LEGISLATION

The words “legislation” and “regulations” seem to occur quite a few times in our website. But this is because the areas which we work within are quite rightly well governed to protect different parts of society;

WASTE CARRIERS LICENSING & REGISTRATION

The government require anyone handling waste to be licensed. In this license we must disclose the type of waste which we handle and carry.

Without this license, and relevant documentation, waste management centres are unable to accept waste. The purpose of this is to ensure that waste is categorised and appropriately disposed of.

If the waste comes from your own home, the duty of care law does apply to you as well. If you give waste to someone you must make sure that they are a registered waste carrier and therefore authorised to remove it and dispose of it in a responsible manner.

If you require more information regarding this then please see the DEFRA website, or the SEPA website in Scotland, or www.wasteworks.org/legislation.

FOAM FURNITURE REGULATIONS

We have seen the reports of horrific fires started by a cigarette falling down the back of a sofa. It is accidents such as these which the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations are in place to prevent.

The full DTI guide can be seen here; www.dti.gov.uk/files/file24685.pdf.

But in summary, an outline is as follows;

• The regulations apply to all furnishings, and furniture, furniture coverings, and seat pads, and furniture used in houses, gardens and caravans.
• The regulations apply to all landlords, estate agents, letting agents, charities selling furniture, and anyone selling or supplying second-hand furniture as part of a business or trade.
• Foam/fillings used must pass the required test. The only way to ensure such compliance is to have an appropriate and permanent display label indicating that the furniture/furnishings are safe. Examples of these labels are shown in the DTI guide; www.dti.gov.uk/files/file24685.pdf.

The important thing to remember is that these regulations cover charity shops as well, which is why many such shops are simply unable to take any items which do not have appropriate fixed permanent compliance labels.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY REGULATIONS

To ensure that all electrical items sold are safe, then the regulations state that a certificate of compliance is needed for all second hand electrical items sold. This basically means and electrical test by an appropriately qualified electrician.

The full regulations can be seen at;
www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1994/Uksi_19943260_en_1.htm

These regulations again extend to charity shops, and again explains why many charity shops are unable to take donations of electrical items.