Pollution prevention

The processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.

regulations for pollution prevention
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
requirements for pollution prevention
legislation covering pollution prevention
MARPOL

knowledge

cross-sector

Pollution prevention is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Environmental scientist: Environmental scientists identify problems and find solutions in order to minimize environmental hazards by performing analysis on samples such as air, water or soil. They advise on or develop environmental policies and aim to improve water supplies preservation and manage waste disposal sites. Environmental scientists perform environmental risk assessments and analyse the environmental impact of new solutions, construction sites or environmental changes ensuring the environmental regulations are followed.
Fisheries deckhand: Fisheries deckhands work on fishing vessels where they carry out fishing related activities. They undertake a wide range of fishing and maritime work on land and at sea, such as handling of fishing gears and catches, communications, supply, seamanship, hospitality and stores.
Boatswain: Boatswains organise the crew on deck and at the fishing hold to execute the orders received from a superior. They coordinate the operations of maintenance, manoeuvres, assembly and repair of fishing gear and sorting, processing and preserving of the catches while observing the hygienic standards and established safety regulations.
Fisheries refrigeration engineer: Fisheries refrigeration engineers perform maintenance and repair machines and equipment in the fish hold and refrigeration system on board of fishing vessels.
Farm manager: Farm managers plan and organise the daily operations, resourcing and business management of animal producing farms.
Rescue centre manager: Rescue centre managers supervise operations of a rescue centre, performing administrative duties and supervision of staff. They ensure that the centre operates according to policies and staff perform rescue missions in a safe, efficient and compliant manner.
Aquaculture biologist: Aquaculture biologists apply knowledge gained from research about aquatic animals and plant life and their interactions with each other and the environment, in order to improve aquaculture production, prevent animal health and environmental problems and to provide solutions if necessary.

Fisheries assistant engineer: Fisheries assistant engineers assist the marine chief engineer with checking operations and maintenance of the propulsion plant, machinery and auxiliary equipment of the ship. They collaborate on security, survival and health care on board, observing the national and international standards of application.
Agricultural inspector: Agricultural inspectors monitor agricultural operations in farms and other agricultural facilities. They inspect activities such as health and safety measures, costs and production processes to ensure that workers and their activities comply with proper legislation and standards. Agricultural inspectors also analyse and report on their findings.
Forest worker: Forest workers carry out a variety of jobs to care for and manage trees, woodland areas and forests. Their activities include include planting, trimming, thinning and felling trees and protecting them from pests, diseases and damage.
Chimney sweep: Chimney sweeps undertake cleaning activities of chimneys for all types of buildings. They remove ash and soot and perform maintenance on a regular basis, following health and safety regulations. Chimney sweeps may perform safety inspections and minor repairs.
Environmental expert: Environmental experts search for technological solutions to tackle environmental problems. They detect and analyse environmental issues and develop new technological production processes to counter these problematic issues. They research the effect of their technological innovations and present their findings in scientific reports.
Environmental engineer: Environmental engineers integrate environmental and sustainable measures in the development of projects of various natures. They seek to preserve natural resources and natural sites. They work together with engineers from other fields to envision all the implications that projects might have in order to design ways to conserve natural reserves, prevent pollution, and deploy sanitary measures.
Hazardous materials inspector: Hazardous materials inspectors inspect facilities which handle hazardous materials to ensure compliance to health and safety regulations, and hazardous materials handling legislation. They investigate violations, oversee tests of emergency and risk response plans, and consult on the improvement of the facilities’ operations and procedures, as well as on hazardous materials regulations. They also advise plants on potential sources of danger to a community, and on better safety regulations.
Fisheries master: Fisheries masters plan, manage and execute the activities of fishing vessels inshore, coastal and offshore waters. They direct and control the navigation. Fisheries masters can operate on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more. They control the loading, unloading and stevedoring, as well as the collection, handling, processing and preservation of fishing.
Radiation protection officer: Radiation protection officers are responsible for the protection from harmful effects caused by exposure to ionising radiation. They ensure compliance with legislation and regulations by enforcing safety measures. Furthermore they develop radiation protection plans in particular for nuclear plants and facilities.
Aquaculture environmental analyst: Aquaculture environmental analysts assess, plan and implement programmes to recognise, monitor and control environmental factors that can potentially affect the health of aquatic animals and plants.
Fisheries observer: Fisheries observers record and report on fishing activity and the level of compliance and enforcement of conservation measures in force in the work area by controlling the position of the vessel, the use of the fishing gear and the catch. They provide the reports required for the scientific monitoring of the fishing area, provide policy advice and plan and coordinate activities.
Fishing net maker: Fishing net makers make and assemble fishing net gear and carry out reparation and maintenance, as directed by the drawings and/or traditional methods.
Forest ranger: Forest rangers are responsible for the protection and conservation of natural resources, particularly in regards to forests and woodlands.

