ESOHCAMP auditing program to arrive at Moody early 2010

  • Published
  • By Jesse Webster
  • 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron environmental division
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  A "no-notice" auditing program has been scheduled to visit Moody early 2010 to evaluate Moody'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 assessment, known as ESOHCAMP, will affect all members of the 23rd Wing, but the primary focus will be toward industrial-shop processes.

The assessment will include, but is not limited to, the following protocol areas: air emissions, petroleum, oil, and lubricant, ground safety, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, solid waste/pollution prevention, storage tank, toxic substances (polychlorinated biphenyls, asbestos, radon and lead-based paint), water quality, occupational health and environmental management systems.

The environmental, ground safety and occupational health categories start the assessment with 100 points. Each category is based on all ranked protocols within that category.

If a protocol receives a benchmark, model or solid rating, then no points are taken away. If a protocol receives a needs improvement or requires immediate action rating, then a designated number of points will be taken away from 100.

The 23rd Wing's goal is to achieve an overall rating of "green," which means there are no "requires immediate action" ratings and that nothing in the high enforcement risk category "needs improvement."

Some of the most common errors found by past inspections range from open dumpster lids and unlabeled containers to more serious offenses such as current material safety data sheets not onsite to damaged equipment still being used should be eliminated.

To prepare for this inspection, supervisors should have all applicable tasking orders, Air Force Instructions and other reference materials readily available. Shops should also have copies of workorders for projects (funded/unfunded) that have or will correct discrepancies that relate to one of the protocols listed.

If individuals are following all environmental, safety and occupational health procedures outlined in the AFIs, the external ESOHCAMP will be successful.

Attitude also is a critical factor in the success of the ESOHCAMP assessment. A positive attitude, paying the proper attention to the evaluators' questions and responding accordingly will go a long way. Remember, the assessment evaluates our ability to conduct our mission within Air Force standards.

Ask questions about any findings and provide additional information that will help clarify any discrepancies.

If the inspectors do have any negative findings, Airmen should address corrective actions on the spot if possible. Respect and courtesy go a long way toward the final documentation of the finding with resolution.

The external ESOHCAMP is not to be feared and is a tool to help the base become better at managing safety, health and the environment. It can also direct the culture of the Air Force and enable us to work in a safe environment. It ensures the Air Force is doing its part to be greener and cleaner, which will have a positive effect on the environment. One team, one fight!

For more information, contact Jesse Webster, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron, at (229) 257-2861.