Base to be assessed for ESOH compliance

  • Published
  • By Wayne Fowler
  • 82nd Civil Engineering Squadron environmental flight ESOHCAMP program manager
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard is scheduled to be evaluated for its Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment Management Program Sept. 13-17.

The Air Force Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health program encompasses three separate areas of responsibility into a single overall program. The program as a whole is managed in accordance with Air Force Instruction 90-801, which established the ESOH Council, chaired by the wing commander.

"Just about everything we do on base is subject to an environmental or Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulation, law or directive," said Wayne Fowler, 82nd Civil Engineering Squadron environmental flight ESOHCAMP program manager. "Therefore, just about everything is subject to enforcement by federal and state regulatory agencies."

Each Air Force base conducts annual internal and external ESOHCAMP evaluations. The purpose of the annual assessment is to enhance Air Force regulations, improve compliance management by identifying and tracking trends that can lead to ESOH problems, build financial support for compliance projects, and assure commanders that the ESOH programs are effective.

The week-long external ESOH assessment begins Sept. 13 with a team of approximately 23 assessors and auditors who will inspect programs on base and then conclude their visit with a brief to senior leadership Sept. 17.

Mr. Fowler said evaluation teams will be sent throughout the base and use Department of Defense, Air Force and Texas compliance checklists to measure compliance.

"The evaluation team will be taking a hard look at how we manager major areas or 'protocols' such as the base's hazardous materials and waste, air emissions, water program, toxic substances, safety, and occupational health management," he said.

In conjunction with the ESOHCAMP assessment, the team will have qualified members on the team to audit the Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Management System.

Team Sheppard, including military, civilians, contractors and tenants, is expected to be familiar with the installation ESOHMS, particularly ESOHMS policy. Each person should have completed the ESOHMS Awareness Training and job-related training courses provided on www.ESOHTN.com.

Each individual on Sheppard should be familiar with the ESOH policy, posted on Sheppard's website home page, and be aware of the base's commitments.

During the evaluation, auditors will ask individuals whether they are familiar with the policy and how their day-to-day activities impact the ESOH on Sheppard.

The policy is also posted on the Installation Comprehensive Environmental Data system on the network drive inside the "ESOHMS" folder.

"Base members should approach ESOHCAMP with an attitude of cooperation and openness," Mr. Fowler said. "The positive actions taken now can ensure a successful ESOHCAMP evaluation by identifying deficiencies before they become compliance problems with regulators.

"Protecting the environment for future generations and providing a safe and healthy work environment is the ultimate goal and we must incorporate all areas of the programs into our daily activities."

For questions concerning the upcoming ESOHCAMP, call Wayne Fowler at (940) 676-2001.