<COMPANY NAME>
Integrated Risk Management System
/ Standard reference Clause: / Quality / Food Safety / OHS / ENV4.4.6
ENVIRONMENTAL AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENTPROCEDURE / Revision No: / 5
Rev Date: / 11 February 2014
Page: / Page 1 of 18
Approved By: / <Accountable Job Title> / Signature: / Responsibility
1.0 / OBJECTIVE
To protect the environment by providing reasonable measures for
the protection and enhancement of the quality of air, the prevention of air pollution and ecological degradation; and to enhance the quality of ambient air for the sake of securing an environment that is not harmful to the health and well-being of people.
2.0 / METHOD
2.1 / PDCA Summary
2.2 / Applicable Standards
The handling of air quality is managed as a minimum through the following applicable standards / legal requirements:
- ISO 14001:2004
- National Environmental Management Act No.107 of 1998 (NEMA)
- National Environmental Air Quality Act No. 39 of 2004
2.3 / Definitions
Air pollution
Any change in the composition of the air caused by smoke, soot, dust (including fly ash), cinders, solid particles of any kind, gases, fumes, aerosols and odorous substances.
Emission / Atmospheric emission
Any emission or entrainment process emanating from a point, non-point or mobile source that results in air pollution.
Averaging period
Means a period over which an average value is determined.
Compliance date
Means the date in which compliance with the standard is required.
Frequency of exceedence
Means a frequency (number/time) related to a limit value representing the tolerated exceedence of that limit value at a specific monitoring location, i.e. if exceedences of limit value are within the tolerances, then there is still compliance with the standard. This exceedence is applicable to a calendar year.
Controlled substances
Means the ozone depleting substances listed in the regulations, whether alone or in a mixture, and whether they are virgin, recovered, recycled or reclaimed, excluding any controlled substances which is in a manufactured product other than a container used for the transportation or storage of that substance, or insignificant quantities of any controlled substance, originating from inadvertent or coincidental production during amanufacturing process, from unreacted feedstock, or from use as a processing agent which is present in chemical substances as trace impurities, or that is emitted during product manufacture or handling
"dust (or settleable particulate matter)"
means any material composed of particles small enough to pass through a 1 mm screen and large enough to settle by virtue of their weight into the sampling container from the ambient air.
"dustfall"
means the deposition of dust;
"dustfall monitoring programme"
means monitoring of the dustfall on a continuous basis; / SHEQ Manager, SHEQ Co-ordinator, Safety Officer
2.4 / Legal Requirements
Certain types of operations have been identified in the National Environmental Air Quality Act as having a significant potential impact on the environment and may require an atmospheric emission licence
Applicable minimum standards for ambient air and point source emissions have been determined in terms of this Act and the likely pollutants caused by the carrying out of the following listed activities with potential pollution on the environment, including health, social conditions, economic conditions, cultural heritage and ambient air quality:
- Category 1: Combustion Installations
- Category 2: Petroleum Industry, the production of gaseous and liquid fuels as well as petrochemicals from crude oil, coal, gas or biomass
- Category 3: Carbonization and Coal Gasification
- Category 4: Metallurgical Industry
- Category 5: Mineral Processing, Storage and Handling
- Category 6: Organic Chemicals Industry
- Category 7: Inorganic Chemicals Industry
- Category 8: Disposal of hazardous and general waste
- Category 9: Pulp and Paper Manufacturing Activities, including By-Products Recovery
- Category 10: Animal matter processing
Refer to the Legal Register or National Environmental Air Quality Act for the exact criteria regarding emissions and license applications. Adherence to legal requirements and licence requirements can be verified during the Legal compliance audits, refer to Legal and Other Requirements Procedure. / SHEQ Manager, SHEQ Co-ordinator, Safety Officer
SHEQ Manager, SHEQ Co-ordinator, Safety Officer
