Implementing an Integrated Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health

Management System (ESOHMS) at the Defense National Stockpile Center

James D. Wood, P.E., EMS-LAStephen W. Surface, EMS-PA

Mary L. DavidsonLinda L. Baetz, EMS-LA

Why do EMS?

• Executive Order 13148 - Requires all Federal Agencies to implement an environmental management system (EMS) at appropriate facilities by 31 Dec 2005.

• DOD Policy Memorandum (5 Apr 2002) - , Requires Military Services and DOD Agencies to implement EMS per Executive Order 13148.

What is DNSC?

• Defense National Stockpile Center (DNSC)

• Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Field Activity (part of DOD)

• DNSC stores National Defense materials

DNSC Background

Defense National Stockpile Center (DNSC)

Field Activity of Defense Logistics Agency

Headquartered at Ft. Belvoir, Va.

9 Staffed Depots and 39 storage locations

DNSC operates the National Defense Stockpile Program

Store and sell metallurgical ores and materials

Program established in 1940s to lessen U.S. dependence on foreign sources in times of war or national emergency.

Initial DNSC Strengths

• Strong Support from Top Management• Integrated Business Practices (i.e., ESOHMS)• Knowledgeable ESOHMS Coordinator• Enthusiastic Cross-Functional Team

It’s not quite as easy as this!

ESOHMS

But also not as tough as this!

ESOHMS

DNSC ESOHMS Policy

• ESOHMS Policy -- Top Management BUY-IN!!

• ESOHMS Policy -- Focal Point for the DNSC Management System.

• ESOHMS Policy -- Communicating the Policy

Implementation Team

• Selection of Team Members

• Team Members from every Facet of DNSC

• Team Members from All Levels of DNSC (HQ and Depots)

Implementation Team Training

• Outside Trainers (RAB-certified EMS auditors) used to Train Implementation Team Personnel

• Training Included Development of Aspects and Impacts Analysis

Aspects and Impacts

Environmental Aspect: Element of an organization’s activities, products or services, which can interact with the environment.

Environmental Impact: Any change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially resulting from and organization’s activities, products, or services.

Management

Review

Checking &Corrective Action

Environmental Policy

Planning

Implementation & Operation

Do

Act

ESOHMS Continual Improvement

Check

Plan

DNSC Next Steps

• Conducting an Internal Audit

• Having an Internal Auditor Significantly Helped to Further Define ESOHMS.

• Preparing a Corrective Action Plan to Track Completion of Required Changes

Training: Phased Approach

• Train Top Management

• Train Implementation Team

• On-site Training of ALL Field Personnel

• Training Manual

• Continual Awareness (posters, etc.)

Logo and Motto

“I am the key”

Continual Improvement

• ESOHMS Built on Existing DNSC Programs

• DNSC Aspects and Impacts Linked to Goals and Objectives

• Continual ESOHMS Revisions (in preparation for final conformance audit)

DNSC ESOHMS Conformance Audit

• USACHPPM Selected for Final Conformance Audit (Familiar with DNSC Facilities and had RAB-certified EMS Lead Auditors)

• USCHPPM Conducted Conformance Audit at DNSC HQ and 3 Depots (7-17 Jul 03)

• USACHPPM Issued Audit Report - 16 “findings of minor nonconformance” & 1 observation (2 Sep 03)

Post-Audit Actions

• DNSC Concurred with USACHPPM Audit Findings

• DNSC Modified ESOHMS & Provided Corrective Action Documentation to USACHPPM

• USACHPPM Concurred with DSNC Corrective Actions

• Certificate of ISO 14001 Conformance Issued (Oct 03)

“Lessons Learned”

• Keep Everyone Focused

• Stick to the Implementation Schedule

• Maximize Positive Reinforcements

• Recognize Results (e.g., DLA HQ ceremony for DNSC HQ & Depots)

Summary

• DNSC Integrated “Systems” Approach to Stockpile Management – ESOHMS

• Top Management Support/Buy-in is Key

• Effective Training & Adhering to Implementation Schedules are Critical

• Use of RAB-Certified EMS Auditors (e.g., USACHPPM) Adds Credibility to ISO 14001 Conformance Declaration

Questions?