Pollution prevention is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Biotechnical technician: Biotechnical technicians perform technological work in assistance of scientists. They work in laboratory settings where they help scientists to research, develop and test forms of biotechnology. They set up lab equipment, prepare scientific tests and gather scientific data.
Radiation protection technician: Radiation protection technicians monitor radiation levels in buildings and facilities to ensure compliance with health and safety standards, and to prevent dangerous elevations in the radiation level. They take measures to minimise radiation emissions, and to prevent further contamination in the event of radiation pollution, by developing radiation protection plans, in particular for nuclear plants and facilities.
Liquid waste treatment plant operator: Liquid waste treatment technicians remove hazardous chemicals and pollutants from liquid waste such as oil so that it can be safely used for new applications. They operate and maintain liquid waste treatment equipment, monitor operations, and test samples to ensure the safety standards are met.
Sewerage cleaner: Sewerage cleaners maintain and clean sewerage systems and their pipes within communities. They remove blockages that stop the sewerage flow to ensure the smooth running of the systems.
Water quality analyst: Water quality analysts safeguard the quality of water through scientific analysis, ensuring quality and safety standards are met. They take samples of the water and perform laboratory tests, and develop purification procedures so it can serve as drinking water, for irrigation purposes, and other water supply purposes.
Biology technician: Biology technicians provide technical assistance in researching and analysing the relationship between living organisms and their environment. They use laboratory equipment to examine organic substances such as bodily fluids, medicines, plants and food. They collect and analyse data for experiments, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock.
Environmental protection manager: Environmental protection managers provide advice on the development of environmental policies to governmental and official institutions. They analyse possible threats for the well being of the people and the environment in a region and manage campaigns aimed at tackling problems such as waste collection, landfills, and preservation of green areas.
Fire protection technician: Fire protection technicians install and maintain fire protection equipment, such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, fire detection systems, or sprinkler systems in facilities to ensure compliance to safety standards and protection from fire hazards. They inspect the equipment to ensure its functionality, and perform repairs.
Agricultural engineer: Agricultural engineers intervene in a variety of matters within the agriculture field in combination with engineering concepts. They design and develop machinery and equipment for an efficient and sustainable exploitation of the land. They advise on the use of resources in agricultural sites comprising the usage of water and soil, harvesting methods, and waste management.
Recycling worker: Recycling workers clean materials and remove waste, and ensure the waste and collected materials are sorted in the appropriate recycling containers. They also dismantle vehicles and sort the parts collected, and deposit recyclable materials onto conveyor belts where they can be further sorted.
Mechanical engineer: Mechanical engineers research, plan and design mechanical products and systems and supervise the fabrication, operation, application, installation and repair of systems and products. They research and analyse data.
Manufacturing manager: Manufacturing managers plan, oversee and direct the manufacturing process in an organisation. They ensure products and services are efficiently produced within the timeframe and budget given.
Policy manager: Policy managers are responsible for managing the development of policy programs and ensuring that the strategic objectives of the organization are met. They oversee the production of policy positions, as well as the organization’s campaign and advocacy work in fields such as environmental, ethics, quality, transparency, and sustainability.
Soil scientist: Soil scientists research and study the scientific discipline concerning soil. They advise on how to improve soil quality to support nature, food production or human infrastructure using surveying techniques, irrigation techniques and erosion reduction measures. They make sure to conserve and restore land suffering from intense farming or human interaction.
Forestry inspector: Forestry inspectors monitor forestry operations to ensure that workers and their activities comply with proper legislation and standards. They perform inspections to examine operations, wages, costs and health and safety measures. Forestry inspectors also analyse and report on their findings.
Emergency response coordinator: Emergency response coordinators analyse potential risks such as disasters and emergencies for a community or institution and develop a strategy for reacting to these risks. They outline guidelines for the response to an emergency in order to decrease the effects. They educate the parties at risk on these guidelines. They also test response plans and ensure that the necessary supplies and equipments are in place in compliance with health and safety regulations.
Health and safety officer: Health and safety officers execute plans for the improvement of work environments and cultures. They assess risks and interview employees to ensure the work environment is compliant with health and safety rules, as well as ensuring the interaction within the workplace occurs in a positive and productive manner. If employed in a healthcare facility the health and safety officer has to investigate infections spreading across a facility and advice all employees how to combat and prevent infections. Furthermore health physics is applied at facilities where people are exposed to ionizing radiation such as nuclear power plants and research institutions.