2.5 / National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Compliance to the following standards is a legal requirement
Sulphur Dioxide (S02)
Averaging Period / Concentration / Frequency of Exceedence / Compliance Date
10 minutes / 500 µg/m³ (191 ppb) / 526 / Immediate
1 hour / 350 µg/m³ (134 ppb) / 88 / Immediate
24 hours / 125 µg/m³ (48 ppb) / 4 / Immediate
1 year / 50 µg/m³ (19 ppb) / 0 / Immediate
The reference method for the analysis of sulphur dioxide is ISO 6767
Nitrogen Dioxide (N02)
Averaging Period / Concentration / Frequency of Exceedence / Compliance Date
1 hour / 200 µg/m³ (106 ppb) / 88 / Immediate
1 year / 40 µg/m³ (21 ppb) / 0 / Immediate
The reference method for the analysis of Nitrogen Dioxide is ISO 7996
Particulate Matter (PM10)
Averaging Period / Concentration / Frequency of Exceedence / Compliance Date
24 hours / 120 µg/m³ / 4 / Immediate – 31/01/2014
24 hours / 75 µg/m³ / 4 / 01/01/2015
1 year / 50 µg/m³ / 0 / Immediate – 31/01/2014
1 year / 40 µg/m³ / 0 / 01/01/2015
The reference method for the determination of the particulate matter fraction of suspended particulate matter is EN 12341
Ozone (O3)
Averaging Period / Concentration / Frequency of Exceedence / Compliance Date
8 hours running / 120 µg/m³ (61 ppb) / 11 / Immediate
The reference method for the analysis of ozone is the UV photometric method described in SANS 13964
Benzene (C6H6)
Averaging Period / Concentration / Frequency of Exceedence / Compliance Date
1 year / 10 µg/m³ (3.2 ppb) / 0 / Immediate – 31/01/2014
1 year / 5 µg/m³ (1.6 ppb) / 0 / 01/01/2015
The reference method for the sampling and analysis of benzene is either EPA compendium method TO-14A or method TO-17
Lead (Pb)
Averaging Period / Concentration / Frequency of Exceedence / Compliance Date
1 year / 0.5 µg/m³ / 0 / Immediate
The reference method for the analysis of lead is ISO 9855
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Averaging Period / Concentration / Frequency of Exceedence / Compliance Date
1 hour / 30 mg/m³ (26 ppm) / 88 / Immediate
8 hour (calculated on 1 hourly averages) / 10 mg/m³ (8.7 ppm) / 11 / Immediate
The reference method for the analysis of carbon monoxide is ISO 4224
Particulate Matter With Aerodynamic Diameter Less Than 2.5 Micron Metres (Pm 2.5)
Averaging Period / Concentration / Frequency of Exceedence / Compliance Date
24 hours / 65 µg/m³ / 4 / Immediate – 31/01/2015
24 hours / 40 µg/m³ / 4 / 01/01/2016 - 31/01/2029
24 hours / 25 µg/m³ / 4 / 01/01/2030
1 year / 25 µg/m³ / 0 / Immediate – 31/01/2015
1 year / 20 µg/m³ / 0 / 01/01/2016 - 31/01/2029
1 year / 15 µg/m³ / 0 / 01/01/2030
The reference method for the determination of Pm 2.5 particulate matter fraction of suspended particulate matter is EN 14907
Discharge or release of controlled substances
The discharge or release into the atmosphere of the following ozone depleting substances is prohibited:
(a) chlorofluorocarbons;
(b) other fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons;
(c) halons;
(d) carbon tetrachloride;
(e) 1 J1,1 -trichloroethane;
(f) hydrobromofluorocarbons; and
(g) bromochloromethane.
Leakages of controlled substances
(1) All precautionary measures practicable must be undertaken to prevent and minimise leakage of controlled substances.
(2) All fixed equipments, containing controlled substances with a refrigerating fluid charge of more than 3kg, must, annually, be checked for any leakages.
Recovery of used controlled substances
(1) Controlled substances contained in:
(a) refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment, except domestic refrigerators and freezers,
(b) equipment containing solvents,
(c) fire protection systems and fire extinguisher must be recovered and recycled by a recovery and recycling facility or disposed at a destruction facility during the servicing and maintenance of the equipment or before the dismantling or disposal of the equipment.
/ SHEQ Manager, SHEQ Co-ordinator, Safety Officer
2.6 / Dustfall standard
The purpose of the regulations is to prescribe general measures for the control of dust in all areas.
A standard for the acceptable dustfall rate is set out in Table 1 for residential and non-residential areas.
Table 1: Acceptable dust fall rates Restriction
Areas / Dustfall rate (D)
(mg/m2/day, 30-
days average) / Permitted frequency of exceeding dust fall rate
Residential area / D < 600 / Two within a year, not sequential months.
