Statutory guidance

SR2021 No 12: Vehicle storage, depollution and dismantling (authorised treatment) facility

Updated 22 March 2022

Applies to England

The Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2016

Introductory note

This introductory note is a non-technical summary and does not form part of these standard rules. Operators will need to check all the rules in detail to make sure they can comply with them at all times.

Any standard permit issued for these rules by the Environment Agency will:

• name a specific operator who can use the permit
• include a site plan showing where the facility is and its extent
• include a fire prevention plan in Schedule 3
• require the operator to comply with these rules

The permit allows the named operator to operate a vehicle storage, depollution and dismantling facility and permits the recovery of all waste motor vehicles at a specified location.

No more than 750 tonnes of waste vehicles may be accepted at the facility each year.

Burning of any wastes, either in the open, inside buildings or in any form of incinerator is not permitted.

The operations must be undertaken in accordance with the fire prevention plan in Schedule 3 of this permit.

These rules do not allow any point source emission into surface waters or groundwater. However, under the emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits rule:

• liquids may be discharged into a sewer subject to a consent issued by the local water company
• liquids may be taken off-site in a tanker for disposal or recovery
• clean surface water from roofs, or from areas of the site that are not being used in connection with storing and treating waste, may be discharged directly to surface waters, or to groundwater by seepage through the soil through a soakaway
• clean surface water from storage areas for fully depolluted vehicles, uncontaminated plastic, glass and ferrous and non- ferrous metal wastes arising from the treatment of end-of-life vehicles may discharge to a sealed drainage system or to surface waters or groundwater through drainage systems designed and constructed so water discharged does not adversely impact the water quality of receiving water bodies

The facility must be a minimum distance from certain types of sensitive site. It cannot be within:

• 200 metres of a European site, Ramsar, Site of Special Scientific Interest or Marine Conservation Zone
• 50 metres of a National Nature Reserve, Local Nature Reserve, Local Wildlife Site, Ancient Woodland or Scheduled Ancient Monument
• 50 metres of a site that has species or habitats protected under the Biodiversity Action Plan that the Environment Agency considers at risk to this activity
• a groundwater source protection zone 1 or 2, or where a source protection zone has not been defined then not within 50 metres of any well, spring or borehole used for the supply of water for human consumption. This includes private water supplies
• 10 metres of an unculverted watercourse

End of introductory note

Rules

1. Management

1.1 General management

1.1.1 The operator shall manage and operate the following activities:

(a) in accordance with a written management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution, so far as is reasonably practicable, including those arising from operations, maintenance, accidents, incidents, non-conformances, closure and those drawn to the attention of the operator as a result of complaints

(b) using sufficient competent persons and resources

1.1.2 Records demonstrating compliance with rule 1.1.1 shall be maintained.

1.1.3 Any person having duties that are or may be affected by the matters set out in these standard rules shall have convenient access to a copy of these rules, the permit and the management system.

1.1.4 The operator shall comply with the requirements of an approved competence scheme.

1.2 Avoidance, recovery and disposal of wastes produced by the activities

1.2.1 The operator shall take appropriate measures to ensure all of the following, that:

(a) the waste hierarchy referred to in Article 4 of the Waste Framework Directive is applied to the generation of waste by the activities

(b) any waste generated by the activities is treated in accordance with the waste hierarchy referred to in Article 4 of the Waste Framework Directive

(c) where disposal is necessary, this is undertaken in a manner which minimises its impact on the environment

1.2.2 The operator shall review and record at least every four years whether changes to those measures should be made and take any further appropriate measures identified by a review.

2. Operations

2.1 Permitted activities

2.1.1 The operator is only authorised to carry out activities with the following descriptions:

(a) waste activity codes for recovery:

R4: Recycling or reclamation of metals and metal compounds

R5: Recycling or reclamation of other inorganic materials

R13: Storage of wastes pending any of the operations numbered R1 to R12 (excluding temporary storage, pending collection, on the site where it is produced)

(b) waste activity codes for disposal:

D15: Storage pending any of the operations numbered D1 to D14 (excluding temporary storage, pending collection, on the site where it is produced)

2.1.2 Treatment is limited to:

(a) depollution of waste motor vehicles

(b) sorting, separation, grading or cutting (using hand-held equipment only) of waste into different components for recovery

2.1.3 The activities are limited as follows:

(a) no more than 10 waste motor vehicles shall be depolluted and dismantled per week

(b) no more than 10 waste motor vehicles shall be stored at the site at any one time

(c) there shall be no treatment of batteries, other than sorting and separating from other wastes

(d) there shall be no treatment of catalytic converters, including decanning, other than manual sorting and separating from other wastes

(e) wastes shall be stored for no longer than 1 year prior to disposal and 3 years prior to recovery

(f) the maximum quantity of hazardous waste liquids stored at the site recovered from waste motor vehicles shall not exceed 2 tonnes at any one time

(g) no more than 1 tonne of intact waste vehicle tyres (waste code 16 01 03) shall be stored at the site at any one time

(h) no more than 10 tonnes of waste vehicle batteries (waste code 16 06 01* or 16 06 05) shall be stored at the site at any one time

(i) no more than 100 catalytic converters (waste code 16 01 21* or 16 01 22) shall be stored at the site at any one time

2.2 The site

2.2.1 The activities shall not extend beyond the site, being the land shown edged in green on the site plan attached to the permit.