Groundwater monitoring technician: Groundwater monitoring technician monitor the environment, gathering data in the form of samples and performing tests in a laboratory or field, to investigate potential sources of pollution. They also perform maintenance tasks on the monitoring equipment.
Aquatic animal health professional: Aquatic animal health professionals diagnose, prevent and treat diseases, injuries and dysfunctions of aquatic animals by implementing appropriate sampling protocols. They supervise the use of medicines, including vaccines, and collect data on fish health, making regular reports to the appropriate personnel. They may provide care to a wide range of aquatic animals or specialise  in the treatment of a particular group or in a particular speciality area. They may provide advice, support and training to farm staff on best practice with regard to the health and welfare of the cultured organisms.
Soil surveying technician: Soil surveying technicians analyse soil by carrying out technical surveying tasks, using soil surveying techniques. They focus on the process of classifying soil types and other soil properties. Soil surveying technicians operate surveying equipment and utilise programs to retrieve and interpret relevant data, and perform computations as required.
Septic tank servicer: Septic tank servicers clean and maintain septic systems. They repair damages and faults, and ensure the tanks are cleaned and maintained, operating cleaning and maintenance machinery, in compliance with safety procedures.
Wastewater engineer: Wastewater engineers design sewage systems and networks for the removal and treatment of wastewater from cities and other residential areas. They design systems which are compliant with environmental standards, and aim to minimise impact on the ecosystem and on citizens in the vicinity of the network.
Agricultural policy officer: Agricultural policy officers analyse and identify agricultural policy issues and develop plans for improvement and new policy implementation. They write reports and presentations in order to communicate and acquire support for the policies from government officials and the public. They also communicate with professionals in agriculture for research and information purposes and perform administrative duties.
Waste management officer: Waste management officers advise and enforce regulations on facilities managing waste disposal, collection and recycling. They develop and implement rules and evaluate the compliance with existsing legislation.
Sewerage systems manager: Sewerage systems managers coordinate and plan pipe and sewer systems, and supervise sewerage construction and maintenance operations. They supervise wastewater treatment plants and other sewage treatment facilities, and ensure operations are compliant with regulations.
Environmental health inspector: Environmental health inspectors carry out investigations to ensure that areas, organisations and companies comply with environmental and public health legislation. They evaluate environmental complaints, provide reports on their findings and work to prevent future hazards or noncompliance with current policies. Environmental health inspectors perform consultations to promote public health and safety.
Drainage engineer: Drainage engineers design and construct drainage systems for sewers and storm water systems. They evaluate the options to design drainage systems that meet the requirements while ensuring compliance with legislation and environmental standards and policies. Drainage engineers choose the most optimal drainage system to prevent floods, control irrigation and direct sewage away from water sources.
Waste treatment engineer: Waste treatment engineers design processes, facilities and equipment used in the collection, treatment, and distribution of waste. They research environmental standards and policies in order to optimise waste treatment procedures and ensure minimal strain on the environment by analysing and classifying the processed waste.
Energy engineer: Energy engineers design new, efficient and clean ways to produce, transform, and distribute energy to improve environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. They extract energy through natural resources, such as oil or gas, or renewable and sustainable sources, such as wind or solar power. 
Environmental policy officer: Environmental policy officers research, analyse, develop and implement policies related to the environment. They give expert advice to entities such as commercial organisations, government agencies and land developers. Environmental policy officers work on reducing the impact of industrial, commercial and agricultural activities on the environment.
Coastguard watch officer: Coastguard watch officers patrol and survey coast and sea regions to prevent accidents, as well as perform search and rescue missions in the event of an emergency. They react to emergency calls, advise on safety procedures, and prevent accidents and illegal activity at sea. Coastguard watch officers investigate shipping activities and aid during pollution incidents and in flood relief.
Social services manager: Social services managers have the responsibility for strategic and operational leadership and management of staff teams and resources within and or across social services. They are responsible for the implementation of legislation and policies relating to, for example, decisions about vulnerable people. They promote social work and social care values and ethics, equality and diversity, and relevant codes guiding practice. They are responsible for liaising with other professionals in criminal justice, education and health. They can be responsible for contributing to local and national policy development.
