Changing Standard Rules require Fire Prevention Plans

From 1st March 2016 Standard Rules for environmental permits for existing facilities that store combustible waste will be updated to require Fire Prevention Plans.

From this date, the Environment Agency (EA) can request Standard Rules Holders to submit Fire Prevention Plans for their approval following a fire or part of a phased implementation programme.

The condition which is being added states:

The operator shall:

a. Following any fire or if required by the Environment Agency, submit to the Environment Agency for approval within the period specified a fire prevention plan;

b. Implement the approved fire prevention plan, from the date of approval, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Environment Agency.

The fire prevention plan shall as a minimum specify:

The total amount of waste that will be stored on site at any one time and if more than one type of waste is to be stored at the site the total amount of each type of waste;
The maximum time each type of waste will be stored on site;
The method of storage of each type of waste;
The maximum volume of each waste pile in m3;
The location within the site where each type of waste will be stored;
The maximum size of any waste pile stack stipulating the maximum height, width and depth;
The minimum separation (fire break) distance between waste piles or storage areas;
If fire walls are used in place of fire breaks, full details of the design and construction of such walls;
The steps put in place to prevent and minimise the risk of a fire or of it spreading within the site or from the site;
The steps put in place to extinguish a fire if a fire starts;
The steps and procedures to be followed if a fire occurs on site, including how the impact or emissions from a fire that may affect people or the environment will be minimised and mitigated; and
The provisions made to enable safe access to the site for fire and rescue services, including how the impact on people or the environment of water used in fighting the fire will be managed and minimised.