2.2.2 The activities shall not be carried out within:

(a) 200 metres of a European Site, Ramsar, SSSI or Marine Conservation Zone

(b) 50 metres of a National Nature Reserve, Local Nature Reserve, Local Wildlife Site, Ancient Woodland or Scheduled Ancient Monument

(c) 50 metres of a site that has species or habitats protected under the Biodiversity Action Plan that the Environment Agency considers at risk to this activity

(d) a groundwater source protection zone 1 or 2, or where a source protection zone has not been defined then not within 50 metres of any well, spring or borehole used for the supply of water for human consumption (including private water supplies)

(e) 10 metres of an unculverted watercourse

2.3 Waste acceptance

2.3.1 Waste shall only be accepted at the site if all the following apply:

(a) it does not consist solely or mainly of dust, powder or loose fibres

(b) it is not in a form which is either sludge or liquid

(c) it conforms to the description in the transfer documentation supplied by the producer and holder

(d) it falls within the waste codes and descriptions given in Schedule 1 of these rules

2.3.2 Any waste that does not comply with rule 2.3.1 shall be rejected and moved to a designated quarantine area pending removal to a facility able to accept that waste.

2.3.3 Records demonstrating compliance with rule 2.3.1 and rule 2.3.2 shall be maintained and kept for at least 2 years.

2.4 Operating techniques

2.4.1 The activities shall, subject to the rules of this permit, be operated using the following techniques:

(a) undepolluted end-of-life vehicles, contaminated parts (for example engines) and tyres shall be stored on an impermeable pavement with a sealed drainage system

(b) fully depolluted end-of-life vehicles, uncontaminated plastic, glass and ferrous and non-ferrous metal wastes arising from the treatment of end-of-life vehicles shall be stored on an impermeable surface with one of the following:

(i) a sealed drainage system

(ii) a drainage system which discharges to surface water or to groundwater and is designed, constructed and maintained so discharged run-off does not adversely impact the water quality of receiving water bodies, both during construction and when operational

(c) all wastes shall be treated on an impermeable surface with sealed drainage system

(d) storage operations shall be carried out avoiding damage to components containing fluids or to recoverable components or spare parts

(e) spillage collection facilities shall be provided and used to deal with any spillage of vehicle fluids

(f) lead acid batteries shall be stored upright in containers and pointing upwards. The containers shall be impermeable with an acid resistant base and, unless stored under weatherproof covering, a lid to prevent ingress of water

(g) fluids recovered from the depollution of end-of-life vehicles shall be stored in containers specifically designed for the type of fluid being stored

(h) batteries and accumulators shall be stored under weatherproof covering or in suitable containers to prevent damage

(i) batteries of different types and chemistry shall be stored separately from each other

(j) catalytic converters will be stored in a manner that prevents the metal casing being damaged or pierced. If the metal casing becomes damaged the catalytic converter should be either double bagged or wrapped in a minimum of 400 gauge polyethylene

2.5 Technical requirements

2.5.1 As a minimum, all ELVs shall be treated using the following standards:

(a) treatment operations for depollution of end-of-life vehicles:

• removal of all batteries and liquified gas tanks
• removal or neutralisation of potential explosive components, for example air bags
• removal and separate collection and storage of fuel, motor oil, transmission oil, gearbox oil, hydraulic oil, cooling liquids, antifreeze, brake fluids, air-conditioning system fluids and gases and any other fluid contained in the end-of-life vehicle, unless they are necessary for the re-use of the parts concerned
• removal, as far as feasible, of all components identified as containing mercury

(b) treatment operations in order to promote recycling:

• removal or catalysts
• removal of metal components containing copper, aluminium and magnesium if these metals are not segregated in the shredding process
• removal of tyres, glass and large plastic components (bumpers, dashboard, fluid containers, and so on), if these materials are not segregated in the shredding process in such a way that they can be effectively recycled as materials

2.5.2 Hazardous waste shall not be mixed, either with a different category of hazardous waste or with other waste, substances or materials, unless it is authorised by rule 2.1.1 or 2.1.2 and appropriate measures are taken.

3. Emissions and monitoring

3.1 Emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits

3.1.1 Emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits (excluding odour) shall not cause pollution. The operator shall not be taken to have breached this rule if appropriate measures, including, but not limited to, those specified in any approved emissions management plan, have been taken to prevent or where that is not practicable, to minimise, those emissions.

