Integrated Waste Management

Integrated waste management is defined by the US EPA as a process that uses a combination of techniques and programmes to manage the municipal waste streams. It is based on the fact that the 'waste' stream is made up of distinct components that can be managed separately.

Integrated waste management consist of hierarchical and co-ordinated set of actions that reduces pollution, seek to maximize recovery, re-use and recyclable materials and protect human health and environment.

 The emphasis in modern solid waste management is on reduction, reuse, and recovery before disposal. These three words are at the center of the discussion of integrated waste management systems. Reduction is using fewer disposable goods. Reuse is using items again after their initial consumer use is past. Recovery is recapturing the material or energy value of the item at its highest point. Others include Incineration and the ultimate final result which is Landfill Disposal.

Horseplay on Site

lHorseplay is rowdy or boisterous play; gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement or distraction, typical on the construction site between fellow workers, usually within a familiar team or crew.

lThe following examples were pulled of a jobsite tool box talk:

l- Distracting a worker who is performing a job.

l- Startling your fellow worker.

l- Playing tricks on young or new workers. They may become confused to the point where they injure themselves or someone else.

l- Wresting, Indian style or tag team. Wrestling matches can be held after working hours, not on the jobsite.

l- Showing off with feats of strength. You may drop something on yourself-or someone else.

Actions to prevent horseplay includes:

l1. Don’t play into horseplay. Don’t initiate it. Don’t get pressured into participating in it. Don’t ignore it.

l

l2. Work defensively. Watch out for other people. Be aware of how their unsafe acts might affect you. At the same time, be aware of how your actions might affect others. It’s a lot like driving defensively.

l

l3. Stop it or report it. If you see horseplay, try to stop it. If you can’t, report it to your supervisor. You are not being a kill-joy or a snitch. You’re taking responsibility for safety. You could be saving a life.

l

l4. Set a good example. People will respect you if you take a stand against horseplay and come down firmly on the side of safety. And others will follow your lead. The result will be a safer workplace for all.

l

Waste

Waste is defined as anything i.e. solid, liquid and gas that is of no uses and is disposed off. It is also an inevitable by-product of natural as well as man made activities arising from social and economic processes.

Waste is classified into

Household waste- these are waste that are produced by households e.g. food waste, papers, nylons, plastics, glasses, papers etc.

Industrial waste- these are wastes produced by industries and companies e.g. woods, plastics, rubbers etc.

Agricultural waste- these are wastes produced through agricultural inputs e.g. fertilizers, pesticides, dried plants, animal dung.

Commercial waste- these are wastes produced in commercial places like market, schools, galleria etc

Medical waste- these are waste produced medically e.g. syringe, needles, gloves etc

Municipal or domestic waste- these are waste produced in municipalities or localities. This includes combination of several household wastes.