Construction & Building practice needs to be revised. The Environmental Management & Construction Site Regulations came in force in 2007. These regulations have the scope of limiting environmental degradation through appropriate construction management practices that cause the least nuisance to neighbours. Nevertheless, the Construction industry is one of the three main polluters. Complaints about pollution and other nuisances include; traffic congestion by heavy plant and other machinery, obstruction of passageways, spillage of diesel, oil and other material, air and noise pollution. Since, construct projects, as a norm, are long time affairs, the repeated occurrence of these events will adversely affect the wellbeing of the residents and the public in general. Especially, if several projects are in progress in the same locality. The various stakeholders involved in planning , development & construction industry include: MEPA, Local Council, Police, Green & route wardens, Health Department , the Regulation & Building Officers, GRTU, DBA & environmental NGOs. The remit of the Wardens and the Regulation & Building Officers is for the effective application of the building regulations. While, the Police are responsible to enforce the law. In either case, the actions are retroactive. Which, either bring a partial relieve after long-lasting despair, or at worst, a feeling of inadequacy by the authorities to protect the wellbeing of the citizen. Therefore, to improve the present situation the authorities must seriously put into practice the necessary plans to safeguard the wellbeing of the citizens. The answer is not to be a quick fix solution, but neither should it be a long drawn whitewashed affair. The following suggestions are intended to improve certain practices in the construction activity. A. Development & building contract approval is subject to (1) plant equipment certification by accredit agency and (2) The heavy plant operators to have the necessary skills & qualification. B. Appointment of competent building site audit controllers C. Infringement penalty in proportion to the seriousness and repetition of the offence. D. National objective criteria level for pollution limits – (Air & noise pollution) E. Updating the Management & Building regulations as necessary The list include both new & existing regulations. • Compulsory Local dust control by wet dust suppression or local exhaust ventilation (LEV) • Planning of the construction transportation - route, time, and trips. • Excavation works – use of non- vibrating equipment to minimise vibrations, noise & damage - rotary rock cutting equipment. • Sound absorption & noise barriers to deflect noise away from the residents • Noise level intensity outside the construction sites –Day / Evening 65/55 dB(A) measured one meter from the Residents facade • Binding time-frame for the construction project • Removal of idle machinery, concrete blocks and other material not in use. • Secure all the ground floor openings and boarding of the building site until the project is completely finished. Ref: OHSA Code of Practice for the Construction Industry OSHA Health & safety Training OSHA Certification requirements for Plant Operators WHO Environment and health performance review Malta 2009 HSE Management Health & Safety in construction
Posted on: Thu, 01 Aug 2013 12:10:19 +0000
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