3.1.2 The operator shall:

(a) if notified by the Environment Agency that the activities are giving rise to pollution, submit to the Environment Agency for approval within the period specified, an emissions management plan which identifies and minimises the risks of pollution from emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits

(b) implement the approved emissions management plan, from the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency

3.1.3 All liquids in containers, whose emission to water or land could cause pollution, shall be provided with secondary containment, unless the operator has used other appropriate measures to prevent or where that is not practicable, to minimise, leakage and spillage from the primary container.

3.2 Odour

3.2.1 Emissions from the activities shall be free from odour at levels likely to cause pollution outside the site, as perceived by an authorised officer of the Environment Agency, unless the operator has used appropriate measures, including, but not limited to, those specified in any approved odour management plan, to prevent or where that is not practicable, to minimise, the odour.

3.2.2 The operator shall:

(a) if notified by the Environment Agency that the activities are giving rise to pollution outside the site due to odour, submit to the Environment Agency for approval within the period specified, an odour management plan which identifies and minimises the risks of pollution from odour

(b) implement the approved odour management plan, from the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency

3.3 Noise and vibration

3.3.1 Emissions from the activities shall be free from noise and vibration at levels likely to cause pollution outside the site, as perceived by an authorised officer of the Environment Agency, unless the operator has used appropriate measures, including, but not limited to, those specified in any approved noise and vibration management plan, to prevent or where that is not practicable, to minimise, the noise and vibration.

3.3.2 The operator shall:

(a) if notified by the Environment Agency that the activities are giving rise to pollution outside the site due to noise and vibration, submit to the Environment Agency for approval within the period specified, a noise and vibration management plan which identifies and minimises the risks of pollution from noise and vibration

(b) implement the approved noise and vibration management plan, from the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency

3.4 Fire prevention

3.4.1 The operator shall take all appropriate measures to prevent fires on site and minimise the risk of pollution from them including, but not limited to, those specified in the fire prevention plan in Schedule 3 of these rules.

4. Information

4.1 Records

4.1.1 All records required to be made by these standard rules shall:

(a) be legible

(b) be made as soon as reasonably practicable

(c) if amended, be amended in such a way that the original and any subsequent amendments remain legible or are capable of retrieval

(d) be retained, unless otherwise agreed by the Environment Agency, for at least 6 years from the date when the records were made, or in the case of the following records until licence surrender:

(i) off-site environmental effects

(ii) matters which affect the condition of the land and groundwater

4.1.2 The operator shall maintain convenient access, in either electronic or hard copy, to the records, plans and management system required to be maintained by these standard rules.

4.2 Reporting and notifications

4.2.1 All reports and notifications required by these standard rules shall be made in writing, using the contact details supplied by the Environment Agency. Where reports and notifications must be made immediately, they may be provided verbally by telephone to the Environment Agency Incident Hotline 0800 80 70 60.

4.2.2 Within one month of the end of each year, the operator shall submit to the Environment Agency using the form made available for the purpose, the information specified on the form relating to the site and the waste accepted and removed from it during the previous quarter.

4.2.3 In the event:

(a) that the operation of the activities gives rise to an incident or accident which significantly affects or may significantly affect the environment, the operator must immediately do all of the following:

(i) inform the Environment Agency, using the Environment Agency Incident Hotline 0800 80 70 60 if the report is being made verbally

(ii) take the measures necessary to limit the environmental consequences of such an incident or accident

(iii) take the measures necessary to prevent further possible incidents or accidents

(b) of a breach of any rule the operator must immediately do both of the following:

(i) inform the Environment Agency, using the Environment Agency Incident Hotline 0800 80 70 60 if the report is being made verbally

(ii) take the measures necessary to ensure that compliance is restored within the shortest possible time

(c) of a breach of permit condition which poses an immediate danger to human health or threatens to cause an immediate significant adverse effect on the environment, the operator must immediately suspend the operation of the activities or the relevant part of it until compliance with the permit conditions has been restored

4.2.4 Written confirmation of actual or potential pollution incidents and breaches of rules shall be submitted to the Environment Agency within 24 hours.

4.2.5 Following the detection of an event listed in rule 4.2.3, the operator shall review and where necessary revise the management system and implement any changes as necessary to minimise the risk of reoccurrence of the issue.

4.2.6 Where the Environment Agency has requested in writing that it shall be notified when the operator is to undertake monitoring or spot sampling, the operator shall inform the Environment Agency when the relevant monitoring or spot sampling is to take place. The operator shall provide this information to the Environment Agency at least 14 days before the date the monitoring is to be undertaken.