Non-residential area / 600 < D < 1200 / Two within a year, not sequential months.
The method used for measuring dustfall rate and the guideline for locating samplingpoints shall be ASTM D1739: 1970, or equivalent method approved by any internationally recognized body
Any facility who conducts any activity in such a way as to give rise to dust in quantitiesand concentrations that may exceed the dustfall standard upon receipt of a notice from the air quality officer, must then implement dustfall monitoringprogramme. / Relevant Department Manager
2.7 / Environmental Risk Assessment
Environmental Risk Assessments are conducted across the Supply Chain to identify environmental aspects within the scope of its environmental management system that are associated with its past, ongoing and planned activities, products and services. Significant air emissions aspects are taken into account in establishing, implementing and maintaining the Environmental Management System. Refer to the Environmental Risk Assessment Procedure.
Pollution prevention is conducted to enable:
- The improvement of air quality
- Reduction of the negative impact on human health and the environment
- Reduction of emissions from the use of fossil fuels;
- Reduction of emissions from industrial sources;
- Reduction of emissions from any point or non- point source of air pollution
- Best practice in air quality management
- Dust risk areas in specified places, by specified machinery or in specified instances or areas are identified and measures for the control of dust are implemented as part of the Environmental Risk Assessment.
- An external noise survey is conducted as part of the Environmental Risk Assessment to identify any sources of noise that may impact on neighbours or those personnel working outdoors.
- Measures to reduce the levels of noise are implemented where appropriate.
- Any changes to existing facilities or existing uses or land or buildings or new buildings that may cause a disturbing noise during construction or during operation are required to have preventive measures to control any disturbing noise.
- Vehicles may not be driven on a public road, if the sound level at the measuring point exceeds legal requirements.
- Relevant test equipment used for the control of noise needs to comply with the legal requirements and should be calibrated or checked as per Control of Measuring and Monitoring Equipment
- The emission of any offensive odour caused by any activity on site is identified as part of the Environmental Risk Assessment.
All Visitors and Contractors who enter the site and who may be exposed to the potential for air pollution are notified as part of their Induction Processor site information induction pamphlet and or signage.
Significant Atmospheric Emissions are addressed through the site specific Objectives and Programmes. / Relevant Department Manager
SHEQ Manager, SHEQ Co-ordinator, Safety Officer
SHEQ Manager, SHEQ Co-ordinator, Safety Officer
2.8 / Measuring and Monitoring Emissions
The tests performed on Air Emissions can be found in the relevant Inspection and Test Registerand the risk profile of the site emission tests is located on the Air Emissions Inventory Register.
- Measurement, calculation and/or sampling and analysis carried out in accordance with any nationally or internationally acceptable standard.
- Quality assurance of methods and performance, where external laboratories are used for sampling or analysis, need to be accredited whenever possible.
Any non-compliances with permitted emission standards must be recorded.
The non-compliance is reported including the following information:
- Source code / name
- Emission standard exceeded
- Root cause analysis
- Calculation of impacts/emissions associated with the non-compliance incidents and dispersion modelling of pollutants, where applicable
- Measures implemented or to be implemented to prevent recurrence
- Date by which measure will be implemented.
SHEQ Manager, SHEQ Co-ordinator, Safety Officer
2.9 / Emergency Incidents
Risks involving the emissions of pollutant into the air are identified as part of the Environmental Risk Assessment Procedure and all incidents or accidents are managed through the Emergency Response Procedure.
In the event of an external complaint, the External Communication register is utilised to record and track all external complaints received concerning air emissions.
Refer to the External Communication Procedure.
Emmisions including Noise, dust and offensive odours incidents that are identified on site are recorded and investigated refer to Control of Non-conformity Procedure. / SHEQ Manager, SHEQ Co-ordinator, Safety Officer
2.10 / Emission Reduction Programme
An Emission Reduction Programme may be made up of the following protocol:
- Identification of pollutants to be controlled.
- Identification of all sources of each pollutant including:
- Quantity of emissions (including temporal patterns in extent of emissions).
- Percentage contribution to total emissions of a pollutant.
- The height of emission - e.g. Ground, medium elevated or high-elevated source.
- Likelihood of human exposure to emissions (exposure index) - e.g. Emissions near population concentrations.
