SFG20 (Schedule 48-03) Update

Did You Know?

Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) launched the SFG20 specification in 1990 and it has become the industry standard in facilities management. SFG20 is a web-based library of more than 1,200 maintenance schedules (sections) covering 70 types of equipment, which is continuously updated.

This means you no longer need to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for each asset, which saves time and hassle while ensuring compliance.

SFG20 Schedule 48-03 Has Been Updated

Schedule 48-03 of SFG20 covers the basic principles of responsible separator maintenance.

Previously, the advice was that they needed to be serviced every 12 months. This advice has been updated to reflect the maintenance schedule established in the current British Standard for the operation and maintenance of separators, BS EN 858-2:2003 Separator systems for light liquids (e.g. oil and petrol).

Previous Guidance…

• Check and report any significant deterioration
• Clean any contamination
• Check for obstructions in chamber interconnectors and vent pipes
• Ensuring the safety regulations for working in confined spaces can be complied with.

New Additional Guidance…

• Have an automatic warning device/high-level alarm installed
• Be serviced and maintained on at least a six-monthly basis
• Be subject to at least a five-yearly integrity test
• Have full service and maintenance records available for inspection.

You Need to Act Now

In order to meet your statutory obligations, you should adjust your maintenance schedules in accordance with the recent change that now applies to separators.

If a pollution incident occurs and it’s due to poorly maintained or inadequate containment, it’s a strict liability offence. Failure to adhere to current standards is a prosecution waiting to happen.

The onus is on you to demonstrate you have done your utmost to ensure compliance according to SFG20 (schedule 48-03), and BS EN 858-2:2003, as well as having followed best practice guidance established in CIRIA 736.

You must keep comprehensive service logs as evidence of robust maintenance and servicing.

What Are the Risks of Non-Compliance?

• Financial risks
• Reputational risks
• Environmental damage.

Failing to follow the SFG20 (schedule 48-03) guidance could be financial and reputational, in addition to the obvious environmental damage that could be caused.

The Environment Agency is taking a tougher stance on companies with poorly maintained separators and non-compliant operations due to an increase in the number of pollution incidents caused or made worse by failed separators.

Fines can be up to 100% of pre-tax profits, and this is payable on top of court costs and the clean-up costs. A precedent has also been set for senior officers of offending businesses being held personally liable.

What Do I Need To Do?

1. Ensure all separators have alarm systems installed
2. Service your separators every six months and keep all records
3. Keep on top of any changes to the SFG20 guidance (and read all the small print!)
4. Be aware of the manufacturer’s guidance for your specific containment systems
5. Follow a programme of proactive separator maintenance that’s been designed to comply with the updated SFG20 (schedule 48-03).

Need Support To Ensure Your Sites Remain Compliant With the New Schedule?

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Download this update as a PDF