4.2.7 The Environment Agency shall be notified within 14 days of the occurrence of the following matters, except where such disclosure is prohibited by Stock Exchange rules:

(a) where the operator is a registered company, both of the following apply:

(i) any change in the operator’s trading name, registered name or registered office address

(ii) any steps taken with a view to the operator going into administration, entering into a company voluntary arrangement or being wound up

(b) where the operator is a corporate body other than a registered company, both of the following apply:

(i) any change in the operator’s name or address

(ii) any steps taken with a view to the dissolution of the operator

(c) in any other case, all the following apply:

(i) the death of any of the named operators (where the operator consists of more than one named individual)

(ii) any change in the operator’s name or address

(iii) any steps taken with a view to the operator, or any one of them, going into bankruptcy, entering into a composition or arrangement with creditors, or, in the case of them being in a partnership, dissolving the partnership

(iv) any closure of the site longer than 15 days

4.3 Interpretation

4.3.1 In this set of standard rules the expressions listed in this rule (4.3) shall have the meaning given.

“accident” means an accident that may result in pollution.

“ancient woodland” means any area that has been wooded continuously since at least 1600 AD.

“authorised officer” means any person authorised by the Environment Agency under section 108(1) of The Environment Act 1995 to exercise, in accordance with the terms of any such authorisation, any power specified in Section 108(4) of that Act.

“cutting using hand-held equipment” means cutting typically utilising either an oxy-acetylene gas cutting torch or abrasive disc cutter tool to cut or resize large pieces of scrap metal into more manageable sizes; powder torches and plasma torches may be used to cut heat-resistant scrap (for example, pig iron, copper, bronze).

“D” means a disposal operation provided for in Annex I to Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on Waste.

“decanning” means cutting open the metal casing surrounding the honeycomb centre of a catalytic converter.

“depollution” means the minimum technical requirements for the treatment of end-of-life vehicles as set out in Annex I (3) of the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive (2000/53/EC), namely:

• removal of batteries and liquefied gas tanks

• removal or neutralisation of potential explosive components (air bags for example)

• removal and separate collection and storage of fuel, motor oil, transmission oil, gearbox oil, hydraulic oil, cooling liquids, antifreeze, brake fluids, air conditioning system fluids or gases and any other fluid contained in the end-of-life vehicle unless they are necessary for the re-use of the parts concerned

• removal, as far as feasible, of all components identified as containing mercury

“emissions of substances not controlled by emission limits” means emissions of substances to air, water or land from the activities, either from emission points specified in these standard rules or from other localised or diffuse sources, which are not controlled by an emission limit.

“European Site” means Special Area of Conservation or candidate Special Area of Conservation or Special Protection Area or proposed Special Protection Area in England and Wales, within the meaning of Council Directives 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds and 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna and the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994. Internationally designated Ramsar sites are dealt with in the same way as European sites as a matter of government policy and for the purpose of these rules will be considered as a European Site.

“groundwater” means all water, which is below the surface of the ground in the saturation zone and in direct contact with the ground or subsoil.

“hazardous waste” has the meaning given in the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 (as amended).

“impermeable surface” means a surface or pavement constructed and maintained to a standard sufficient to prevent the transmission of liquids beyond the pavement surface, and should be read in conjunction with the term “sealed drainage system”.

“pollution” means emissions as a result of human activity which may:

(a) be harmful to human health or the quality of the environment

(b) cause offence to a human sense

(c) result in damage to material property, or

(d) impair or interfere with amenities and other legitimate uses of the environment

“quarter” means a calendar year quarter commencing on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October.

“R” means a recovery operation provided for in Annex II to Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on Waste.

“Ramsar site” means a wetland of international importance, designated under the Ramsar Convention (an international agreement signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971). It is government policy to treat Ramsar sites the same as European sites.

“sealed drainage system” in relation to an impermeable surface, means a drainage system with impermeable components which does not leak and which will ensure that:

(a) no liquid will run off the surface otherwise than via the system

(b) except where they may be lawfully discharged to foul sewer, all liquids entering the system are collected in a sealed sump

“separation” means separating wastes into different material types, components and grades.

“sorting” means sorting that may be undertaken by hand or machinery. Sorting enables materials to be processed or recycled appropriately. It may involve separation of different waste types or the separation of different metal types including:

• different ferrous metals
• non-ferrous metals
• non-metallic materials (plastic for example)

“SSSI” means Site of Special Scientific Interest within the meaning of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000).

“waste code” means the 6 digit code referable to a type of waste in accordance with the List of Wastes and in relation to hazardous waste, includes the asterisk.

“waste motor vehicle” means a wheeled vehicle for use on land and that does not operate on rails that is waste within the meaning of Article 3(1) of the Waste Framework Directive.

“year” means calendar year commencing on 1st January.

Schedule 1 Permitted waste types

Waste types and quantities

Maximum quantities

The total quantity of waste accepted at the site shall be less than 750 tonnes a year.

