Oil and Chemical Management
Oil and chemical management can occur from fixed and temporary generators, set building, special effects, cleaning and associated activities.
Updated: 27 October 2022
This guidance provides information on how to manage oil and chemical storage associated with BBC activities in order to ensure good environmental practice and compliance with relevant legislation.
What Can Go Wrong?
- Oil and chemical storage if not managed correctly can have a number of environmental impacts in the event of an uncontained spillage.
- Oil and chemicals can pollute surface water, ground water and soil surrounding the spillage and clean up can be costly.
Legal/BBC Requirements
- Oil and chemical storage is tightly controlled by legislation. Any oil or chemicals stored in volumes greater than 205 litres (roughly one oil drum) must be stored in a bunded area.
Control Measures
Correct storage of oil and chemicals:
- All oils and chemicals stored in excess of 205 litres must be stored in a bunded area (including at temporary locations).
- All oil and chemicals must be stored in secure areas and any taps must be locked shut when not in use.
Emergency response:
- Emergency response plans must be in place for all oil and chemical facilities and these must meet the requirements of the relevant Environmental Agencies.
- Spillage response kits must be provided at all oil and chemical storage facilities – these should be of the modern absorbent type and not clay granules.
This is not an exhaustive list; additional controls may be required and there may be more risks to consider.
Division Specific Issues
TV and Radio:
- Ensure that competent suppliers are used for set construction, special effects and generator hire.
Workplace:
- Ensure that bulk storage of oil for emergency generators is in line with relevant legal requirements and an appropriate secondary monitoring regime is in place.
FAQs/Did You Know?
- No FAQs/Did you know items.
Recommended links
- BBC Workplace - Sustainability [BBC Network only]
- Sustainability(BBC Network only)
Environment topics
Air Pollution
Air pollution can have damaging effects on human health and the environment and it is crucial to minimise emissions to the atmosphere.
Built Environment
In the UK these impacts are controlled by legislation, particularly planning law.
Energy Management
This guidance provides information on energy management associated with BBC activities in order to ensure good environmental practice and compliance with relevant legislation.
Environment on Production and Events
This guidance provides information on how to reduce the risk of environmental incidents, nuisance or legal non-compliance whilst making programmes and running events.
