102nd Environmental Management Office completes annual ESOHCAMP evaluation

  • Published
  • By Jess Dyer
  • 102nd Environmental Management Office
The 102nd Environmental Management Office (EMO) performed its annual Environmental, Safety, Occupational Health, Compliance Assessment and Management Program (ESOHCAMP) evaluation here June 18 through 22 to assure human health and safety to those on base.

The ESOHCAMP audit is essentially the Air Force's internal, self-assessment program to help commanders assess the status of the environmental and occupational health and safety compliance, and to identify discrepancies and track solutions.

These evaluations are performed annually in order to avoid any repeat offenses. Any incompliance must be reported and tracked throughout the year until a root cause is found and resolved. The yearly tracking of these incompliances helps identify trends and their root causes in order to formulate a prevention plan.

Robert Deane, Deputy of Environmental Operations, along with Environmental staff members, Alan Ronald and Bonnie McClutchy inspected various crucial areas here, adhering to federal, state and Air Force evaluation checklists and guidelines for maintaining facilities according to law. Checklists comprised of nearly 80 questions and laborious procedures were enforced.

The checklists focused on recycling, solid waste disposal and natural resources. These assessments looked for potential harmful emissions, improper recycling procedures, and safe disposal of items like aerosols and fluorescent lighting.

Nearly 20 areas were inspected and hundreds of protocols were followed to ensure full-compliance. These protocols included both federal and state requirements, and covered air, water, hazardous waste and wastewater.

"It's important not only for the safety of wing personnel, but for the environment as well," said McClutchy, Environmental Protection Specialist and Air and Water Quality Manager.

The department achieved positive results in areas such as shop inspection documentation, hazardous materials storage and Workers Right to Know compliance.

"We plan to further the success of our program by continued training for shop personnel," said Deane.

ESOHCAMP consists of three tiers. Tier I is a quarterly checklist adherence inspection performed by shop personnel only. Shop supervisors should look for Tier I checklists in the third quarter of 2012.

This was a Tier II evaluation, meaning it was an internal assessment performed annually by EMO staff only.

Tier III evaluations occur every three years and are performed by the National Guard Bureau and contract support personnel. The last Tier III inspection here was in 2011, and the next Tier III evaluation is scheduled for 2014.

Since this is not a formal evaluation, no rating is given. However, performing routine inspections ensures constant health and safety to all workers, and preparedness for unannounced federal or state inspections.