Exclusions

Wastes from the depollution of waste motor vehicles at other End of Life Vehicle dismantlers will not be accepted.

16 Wastes not otherwise specified in the list

Waste code	Description
16 01	End-of-life vehicles from different means of transport [including off-road machinery] and wastes from dismantling of end-of-life vehicles and vehicle maintenance (except 13,14, 16 06 and 16 08)
16 01 04*	End-of-life vehicles
16 01 06	End-of-life vehicles (containing neither liquids nor other hazardous components)

Schedule 2 Site plans and maps

Plan 1 – activities at the site

Plan 1 – Site specific plan (or plans) of activities at the site. These must include a site-specific plan (or plans) drawn to a scale that is large enough to clearly identify activities, buildings, working areas, plant and equipment that are critical to the safe operation of the site.

Plan 2 – drainage and pollution control

Plan 2 – Site specific plan (or plans) of drainage and pollution control at the site. It must include a site-specific plan (or plans) drawn to a scale that is large enough to clearly identify all aspects of drainage and pollution control at the site.

Plan 3 – sensitive receptors near the site

Plan 3 – Site specific plan of sensitive receptors within a 1km radius of the site. It must include a site-specific plan (or plans) drawn to a scale that is large enough to clearly identify all sensitive receptors located within a 1km radius of the site that could be affected by a fire.

Schedule 3 Fire prevention plan

1. Introduction

Sites that store combustible wastes pose a risk from fires. Fires can cause impacts to receptors off site, for example from smoke plumes and from firewater runoff created by firefighting activities.

This fire prevention plan sets out requirements to meet the 3 objectives of the fire prevention plan guidance. The 3 objectives are to:

• minimise the likelihood of a fire happening
• aim for a fire to be extinguished within 4 hours
• minimise the spread of fire within the site and to neighbouring sites

This plan and its requirements are in addition to any fire risk assessments required by The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 or other legislation.

Further guidance on FPP can be found in Environment Agency guidance available on GOV.UK.

2. Management responsibilities

The permit holder shall ensure the effective implementation of this fire prevention plan (FPP). This includes:

• allocating sufficient resources to ensure the FPP can be implemented
• ensuring site staff are trained and competent to implement this FPP
• monitoring the overall effectiveness of the FPP through weekly site inspection and recording the findings
• ensuring that site operations are carried out in accordance with this FPP
• regularly reviewing the FPP and revising its elements, such as staff training, to ensure that fire risks are appropriately managed
• maintaining and reviewing a fire safety procedure, which details the specific actions that will be taken in the event of a fire on site following a fire or near-miss of a fire, if advised by the Fire and Rescue Service or the Environment Agency

3. Using this fire prevention plan

3.1 Testing the plan and staff training

All staff and contractors working on site must be aware of this FPP and where it is located. Training shall be given so everyone on site knows:

• how to prevent a fire occurring
• what they must do if there is a fire on site (including use of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, pollution prevention equipment, calling 999, evacuating affected areas and so on)
• the contents of this fire prevention plan
• key people to contact

Records of staff training shall be retained. Refresher training shall be provided on at least an annual basis, after any near miss or incident of fire on the site or where the objectives of the FPP guidance are no longer met.

This FPP shall be periodically tested (every 6 months as a minimum) to ensure it is fit for purpose and is adapted to meet any changes in the operation of the site.

Site staff must immediately report to senior management any activity or events, including near misses, which could increase the risk of fire on the site.

3.2 Record keeping

All checks required by this FPP shall be recorded and kept available for inspection by the Environment Agency (for example, in the site diary or management system records).

4. Site plans and maps

The 3 plans specified in Schedule 2 form part of this permit and this fire prevention plan. The site activities shall be operated in accordance with these plans, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency.

The plans shall be reviewed and updated if the activities carried out on site, the site layout, or the drainage and pollution control measures change.

As a minimum the sensitive receptor plan or plans shall be reviewed every 12 months to ensure they accurately reflect the nearby sensitive receptors.

5. Types of combustible materials stored at the site

The following are the common types of combustible wastes and materials that could be stored at end-of-life vehicle sites.

5.1 Combustible wastes

Combustible wastes include:

• undepolluted ELVs
• depolluted ELVs or ELV shells
• batteries
• tyres
• depollution fluids (waste oils and fuels)
• oil filters
• oily rags
• plastic parts and interiors (if waste)

5.2 Other combustible materials associated with end of life vehicle sites

Other combustible materials associated with end-of-life vehicle sites include:

• welding or cutting gas cylinders
• oil and fuels
• packing materials like cardboard, bubble wrap and plastic
• combustible office materials
• plastic and rubber
• fabric and other internal items that are combustible

6. Common causes of fire at ELV sites

The following are common causes of fires at ELV sites:

• batteries short circuiting and causing a fire
• poor or unsafe practices, including during depollution
• smoking
• arson
• poor storage of oils and fuels
• poorly maintained plant and equipment
• electrical faults
• oily rags stored in direct sunlight
• fuel ignition during hot works

7. Measures to prevent and reduce the risk of fires at small End of Life Vehicle recycling sites

The following sections contain the measures and requirements that shall be put in place to prevent the common causes of fires given in section 6.

