Code of Practice
COP 10
Issued Nov 99, Reviewed Jan 10
No 10 – BURNING RUBBISH PILES
1.
BACKGROUND TO COP
Reason for COP:
To prevent injury and take precautions when lighting
fires. This work is generally conducted in certain areas
that need trees cleared and other debris from the river
system.
Relevant Regulations:
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Employee Training/Skills Reqd:
Awareness of Permit to Work & HBRC regulations.
Purchasing Policy Tools/Plant:
Fire fighting and communications equipment will be
provided as required.
HBRC Environmental Code of Practice.
Local Fire Restrictions.
HBRC Consent Restraints and Burning Policy.
HBRC Regional Resource Management Plan
TLA and Transit Fire Regulations.
2.
COP WORK PROCEDURE
1.
In restricted fire season, Complete Permit to Work and get Manager to sign off.
2.
When there is a restricted fire season you must obtain consent from either the HDC, NCC,
CHBDC or the WDC.
3.
When there is a non-restricted fire season, no permit is required for rural areas. A courtesy call
should be made to the appropriate Fire authority (Council), the Fire Service and the Monitoring
Section of the Regional Council (any Environment Officer).
4.
When burning a heap of trees, the monitoring section and adjoining property owners should be
advised, particularly during cropping and picking seasons.
5.
Check extended weather conditions.
6.
Ensure sufficient supervision and fire fighting equipment is available at the fire scene.
7.
Ensure only permitted materials are burnt in heaps.
8.
Not permitted: animal waste, tyres or other rubber, waste oil, any waste containing
hydrocarbons, any wood treated with chemicals, painted wood, chip board, plastic, asbestos,
medical and chemical waste, or any combination of metals and combustible material.
9.
Ensure ashes are raked and properly extinguished on completion of burn.
10.
If fire escalates to uncontrolled state, ask for assistance immediately, don’t Procrastinate!
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Hazard Identification & Analysis Worksheet – HBRC
Work Task,
Activity or Item of
Equipment
What can cause
harm?
How could potential harm situation
arise?
Significant
Hazard
Yes/No*
Controls that Reduce Harm
010 – Burning Rubbish Piles
Performing
general duties
Document1
Working outside generic hazards
Asphyxiation,
Standing or being trapped in wrong area
smoke inhalation downwind of fire
Status
Date: Jan 2010
Y
M
Burns
Standing or being trapped in wrong area
Operating too close to fire
Airborne sparks
Y
M
Injury from
impact by
construction /
fire fighting
vehicle
Poor visibility due to smoke
Y
M
Ref COP 00 – General Fieldworker Operations
Cordon no go area for staff and public
Advertise burn if necessary
Monitor weather conditions.
Cordon no go area for staff and public
Advertise burn if necessary
Monitor weather conditions.
Correct PPE, minimum long sleeve overalls and hat. Consider upgrading if
necessary.
Bring in professionals earlier rather than later (Fire Brigade)
Always have emergency escape routes
Eye contact with driver when working around machines
Hi viz always
Flashing orange beacons
Do not work in smoke plume.
In place
In place
In place
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