7.1 |
Introduction |
| 7.1.1 |
Below are some useful tips to assist you in carrying out the NI 195 survey that may help you to save time once you are out: |
| 7.1.2 |
Before you go out on site, make sure that you know how far 50 metres is. Measure 50 metres and count how many of your normal steps it takes to travel this distance at a normal pace. |
| 7.1.3 |
If you are using paper forms for the survey (as opposd to a hand-held computer) photocopy all of the survey forms that you will need for the day and put them into a ring binder or into a weather resistant clipboard before you get outside. |
| 7.1.4 |
Always use a pencil to fill in your survey forms – pens do not write on wet paper. |
| 7.1.5 |
If you are unsure about the grades for litter and detritus, take laminated colour copies of the grading photographs from this Website with you for reference. This may be worth while having, should you need to discuss the gradings with your survey partner, or to assist you in if you are uncertain. |
| 7.1.6 |
Take weather conditions into account when considering surveying clothing. |
7.2 |
When You SHOULD survey |
| 7.2.1 |
The NI 195 survey may be carried out between 8 a.m. and dusk on all the days when the Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse is operative. |
| 7.2.2 |
The survey should be spread as evenly as possible across the days of the week, and throughout the working day; |
| 7.2.3 |
Usually, surveyors can assess transects far more quickly and accurately if the surveyor is free to carry out the survey as a sole activity without interruption. This means that, ideally, surveyors should dedicate whole or half working days to the assessment of transects, free from other responsibilities. |
| 7.2.4 |
For maximum efficiency, try to carry out the survey either within two consecutive weeks, or over two one-week periods within the overall four-month period (Note – this is a suggestion, not a requirement). |
7.3 |
When You SHOULD NOT survey |
| 7.3.1 |
Surveyors should not attempt to survey in severe weather conditions, for instance heavy snowfall and gale force winds. |
| 7.3.2 |
Surveyors should not routinely survey a transect directly after cleansing. This will tend to give a biased (over-optimistic) view of standards of cleanliness for the area. |
| 7.3.3 |
Similarly, surveyors should not routinely survey a transect directly after refuse collection. This will tend to give a biased (pessimistic) view of standards. |
| 7.3.4 |
Street cleansing and refuse collection are everyday activities, and it is natural that a small proportion of sites may be surveyed soon after they have taken place. The best approach will be for surveyors to pay no attention either to cleansing schedules, or to refuse collection schedules, in planning the NI 195 survey. Ideally, they should be unaware of such schedules. |
| 7.3.5 |
Surveyors should avoid surveying lengths of road on which there are major road works. |
| 7.3.6 |
During the main leaf and blossom falls, surveyors should avoid surveying transects affected by very heavy falls which make it difficult to make accurate grading assessments for litter and detritus. |
7.4 |
How Should Surveyors Work? |
| 7.4.1 |
Wherever possible, it is recommended that surveyors work in pairs. For the first transect of the day, and the first transect after lunch, surveyors should survey the same transect together to check that they are assessing standards in the same way (i.e. calibrating each other). Otherwise, surveyors can assess transects individually, but should remain in proximity for personal security. This also means that surveyors can consult each other if the need for a second opinion arises. In addition, this method of working helps to minimise travel costs. |
| 7.4.2 |
Where individual surveyors are normally assigned to different parts of an authority (e.g. as Highway or Environment Inspectors), it is recommended they still work together on this survey, covering each other’s areas on a joint basis. Wherever possible, it is recommended that managers change ‘pairings’ of surveyors regularly. |
| 7.4.3 |
It is recognised that, in some authorities, resource constraints mean that surveyors cannot work in pairs on a regular basis, if at all. In these cases, Managers should check regularly that surveyors are selecting transects, and making grading assessments for litter and detritus, on a consistent basis. A record of these periodic checks should be maintained. |
7.5 |
Health & Safety Policy |
| 7.5.1 |
Ensure that all surveyors are familiar with, and adhere to, your recognised Health and Safety Policy, and the person responsible for Health and Safety is aware of the survey. For further details on Health and Safety and Risk Assessments, visit the Health and Safety Executive Website at www.hse.gov.uk. |
Last modified: 18 June 2009
Last published: 11 May 2009