7.1 Batteries in ELVs

All batteries must be removed or disconnected with the terminals taped as soon as practicable after the ELV arrives and before the ELV is stockpiled.

Lead acid batteries must be stored upright in acid resistant containers that prevent leaks and damage to batteries stored within them. These containers must be either lidded to prevent ingress of water, or the containers are stored in a designated area under cover.

7.1.1 Hybrids and electric vehicles

Batteries must be made safe (for example by removing the safety cut-off plug) as soon as practicable after a hybrid or electric ELV (EV) arrives at the site and before being stockpiled. Vehicle batteries must be disconnected and the terminals taped or the battery must be removed as soon as practicable after the ELV arrives and before the ELV is stockpiled.

Different types of EV batteries must not be stored together. The EV batteries must be kept dry at all times and stored away from other combustible materials. The EV batteries must be stored so they are not exposed to elevated temperatures.

EV batteries must not be stacked on top of one another and no treatment, including disassembly of EV batteries, is allowed on site.

7.1.2 Lithium ion batteries

Lithium ion batteries present a serious fire risk and are also prone to re-ignition if they are involved in a fire and are not adequately cooled. In extreme cases thermal runaway is a risk in EVs with lithium ion batteries.

Fires can start if the battery is:

• damaged
• exposed to moisture
• exposed to high temperatures

To prevent fires occurring any battery that is, or is suspected to be, a lithium or lithium ion battery, must be checked for damage. If the battery is damaged, it must be stored in a watertight, lidded container filled with sand or vermiculite. The container must be capable of protecting the battery or batteries stored within it from further damage.

Some types of EV batteries are heavy. Batteries must be handled to prevent damage to the battery by impact or dropping. EV batteries must not be stacked on top of one another or stored in a manner where they can fall or have items fall on them. This is to avoid crushing or puncturing the batteries.

7.1.3 Storage of different types of battery

Lead acid batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries and lithium ion batteries must be stored in separate containers.

7.2 Waste pre-acceptance and acceptance

No more than 10 waste motor vehicles shall be depolluted and dismantled each week.

Waste acceptance checks must be carried out to prevent and minimise the risk of fires. These checks include:

• identifying the fuel type of the ELV so it can be appropriately depolluted
• checking for fuel leaks
• checking electric vehicles for damaged batteries and isolating vehicles with damaged batteries pending removal from the vehicle
• checking the boot and interior for contrary items like gas cylinders, LPG tanks and batteries and so on

7.3 Depollution

The depollution area must be clearly designated and identified on the site plan. The following measures must be followed during depollution:

• the area is ventilated to ensure petrol and fuel vapours do not build up
• fuel is removed using intrinsically safe equipment designed specifically for the safe removal of fuels and this equipment must be certified ATEX Directive compliant
• fuels and depollution liquids are removed using equipment specifically designed for that purpose
• no decanting of fuels shall take place other than in the designated depollution area using equipment specifically designed for that purpose
• fuels and depollution liquids are stored in containers specifically designed for that purpose and petrol is stored in accordance with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) safe storage of petrol guidance
• mobile fluid collection units or containers are emptied into bulk containers at the end of each working day
• the depollution area and surrounding areas have been assessed and zoned in accordance with Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) and these are clearly marked up – staff know what these zones mean and what activities can and cannot be carried out in each zone
• no grinding, cutting or welding is carried out in the depollution area
• suitable and sufficient fire extinguishers must be located in the depollution area to tackle small-scale fires – staff working on site are trained to use them
• the fire extinguishers must be accessible at all times and maintained and checked visually by site staff on a quarterly basis and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
• other firefighting equipment in the depollution area to tackle small scale fires includes a vehicle fire blanket
• any spillage of depollution fluids is cleaned up as soon as is reasonably practicable
• no parts are removed from ELVs until the depollution process for batteries, oils and fuels has been completed – members of the public are not allowed to remove parts

7.4 Discarded smoking materials and other ignition sources

In addition to the hot works safe working practices in section 7.10, the following additional measures shall be put in place to prevent fires on the site caused by other ignition sources.

To prevent accidental fires caused by smoking materials:

• no smoking is permitted on the permitted area of the site
• provision for smokers must be in a clearly marked and designated area
• the no smoking policy and provisions for smokers must be clearly communicated to all visitors and staff

No burning of any kind of material shall be allowed on the site.

Any heaters used on site must be placed at least 6 metres from combustible waste or combustible material.

