

The closing date for responses to this consultation is 9th May 2006. Further information can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/wastestratreview/index.htm Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 14/03/06) For details of JPD's services visit our website www.jpd.co.uk or call 01565 724200

Source Segregation Consultation

New legislation: open

The Government is reviewing the source segregation requirement for aerobic and anaerobically digested waste compost, liquor or digestate, spread to agricultural land under a paragraph 7A exemption from Waste Management Licensing Regulations 2004. A consultation document looking at options for the regulation of this waste type was launched on 6th February 2006. The consultation document provides details about why the changes in the 2005 Regulations were made, it asks for comments and views on whether the source segregation requirement is the most appropriate way to regulate outputs from the aerobic and anaerobic treatment of wastes (in particular by Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) plant), and it asks for any further evidence, information or data to be presented that supports the views of consultees.

The closing date for the consultation is 2nd May 2006. The consultation documents can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/wmlicence-sourcesegregate/index.htm Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 14/03/06)

Financial Provision for Landfill Consultation Outcome Published

New legislation: open

The Environment Agency (EA) has published the outcome of the September 2004 consultation setting out proposals for a change in the policy relating to the 'financial provision' requirement at landfill sites. The Landfill Directive requires landfill operators to prove that they can fund the obligations of their permit and any obligations that may arise should the landfill close, before they start operating. The EA ensures that the monitoring, management and maintenance of the landfill is properly regulated under the permit, and that any obligations continue to be funded should the site close. Current financial provision mechanisms pay funds to the EA if an operator cannot meet the terms of their permit.

Following the consultation, the EA has deferred its originally proposed implementation date of 1st January 2005 to allow time for further consideration of the responses. It has decided that the policy will not be implemented in full until landfill re-permitting (under Pollution Prevention and Control legislation) has been completed in 2007. Until then, operators will have the choice of entering into new arrangements that meet the policy objectives. After 2007, the EA will implement the policy when there are fresh applications and individual permits of operational sites are reviewed. Financial provision arrangements of landfill sites which have closed under a waste management licence will not be revisited, other than on application to transfer those licences. The report on the consultation outcome can be found at: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/commondata/acrobat/outcome_1283363.pdf Source: www.environment-agency.gov.uk (accessed 14/03/06)

For more information on JPD's Waste Management and Environmental Courses please visit our website www.jpd.co.uk or call one of our friendly Training Advisors on 0870 438 2573

New Building Regulations to Tackle Climate Change

New legislation: open

The Government has announced that it has tightened the time for the building industry to comply with new Climate Change Regulations. The implementation date for the revised Part L Regulations has been brought forward from the spring of 2008 to April 2006 to increase their contribution to tackling climate change. All new buildings without full building plans approved by 6th April 2006 must comply with the new Part L Building Regulations from 6th April 2006, which increase the energy efficiency of new buildings by 20 per cent from April, and by 40 per cent since 2002. The revisions to Part L to be implemented in April 2006 will set maximum carbon dioxide emissions for whole buildings. This performance-based approach will offer designers the flexibility to choose solutions that best meet their needs, and that are cost-effective and practical. However, the revisions to Part L will raise performance standards to a level that will provide a strong incentive to designers to consider low and zero carbon systems. Interim versions of approved documents for Part F (ventilation) and Part L (energy efficiency) and other supporting material have been published in preparation for the changes to the Building Regulations. Further information can be found at http://www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1130474. Source: www.odpm.gov.uk (accessed 14/03/06)

For details of JPDTraining Services please contact one of our training advisors on 01565 724200

The Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2006

New legislation: open

The Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations (SI 2006 No.336) were laid before parliament on 16th February and enter into force on 6th April 2006. These Regulations revoke and replace the Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/676). They consolidate amendments made to those Regulations and also update fees to be charged. They fix or determine the fees payable by an applicant to, in most cases, the Health and Safety Executive, in respect of an application made for: (a) an approval under mines and quarries legislation (regulation 2 and Schedule

1); (b) an approval of plant or equipment under the Agriculture (Tractor Cabs) Regulations 1974 (regulation 3 and Schedule

2); (c) an approval of a scheme or programme under the Freight Containers (Safety Convention) Regulations 1984 (regulation 4 and Schedule

3); (d) a licence under the Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983 and the amendment to, replacement of, and reassessment of an application to grant, such a licence (regulation 5 and Schedule

 4); (e) an approval of dosimetry services for the purposes of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 or the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001 (regulation 8 and Schedule 7);

5);(f) a licence to manufacture or store explosives or for registration for storing explosives, under the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005, for an acetylene importation licence under section 40(9) of the Explosives Act 1875, for an approval under certain instruments made under that Act in relation to acetylene, for a licence under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928, for the transfer of a licence under the Petroleum (Transfer of Licences) Act 1936, for the approval of a classification of an explosive under the Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983, or for an explosive certificate under the Control of Explosives regulations 1991 - regulation 9 and Schedule 8; (g) an explosives licence under Part IX of the Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 1987 (regulation 11 and Schedule

9); (h) an approval under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 (regulations 19 and 21 and Schedule

15); (i) an approval under the Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (First-Aid) Regulations 1989 (regulations 20 and 21 and Schedule 16); and in respect of - (j) a notification or application under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2000 (regulation 13 and Schedule 10); (k) a notification or application under the Notification of New Substances Regulations 1993 (regulation 14 and Schedule 11).

The Regulations fix fees to be paid in respect of medical examinations and surveillance by an employment medical adviser which are required under certain of the relevant statutory provisions (regulations 6 and 7 and Schedules 5 and 6). The Regulations also fix or determine the fees payable by specified persons in the offshore, rail and gas industries for the performance by the Executive of the functions specified in those provisions (regulations 15 to 18 and Schedules 12 to 14). The fees payable are described in Schedules 1 to 16 of the Regulations, the full text of which can be accessed from: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2006/20060336.htm.

Source: www.opsi.gov.uk (accessed 14/03/06) For details of JPD 's full range of Health & Safety Training, click on the following link http://www.jpd.co.uk/courses/healthsafety.htm or contact one of our friendly Training Advisors on 01565 724200

New Timetable for Construction Design Regulations

New legislation: open

On 28th February 2006, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced the revised Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations would be implemented in Spring 2007. The Regulations will revise and bring together provisions in the existing CDM Regulations 1994 and the Construction (Health Safety and Welfare) (CHSW) Regulations 1996 into a single regulatory package. In response to the three-month consultation exercise the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has agreed to postpone implementation from 1 October 2006. The new timetable has the support of the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) CDM Review Working group. The new regulations will be supported by an Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) and industry-produced guidance. To give industry time to plan and prepare for the regulatory changes, HSE intends to make a final draft of the ACoP available 3 months in advance of the Regulations coming into force.

Source: www.hse.gov.uk (accessed 14/03/06) JPD offers training services on CDM, if you would like to discuss your requirements with one of our friendly Training Advisors, call 01565 724200

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