Walton Environmental

Environment Management Systems

Environmental management systems are used by organisations in both the private and public sectors to help them reduce their environmental impacts, comply with relevant legislation, and demonstrate that they are managing their environmental risks and liabilities responsibly.

ISO14001, and the Acorn Scheme (BS8555) are recognised International and British Standards which help businesses understand and manage their environmental impacts and demonstrate this to their customers. A third scheme known as EMAS (EU Eco Management and Audit Scheme) is similar to ISO14001 but with an additional requirement for public reporting of environmental performance.

Walton Environmental has successfully guided a number of businesses to full certification status to all these standards.

ISO 14001

Most organisations implementing environmental management systems seek independent certification against the international standard ISO 14001 which specifies all the requirements necessary for a robust environmental management system. Copies of the standard can be obtained from the British Standards Institution at: http://www.bsigroup.co.uk/en/Standards-and-Publications/
ISO 14001 is a management tool enabling an organization of any size or type to:

  • identify and control the environmental impact of its activities, products or services, and to
  • improve its environmental performance continually, and to
  • implement a systematic approach to setting environmental objectives and targets, to achieving these and to demonstrating that they have been achieved.

ISO 14001 does not specify levels of environmental performance but provides a framework for a strategic approach to the organisation’s environmental policy, plans and actions.

To achieve certification to ISO14001 an organisation will need to implement a range of written procedures, establish an environmental policy, objectives and targets and commit to legal compliance and continual environmental improvement.

EMAS (EU Eco Management and Audit Scheme)

EMAS is a voluntary EU wide scheme which gives recognition to organisations who have implemented ISO 14001 and also produce regular public statements about their performance. Further information can be found on the following web site: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/emas/index_en.htm

BS 8555

EMAS is a voluntary EU wide scheme which gives recognition to organisations who have implemented ISO 14001 and also produce regular public statements about their performance. Further information can be found on the following web site: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/emas/index_en.htm

Workplace Air Sampling

In Britain, the COSHH Regulations are designed to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances and introduce a variety of controls aimed at reducing employee exposure.  One of these controls introduces Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL’s) for hazardous substances.

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) are legally binding exposure limits set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK to protect workers from hazardous substances in the workplace.

Walton Environmental Ltd offer :-

  • Personal air monitoring for comparison to the applicable WEL’s in line with the COSHH regulations.
  • Background air monitoring to check controls are working effectively
  • Recirculating air system checks using real time dust monitors and/or air monitoring

Walton Environmental has experience in a variety of industries including, furniture manufacturing, weaving and textiles, electronics, isocyanate coatings, paint spraying, shotblasting, glass manufacturing, cable manufacturing and bed and mattress production to name but a few.

If you need assistance checking the exposure levels in your workplace or want more information please get in touch!

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Testing

Local Exhaust Ventilation, often called dust and/or fume extraction is installed to capture harmful emissions at source and reduce the amount in the workers breathing zone. For these systems to work effectively, they must be well designed and maintained.

LEV testing, some times referred to as COSHH testing, in the UK is legally required to ensure that systems designed to remove dust, fumes, and other hazardous airborne contaminants from the workplace are functioning effectively and safely.

Some common types of LEV equipment includes:

  • Woodworking machinery dust extraction systems
  • Paint spraying booths
  • Fume extraction from welding, soldering, brazing or furnaces
  • Dust extraction from handling of powders and granular solids
  • Mist and dust extraction from metal working machinery
  • Dust extraction from stone cutting and grinding

Walton Environmental Ltd offer’s a full range of LEV testing services. 

Ge in touch today to discuss your requirements!

Workplace Noise Assessment:

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into effect in April 2006. 

The aim of the Noise at Work Regulations is to ensure that workers hearing is protected.

Noise Assessments

Walton Environmental Ltd Can carry out workplace noise assessments measuring employees exposure levels advising on how to minimise the risks to health and helping companies comply with the Noise Regulations.

Our workplace noise assessments consider all aspects required by The Regulations including :-

Daily noise dosage, Hearing protection suitability, Hearing protection zones etc.

This information is delivered in a comprehensive easy to follow report.

Training

We can also provide training in line with The Regulations to ensure staff have appropriate knowledge levels and are competent in the use of hearing protection.