7.5 Arson

To prevent unauthorised entry and the potential for arson there shall be site security measures in place, including but not limited to, the following:

• locked building or buildings and lockable gates with a perimeter fence or perimeter fencing and lockable gates, where there is no building

• the perimeter fencing and buildings shall be inspected for damage on a daily basis and any damage or evidence of attempted entry must be repaired immediately and a record kept

• CCTV and intruder alarms which are responded to both during working hours and out of hours and a list of contact details and who will respond out of hours shall be maintained

• security lighting either passive infrared sensor (PIR), or traditional lighting shall be installed and maintained

7.6 Leaks and spillages of oils and fuels

Locations of spill kits on site must be detailed on the site plans.

The spill kit or kits must contain as a minimum:

• oil and chemical absorbent pads or granules
• clay mats and drain blockers
• leak sealing putty for leaking tanks or containers
• booms to contain firewater

Staff must be trained to use the spill kits and clear up the absorbents. Spill kits must be checked and replenished on a regular basis to ensure the spill kit is always available for use.

Puncture holes in ELV fuel tanks must have bungs inserted in them to prevent fuel leaking and trailing when the ELV is removed from the depollution bay.

All plant, machinery and equipment must be regularly inspected, serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

7.7 Plant and equipment

Depollution equipment must be checked for faults and damage on a weekly basis. Forklift trucks and other mobile plant must be maintained and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Forklift trucks and other mobile plant must be parked away from combustible waste when not in use, to prevent their involvement in any fire on site.

7.8 Electrical faults including damaged or exposed electrical cables

Fires can be caused by electrical faults within plant or equipment. To minimise the risk of fires the following measures shall be in place:

• electrical equipment and electrical installations on site must be fully certified by a suitably qualified person and written procedures must be in place that set out regular maintenance

• electrical equipment must be tested in line with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

• electronic and electrical equipment must be checked for damage before use and not less frequently than on a weekly basis – these checks must include identifying damaged or exposed electrical cables – further guidance on checking and maintaining electrical equipment can be found on the HSE website

• damaged electronic and electrical equipment must not be used until repaired

• all electrical appliances must be turned off when the facility is not in use

• all portable electronic equipment must be unplugged at the end of the working day

• batteries and power tools must not be left charging overnight or when the site is not occupied

7.9 Dealing with hot weather and heating from sunlight

To reduce the risk of self-combustion:

• oily rags must be stored in sealed metal containers out of direct sunlight to prevent self-ignition and must be stored away from heat sources – containers must be monitored for heat build-up

• no hot works or cutting shall be carried out near vegetated or grassed areas during hot and dry weather periods

• petrol and mixed petrol or diesel stored in plastic fixed and mobile storage tanks must be shaded from direct sunlight and other types of storage tanks must be risk assessed to determine risk from self-combustion from direct sunlight

7.10 Hot works safe working practices

For the purposes of this fire prevention plan ‘hot works’ are welding, cutting and shearing activities. Hot works could ignite combustible materials so the following measures and procedures must be in place:

• all welding and hot cutting activities shall be carried out in accordance with the documented hot works safe working practices

• staff and contractors working on site shall be trained and made aware of the hot works safe working practices

• regular checks shall be made for smouldering during welding, cutting or shearing works and records of training shall be maintained at all times

• hot works shall only be carried out in a designated location away from areas where oils, fuels and combustible materials are stored

• no hot works shall be carried out within 30 minutes prior to operations ceasing on the site and checks shall be made in the hot work areas for smouldering and hot spots prior to the site closing

• no hot works shall be carried out near vegetated or grassed areas during hot and dry weather periods

• gas cylinders shall be stored within a secure cage when not in use away from sources of ignition and they must be stored in accordance with the latest HSE guidance

8. Manage waste piles and storage areas

8.1 Waste storage

The permit has been restricted to the following:

• no more than 5 undepolluted waste motor vehicles and 5 fully depolluted vehicles shall be stored at the site at any one time

• no more than 1 tonne of tyres (including part worn tyres) shall be stored at any one time

• no more than 10 tonnes of waste vehicle batteries (lead acid and electric vehicle batteries) shall be stored at any one time

• no more than 2 tonnes of hazardous waste liquids (oils, fuel, brake fluid, and so on) recovered from waste motor vehicles shall be stored at any one time

8.2 Separation distances

To minimise disruption off site, no combustible waste shall be stored within:

• 10 metres of high voltage power lines
• 10 metres of a boundary with a railway line or motorway

8.3 Non-waste storage

The permit and FPP guidance does not apply to non-waste combustible materials such as second-hand parts for sale, gas cylinders for cutting, combustible liquids and fuels, and so on.

However, these materials can contribute to the seriousness or be the cause of a fire. The FPP must demonstrate that combustible, non-waste materials have been considered in plans for the prevention of and response to a fire on site to ensure that they do not cause or exacerbate a fire.

