Lesson 1Reception and unloading: vehicle types, weighbridges, spill risks at tipping pointsThis section examines reception and unloading areas, including vehicle movements, weighbridges, and tipping points, highlighting how poor layout and procedures can cause spills, fugitive litter, and traffic-related environmental incidents.
Vehicle types, routes, and traffic controlWeighbridge siting, drainage, and cleaningTipping point design and spill containmentRunoff control, litter, and windblown wasteDriver instructions and unloading proceduresLesson 2Mechanical shredding and granulation: shredder types, feed mechanisms, lubrication systems, dust generationThis section explains how shredders and granulators operate, the role of feed and lubrication systems, and how poor design or maintenance can increase dust, noise, fire risk, and pollutant release in recycling and recovery plants.
Shredder and granulator types and configurationsFeed hoppers, chutes, and anti-jam devicesLubrication systems and leak preventionDust generation points and capture systemsNoise, vibration, and fire ignition risksLesson 3Storage silos and bunkers: design, overflow risks, dust accumulation, confined-space issuesThis section explores storage silos and bunkers, focusing on structural design, overflow and bridging risks, dust accumulation, and confined-space hazards, and how monitoring and procedures reduce fire, explosion, and engulfment risks.
Silo and bunker design for safe fillingLevel monitoring, overflow, and blockageDust accumulation, hotspots, and ignitionEntry permits and confined-space controlsEmergency response and rescue planningLesson 4Sorting and manual separation: conveyors, picking stations, ergonomic and contamination hazardsThis section focuses on sorting lines and manual picking stations, describing conveyor layouts, ergonomics, and contamination hazards, and how design and work practices reduce dust, bioaerosols, sharps, and cross-contamination.
Conveyor layouts for efficient material flowPicking station design and ergonomicsDust, bioaerosols, and odor exposure risksSharps, medical waste, and contaminationHousekeeping and cross-contamination controlLesson 5Ancillary systems: floor drains, oil interceptors, fire detection, ventilation, housekeeping facilitiesThis section details ancillary systems that control liquids, vapours, and housekeeping, including floor drains, oil interceptors, fire detection, and ventilation, and explains how poor design can spread contamination across the facility.
Floor drain layout and segregation of flowsOil interceptors and sludge managementFire detection, alarms, and suppression linksGeneral and local exhaust ventilation designHousekeeping facilities and cleaning toolsLesson 6Balers and hydraulic systems: hydraulic circuits, reservoirs, leakage points, pressure relief and maintenanceThis section covers baler types and hydraulic circuits, focusing on fluid selection, hose routing, leakage points, and pressure control, and how these factors affect spill risk, fire potential, and long-term environmental performance.
Baler types and typical hydraulic layoutsHydraulic fluids, compatibility, and toxicityCommon leakage points and spill pathwaysPressure relief, overheating, and fire riskPreventive maintenance and inspection plansLesson 7Conveyors, drives, and motors: belt types, pulleys, motor cooling and overheating failure modesThis section analyses conveyors, drives, and motors, including belt types, pulleys, guarding, and cooling, and explains how misalignment, overheating, and poor lubrication can trigger fires, spills, and unplanned downtime.
Belt types, speed, and material compatibilityPulleys, idlers, tracking, and spillageDrive guards, nip points, and access controlMotor cooling, dust ingress, and overheatingCondition monitoring and failure responseLesson 8Hazardous waste storage area: segregation, containment for oily rags, used oil, lamps, batteries, labelling and access controlThis section addresses hazardous waste storage areas, covering segregation, secondary containment, labelling, and access control, and how these measures prevent leaks, incompatible reactions, and unauthorised handling or removal.
Segregation of incompatible hazardous wastesSecondary containment sizing and integrityStorage for oily rags, filters, and absorbentsUsed oil, lamps, and battery handling rulesLabeling, signage, and controlled access