- Identification of air pollution reduction strategies with an explanation of implementation of each measure and quantification of reduction of ambient concentrations as a result of implementation of each strategy through use of dispersion model analysis.
- Cost-benefit analysis of controlling each source with each strategy including:
- source characteristics (i.e. percentage contribution, height of emission, and exposure index)
- reduction of ambient concentrations as a result of implementation
- technical feasibility of each strategy.
2.11 / Training needs Identification
Training needs specific to Air Quality Management are identified and addressed through the Competence, Training and Awareness Procedure,
Induction output and training records / Department Head
3.0 / PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND REPORTING
- Number & nature of Internal/External Audit Findings
- Number of Incident Reports raised for Air Quality
- Reduction in measurable Air Emissions
- Reduction External Complaints relating to Emissions
4.0 SCHEDULE OF RECORDS
Ref# / Title / Input Responsibility / Retention Location / Retention Period / Authority for Disposal / Access Control *Management Review minutes / SHEQ Manager / Shared Drive / 3 years / SHEQ Manager / 5
Air Quality Register / SHEQ Manager / Shared Drive / 3 years / SHEQ Manager / 5
Air Emission Monitoring Equipment Register / SHEQ Manager / Shared Drive / 3 years / SHEQ Manager / 5
Air Emissions Inventory Register / SHEQ Manager / Shared Drive / 3 years / SHEQ Manager / 5
Atmospheric Emission Licence / SHEQ Manager / Shared Drive / 10 years / SHEQ Manager / 5
External Communication register / SHEQ Manager / Shared Drive / 5 years / SHEQ Manager / 5
Environmental Non-conformance Advice / SHEQ Manager / Shared Drive / 5 years / SHEQ Manager / 5
AEL Annual report / SHEQ Manager / Shared Drive / 5 years / SHEQ Manager / 5
*1 = site perimeter security; 2 = direct access control (card / finger reader); 3 = locked cabinet; 4 = fire proof safe; 5 = off site backup / archive
Appendix 1:International policy
South Africa has ratified several multilateral environmental agreements relating to air quality and is obligated to implement the conditions of these agreements.
South Africa's commitments in the international arena address three major air quality issues, namely, greenhouse gases and associated climate change; stratospheric ozone depletion and persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
Greenhouse gases and climate change
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) provides the framework for addressing climate change as a global issue and was founded in 1992, and came into force in 1994. It provides a broad consensus for establishing institutions and practices to address climate change by introducing processes of on-going review, discussion and information exchange. The UNFCCC also differentiated between the responsibilities of developed and developing countries, by designating Annex 1 and Non-Annex 1 status, respectively, to parties to the convention.
Developed countries have greater commitments as stated in Annex 4 of the Convention. The framework convention is expanded on through protocols, of which the Kyoto Protocol is the most recent and well recognised.
South Africa ratified the UNFCCC in August 1997, and is classified as a non-Annex 1 Party, or a developing country. South Africa has obligations as stated in Article 4 Paragraph 1 of the UNFCCC, including the preparation of the National Communication, which incorporates an inventory of greenhouse gases (GHGs) not covered by the Montreal Protocol.
Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in December 1997 at the meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, and came into force in February 2005. The protocol establishes the commitment of developed (Annex 1) countries to reduce GHG emissions by 5.2%, compared to 1990 levels, for the period 2008 - 2012. There are three principle mechanisms used to facilitate GHG emission reduction, including, the clean development mechanism (CDM), joint implementation, and international emissions trading. The purpose of the clean development mechanism is to assist Parties not included in Annex I in achieving sustainable development and in contributing to the ultimate objective of the Convention, and to assist Parties included in Annex I in achieving compliance with their quantified emission limitation and reduction commitments.
South Africa acceded to the protocol in 2002 and it came into force in 2005. However, South Africa's status as a non- Annex 1 country implies no binding commitment to cap or reduce GHG emissions. South Africa, as a developing country, is in a position to benefit from the CDM.
Obligations for South Africa according to the UNFCCC related to air quality
In terms of the provisions of the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, the Republic must:
Prepare and periodically update a national inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and sinks.
Formulate and implement national and, where appropriate, regional programmes to mitigate climate change
and facilitate adequate adaptation to climate change.
Promote and cooperate in the development, application and diffusion of technologies, practices and