8.4 Vehicle parts

Vehicle parts must be stored separately from ELVs and other combustible materials (for example in containers or on racking) so they do not exacerbate any fire on site.

8.5 Gas cylinders

Gas cylinders are used for cutting activities and may be found hidden within incoming ELVs. Gas cylinders must be stored in accordance with the latest HSE guidance. Cylinders must be stored within a secure cage when not in use away from sources of ignition.

9. Prevent fire spreading

9.1 Procedure to remove materials if there is a fire

Where safe to do so, ELVs and waste not involved in a fire shall be removed from the vicinity of any fire to prevent fire from spreading. All ELVs must be accessible from at least one side to allow access to move the ELV.

9.2 Moving containers in a fire

In the event of a fire and if necessary, containers should be moved to improve access to the firefighting area. Containers shall be accessible from at least one side to enable firefighting.

10. Detecting fires

There shall be systems in place to detect fires both in working hours and out of working hours and the following measures shall be in place:

• a ‘fire watch or check’ shall be undertaken at the end of each working day as well as frequent checks made during the hours of operation

• CCTV and intruder alarms must be monitored and responded to both during working hours and out of hours – a list of contact details and who will respond out of hours must be maintained

• a fire detection and alert system or systems must be in place and these must operate both within and out of working hours

11. Suppressing fires

The following measures shall be in place:

• site staff are trained on the equipment and methods for suppressing fires (where it is safe to do so)

• a fire blanket suitable for use with vehicles is available to suppress a fire in an ELV

• fire extinguishers are located in key locations, including the depollution area, to tackle small-scale fires

• water supplies are available in accordance with water supplies section below

• plant and equipment shall be available to move waste and other materials away from a fire, if safe to do so

12. Firefighting techniques

In the event of a fire during operating hours:

• the site must be immediately closed and cease accepting waste

• the Fire and Rescue Service shall be notified

• if safe to do so, a small fire may be tackled by site staff

• mobile plant, staff vehicles, vehicles for sale and ELVs (where possible) shall be moved from the areas adjacent to the fire to prevent the fire spreading and escalating

• where safe to do so, waste and items adjacent to the fire shall be moved to isolate the fire and minimise the amount of combustible materials and waste involved in the fire

• any drains on site shall be sealed off using clay mats or drain blockers

• measures shall be taken to prevent firewater leaving the site or entering ditches and drainage systems

• the site shall remain closed to waste acceptance until declared safe to reopen by the emergency authorities

13. Water supplies

One of the following water sources must be available for the site:

Hydrant available

A hydrant conforming to British Standard 750 or equivalent must be located within 100 metres of the site access and maintained by the Fire and Rescue Service or other competent maintenance organisation.

Hydrant not available:

A minimum 18,000 litres of water over a 4 hour period shall be available to assist fighting a fire on site. This supply can be through a combination of mains water and storage tanks. The coupling on the tank must be agreed with the local Fire and Rescue Service as compatible with their equipment. This tank or storage facility must be checked at least once a week to ensure it is holding the minimum 18,000 litres.

Additional volumes of water will be required to keep fires involving electric and hybrid vehicles (EVs) and lithium ion batteries under control and to provide a cooling effect. Based on evidence, a fire in a single EV could require 10,000 litres of water to extinguish.

14. Managing firewater

Firewater must be contained and prevented from reaching sensitive receptors or causing pollution. Firewater shall be contained using a combination of:

• the impermeable pavement and areas of sealed drainage

• sandbags or booms to keep firewater on site

• drain-blockers and clay mats to protect drainage systems to surface water and foul sewer (unless the water company has agreed firewater can be discharged to the foul sewer)

• a tanker company must be contracted with a callout arrangement of 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to recover firewater from contained areas and the drainage system. Firewater shall be characterised to ensure it is taken to an appropriately authorised facility

15. During and after an incident

15.1 Clearing, decontaminating and making the site operational after a fire

Following a fire and before any waste is accepted on to site the following actions shall be carried out:

• any waste burnt during a fire shall be characterised and removed from site and disposed of at a suitably authorised facility

• contaminated water within the drainage system shall be sampled, removed from site and taken to a suitably authorised facility

• the site hardstanding, impermeable pavement and sealed drainage system shall be inspected for damage and contamination and any damage shall be reported to the Environment Agency regarding sampling and further investigation

• any areas of hardstanding, impermeable pavement or sealed drainage system that are damaged shall be repaired prior to receipt of waste on the site

• if any waste containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is involved in a fire, residues from that fire and the firewater may contain POPs and must be treated in accordance with the POPs Regulations

• the cause of the fire shall be investigated, and any lessons learnt or improvements made to site procedures shall be documented, disseminated to all site staff and implemented

End of standard rules