Marine engineer: Marine engineers design, build, maintain and repair the hull, mechanical, electronic equipment and auxiliary systems such as engines, pumps, heating, ventilation, generator sets. They work on all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines.
Agronomist: Agronomists provide consulting services to companies, agricultural cooperatives, agronomical crop growers and horticultural crop growers on the cultivation of food crops. They study the science, technology and business related to growing plants. They examine crops and perform experiments in order to improve crop yields and farms’ production. Agronomists also examine the most effective ways to harvest and cultivate plants.
Hazardous waste technician: Hazardous waste technicians dispose of materials that have been in contact with or are ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic or a combination of the aforementioned hazardous traits. They remove the waste from industrial facilities or households and transport them to a treatment facility to ensure they are treated and disposed of according to regulations. They may also advise on the proper treatment of hazardous waste, and aid in the clean-up of hazardous waste spills.
Policy officer: Policy officers research, analyse and develop policies in various public sectors, and shape and implement these policies to improve the existing regulation around the sector. They evaluate effects of existing policies and report findings to the government and members of the public. Policy officers work closely with partners, external organisations or other stakeholders and provide them with regular updates.
Marine chief engineer: Marine chief engineers are responsible for the entire technical operations of the vessel including engineering, electrical, and mechanical divisions. They are the head of the entire engine department aboard the ship. They have overall responsibility for all technical operations and equipment on-board the ship. Marine chief engineers collaborate on security, survival and health care on board, observe the national and international standards of application.
Civil engineer: Civil engineers design, plan, and develop technical and engineering specifications for infrastructure and construction projects. They apply engineering knowledge in a vast array of projects, from the construction of infrastructure for transportation, housing projects, and luxury buildings, to the construction of natural sites. They design plans that seek to optimise materials and integrate specifications and resource allocation within the time constraints.
Hazardous waste inspector: Hazardous waste inspectors inspect industrial sites to ensure they adhere to waste disposal legislation, and inspect their equipment to see if it is operational and functions according to regulations. They also aim to educate the public on hazardous substances and on hazardous waste handling regulations.
Refuse collector: Refuse collectors remove waste from homes and other facilities and put it in the bin lorry so it can be transported to a treatment and disposal facility. They assist the driver of the bin lorry, help unload the waste, and record the amount of refuse collected. They may also collect waste from construction and demolition sites, and hazardous waste.
Environmental technician: Environmental technicians investigate sources of pollution and aid in the development of pollution prevention and environment protection plans. They take samples of soil, water or other materials and perform tests to analyse the pollution level and identify its source.
Emergency response worker: Emergency response workers work in missions to aid in emergency and disaster situations, such as natural disasters or oil spills. They clean up the debris or waste caused by the event, ensure the people involved are brought to safety, prevent further damage, and transport goods such as food and medical supplies.
Biologist: Biologists study living organisms and life in its broader extent in combination with its environment. Through research, they strive to explain the functional mechanisms, interactions, and evolution of organisms.
Aquaculture quality supervisor: Aquaculture quality supervisors establish standards and policies for the quality control of aquatic organisms’ production. They test and inspect the stock according to hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) principles and safety regulations.
Water engineer: Water engineers research and develop methods for the provision of clean water, water treatment and flood damage prevention and reaction. They research water needs in a location and develop methods for meeting those needs, such as designing and developing projects for managing water resources such as treatment plants, pipelines, pump systems, irrigation or draining systems and other water supply systems. Water engineers also ensure proper installation of these systems on construction sites. Water engineers also maintain, repair and build structures that control water resources, such as bridges, canals and dams.
Solid waste operator: Solid waste operators operate and maintain solid waste treatment and distribution equipment, and test samples to monitor pollution. They assist in the collection and disposal of solid waste, such as construction and demolition debris, and ensure treatment is compliant to safety regulations. They ensure community waste containers are emptied, ensure proper differentiation between waste which needs to be recycled or disposed of, and monitor equipment.
Sorter labourer: Sorter labourers sort recyclable materials and waste from a recycling stream, and ensure no unsuitable materials wind up among the recyclable materials. They inspect the materials and perform cleaning duties, and work in compliance with waste regulations.

References

1. Pollution prevention – ESCO