HAZARDOUS substance means any substances whether liquid, solid or
gaseous or any organism which is injurious to human health or the
environment. These include acids, heavy metals including mercury, lead
and cadmium, pesticides as well as petroleum products.
They can cause skin irritation or corrosion, serious eye damage, cancer,
breathing problems. They can affect reproductive health and can result
in respiratory or skin sensitisation to human beings. Hazardous
substances are harmful to the aquatic environment, deplete the ozone
layer and they cause bioaccumulation of potential-toxic substances in
organisms.
Transportation of all hazardous substances listed in Part (ii) of the Third
Schedule of Statutory Instrument 268 of 2018 should be done under a
licence issued by Environmental Management Agency. The application
process involves the completion of an application form, which captures
details of the principal suppliers of the hazardous substances, details of
the importer or manufacturer, user and keeper, material safety data
sheet, certificate of fitness for the horse and trailer, vehicle registration
book and in the case of a company, company registration documents.
Registering with the Agency enables easy monitoring for the safety of
the public and the environment. Application for a license may be done at
EMA offices in all the districts and provinces of Zimbabwe. This licence is
valid for a period of twelve (12) months starting from the date of
issuance, unless it is earlier surrendered to or cancelled by the Agency.
Any accidental spillage in the transportation of hazardous substances
should be reported orally within eight hours to the Agency, Emergency
Response Company, ZRP and Civil Protection Committee in the area
where the accidental discharge occurred and within twenty four hours
(24) in writing to the Agency with adequate details of the spillage.
The transporter should ensure that the area is cleaned up to retain its
usable state. All trucks carrying hazardous substances should be
appropriately labelled. People are urged to move away in case of an
accidental spillage and should take heed of instructions from EMA, police
or truck drivers.
Any person, who causes a hazard to the health of any human being or
animals, flora or fauna by failing to exercise all care in the conveyance
of any hazardous substance or provides the Agency with information
which is false, shall be guilty to an offence and is liable to a fine not
exceeding level fourteen or to imprisonment for period not exceeding
one year.
These environmental tips are brought to you by the Environmental
Management Agency, Mashonaland West Province. For further
information visit our Offices in all the Districts of the province. You can
also contact us on 08080028, like us on Facebook page Environmental
Management Agency or visit our website www.ema.co.zw. We are ready
to listen
