Clean up your act says EPA

News

Local councils are becoming increasingly active in ensuring collision repair businesses in their jurisdiction comply with environmental and OH&S legislation. The NSW Environment Protection Authority has published a checklist for bodyshops interested in insuring their facilities against non-compliance fines and helping the environment:
* Make sure the stormwater drains on or near your premises carry clean rainwater only. Any other liquid or solid is considered a pollutant. No wash water, paint, grease, oil or other pollutants from your business should be allowed to get into the stormwater drains.

* Keep the external work areas of your business free of litter, waste materials, car parts, chemicals and other items that could pollute the ground or the stormwater system.
* Clean and maintain all work areas and equipment regularly to prevent pollution.
* Make sure that bulk storage items such as solvents and liquid wastes are stored away from stormwater drains to prevent spills and accidental leaks entering the stormwater system. Liquid storage areas should be bunded, sealed and under cover.
* Make sure that contaminated parts, such as those containing oil, brake fluid or radiator fluid, cannot leak or spill into stormwater drains.
* Talk to your sewer organisation about a trade waste permit and wastewater pre-treatment before discharging any liquid wastes to the sewer.
* Keep spill clean-up material in an accessible place, clearly labelled and ready for use.
* Separate your wastes. Mixing wastes may make them unsuitable for reuse or recycling. Ask your suppliers to take back their packaging for reuse.
* Do all spray painting in an approved spray booth that has an exhaust fan and a filter.
* Select the most efficient spraying method. Airless spray guns and high volume, low pressure guns will substantially reduce paint use and operating costs.
* Be aware that the maximum penalties for most pollution offences have been doubled to $250,000 for companies and $120,000 for individuals under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.
* Be aware that even very minor breaches of environmental laws can result in infringement notices of up to $1500.
For more information on how to protect the environment and your business at the same time, check out the industry-specific web pages of the NSW EPA:
www.epa.nsw.gov.au/small_business/smash.htm.

Training awards for industry
The Australian Training Awards held late last year, recognised a vehicle spray painter and a panel shop. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year went to Gary Richardson of Brisbane. Richardson, 31, left the two jobs he was working to support his wife and children to undertake an engineering (vehicle building) apprenticeship with the Brisbane City Council. He realised he needed to undertake the training to give him long-term career prospects and a solid foundation for the future. He completed his off-the-job training with Brisbane Institute of TAFE and is now working as a vehicle sprayer for the council's City Fleet. Gary has since commenced a Certificate III in Youth Work as part of his plan to make a greater contribution to the indigenous community.
The prestigious Prime Minister's Small Business of the Year Award went to Alf's Smash Repairs in Innisfail, north Queensland. The business survived a major flood several years ago to emerge with a stronger commitment to using training to achieve efficient operation. Alf's Smash Repairs has 12 full-time employees who repair and restore motor vehicles. The company has an excellent record of apprentices completing their apprenticeships and supports relevant training for its office staff. Alf's Smash Repairs also provides employment and training opportunities for local youth and people with disabilities.