ESOHCAMP audit: Simple steps to pass like Flying Tigers

  • Published
  • By 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron environmental division
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  (Editor's note: This article is part of a series to help prepare Moody members for an audit. Next week's article will contain guidelines regarding accomplishing and maintaining compliance.)

A "no-notice" auditing program has been scheduled on Moody for early 2010 to evaluate the base's compliance with local, state and federal environmental, safety and occupational health laws.

Air Combat Command's External Environmental, Safety, Occupational, Health, Compliance, Management Program (ESOHCAMP) assessment, will affect all members of the 23rd Wing, but the primary focus will be toward industrial shop processes.

The following items are tips to avoid making the most common discrepancies found in prior ESOHCAMP assessments.

- Hazardous materials and hazardous waste have the most discrepancies and are the most critically inspected.
- Shops must initiate work place clean-up immediately and turn in chemicals not being used.
- Identify and replace all personal protective equipment that is damaged, nonserviceable or in poor condition.
- Do not put hazardous materials or recyclables in the dumpster.
- Dumpsters should be emptied before the team arrives to avoid the possibility of finding illegally discarded recyclables or hazardous materials.
- Close lids to drums containing chemicals or dirty rags.
- Individuals must have a spill kit and supplies readily available. They must also know when and how to use them.
- Label all hazardous material containers to include transfer containers. For example, spray bottles that are used for shop processes should be labeled "water."
- All shops must have a current written hazardous communication program.
- Training documents must be up to date, including Air Force Form 55, Employee Safety and Health Record.
- Personnel must be legitimately trained about hazards listed on their Air Force Form 55.
- The workplace must have current Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in the shop and readily available. If a chemical is maintained on a vehicle, then a copy of the MSDS should be maintained in that vehicle.
- Correct findings identified by inspectors immediately.
- Avoid improper storage of hazardous, universal and solid wastes such as fluorescent lamps.
- Used fluorescent lamps must be stored in a box (the original if possible) in a closet or location where the used lamps will not be broken. The box must be closed and be labeled "used fluorescent lamps."
- Universal waste labels that meet all federal requirements can be obtained from the hazardous materials office.
- Used chemical waste containers must be properly labeled with labels obtained from the HAZMAT office.
- Ensure satellite accumulation points are stored near a generation point.
- Dumpster lids and doors must be closed.
- Ensure that equipment is properly cleaned within designated areas.
- Warning signs must be posted.
- The most updated applicable plans need to be available on site, including respiratory plans.
- Equipment Inspection records must be current and readily available.
- Compressed gas cylinders must be secured and locked in designated location.

Contractor construction sites will also be of importance during the assessment.

- Construction site foreman must be trained on handling construction storm water and must collect construction storm water samples for construction sites of more than one acre. It must be documented, with results kept on site.
- There must be an erosion and sedimentation control plan on site.
- Basic protective measures must be in place, including silt fencing, storm water blocks, and erosion control measures.
- Asbestos abatement projects must be cordoned off and labeled with appropriate signs.
- Asbestos abatement workers must have training certificates on site.
- Asbestos abatement waste containers must be labeled.
- Sites must have MSDSs for hazardous chemicals.

Please contact any of the listed individuals with questions or concerns. For environmental questions, call Elvis Lane, Greg Haugen or Bill Fowler at (229) 257-3849/4654/1395. For bioenvironmental questions, call Susan Cordova at (229) 257-4747. For additional safety questions, call (229) 257-3082.