IFC has reviewed environmental information supplied by GPPI and a site vist was carried out. Key elements of this information are described below:
Site location and prior use: The project is located in the industrial area of Accra, called Tema. The site, 76 500m2 was previously partially occupied for 3 years, by Watech Electrical Limited, a company whose main activity was the production of electrical bulb and assembly of small electrical goods. It has no known history activities that might lead to either past contamination or unresolved land tenure issues. Another cardboard manufacturer, Packrite, is located next to the site.
Water and power supply: Water will be sourced from the Tema Municipal Authority’s water supply. Electricity will be obtained from the national grid. Because of the need to ensure a constant source of power to the project, however, the sponsors intend to install 2 standby diesel generator.
Fuel storage: At IFC''s request the sponsors have agreed to install the generator on a bunded concrete slab to ensure that fuel does not contaminate the soils, or ground water or in the event of a spill or leak from the generator or tanks. Fuel will be stored into metal tanks within retention bunds and located in a secured and closed area.
Liquid waste management: Sewage is to be disposed off in septic tanks regularly emptied by a specialised private company. At IFC''s request the sponsor has agreed to provide information on the final disposal site. All the process effluents, which comprise water based and oil based inks and rincing waters from the glue making unit, are treated prior to discharge into the environnement. The waste water from washing of the ink rolls, around 200l/d, are collected manually and disposed off in 2 separate decantation tanks with overflow linked to a soak away, one for each type of ink. The rincing water from the glue making unit, around 200l/day, is disposed off in 3 successives sedimentation tanks and then into the Tema Industrial Zone collector.The sludges will be regularly collected for drying and storage on site and disposal into an authorised landfill as required. As required by IFC the sponsor will carry out an analysis of effluent prior to disposal within the first 2 months of the start of production and implement mitigation measures acceptable to IFC in order to ensure project compliance with applicable IFC guidelines.
Solid waste management: The unused glue (a mixture of corn starch, caustic soda and Borax) is to be collected regularly for disposal to an uthorised landfill. Empty inks containers will be crushed prior to disposal in an authorised landfill. Other container will be send back to manufacturer for refill if feasible and only container that are safe for reuse will be made available to employees. Other solid waste generated by the project consists of paper, which will be recycled directly or sold to a recycling company.
CFC free equipment: The sponsor has confirmed that all equipment will be CFC free.
Equipment Safeguarding: All the machinery is supplied with safety systems such as security stops.
Exposure to noise and chemicals: Adequate Personal Protective equipment such are ear plugs, masks, gloves, … will be provided to exposed employees.
Employee training on health and safety: Management will provide training in the proper operation and maintenance of equipment, as well as product storage and handling. IFC also requires that all employees be given training in workplace hygiene and health. In addition to general workplace health and safety issues, this training must cover fire safety and emergency response in the plant.
General occupational health and safety: A regular check up on site by an appointed doctor, will be made available once or twice a week. Tuberculosis will be provided once a year and AIDS testing will be made available when required by the employee. Aids prevention campaigns will be carried out on site.
Fire protection; life safety and emergency response measures. The company management must develop and implement a comprehensive management plan for fire protection and life safety.Prior to operation it is recommended that life safety and fire protection systems shall be reviewed and approved by a professional and registered Fire safety Engineer. The same Engineer shall test systems for performance of the following measures, once in place:
- Control of fire load (the presence and control of ignition sources and combustible material inside and outside the premises),
- Installation of fire detection and alarm,
- Provision of adequate means of egress,
- Provision of appropriate fire fighting tools (suitable number of fire extinguisher and fire hydrant),
- An emergency response plan.
At this stage it is recommended that the following measures should be considered during the construction as well as the operations stages.
- Shields guards or guards railings should be installed at all belts, pulleys, gears and other moving parts.
- Elevated platforms and walkways, and stairways and ramps should be equipped with handrails, and non-slip surfaces.
- Electrical equipment should be grounded, well insulated and conform to applicable codes.
- Personnel should use special footwear, mask and clothing for work in areas with high dust levels or contaminated with hazardous materials.
- For work near molten or high temperature materials, employees should be provided with non-slip footwear, gloves, safety glasses, helmets, face protection, leggings and other necessary protective equipment.
- Eye protective should be worm by personnel when in areas where there is a risk of flying chips or sparks, or where intensive light is generated.
- Emergency eyewash and showers should be installed in areas containing corrosive materials.
- A safety program should be established for construction and maintenance work.
- A fire prevention and fire safety program should be implemented and include regular drills
