Glossary
Walton Environmental realises that some of the terms relating to environmental management and occupational hygiene can be difficult to understand. This glossary explains the abbreviations, acronyms and technical terms in a clear and easy to understand way.
Acorn Scheme
Otherwise known as BS8555 – an environmental management system that can be implemented in phases – suitable for organisations of all sizes.
http://www.iema.net/ems/acorn_scheme
COSHH
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/eh40.pdf
EH40
This is the document published by the Health and Safety Executive that lists the current workplace exposure limits. The exposure limits are periodically reviewed and the document is re-issued.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/table1.pdf
Environmental Agency
The Environment Agency is the National body responsible for promoting sustainable development and enforcing environmental legislation.
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Environmental Permitting Regulations
he Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010. Regulated by The Environment Agency and Local Authorities.
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2010/9780111491423/contents
FISP
Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme – a scheme to help furniture manufacturers improve their sustainability performance./p>
http://www.fira.co.uk/consultancy/environment/fisp
HSE
Health and Safety Executive – the regulator for health and safety standards in Great Britain
IEMA
Institute of Environmental Management Assessment – The recognised membership body for environmental professionals.
International and British Standards
International environmental management systems include ISO14001 and EMAS. The British Standard is BS8555 although ISO14001 is widely used in the UK.
ISO14001
The internationally recognised environmental management standard.
http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_14000_essentials
LEV Testing
Local Exhaust Ventilation Testing – the regular testing of exhaust ventilation equipment as required by the COSHH Regulations 2002
UKAS
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service – the national accreditation body for assessment of organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services. Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates competence, impartiality and performance capability.
WEL
Workplace exposure limit – these are the allowable limits of hazardous substances in the air in the workplace and are quoted in the HSE publication EH40.