Team Yokota prepares for ESOHCAMP assessment

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Nichols
  • 374th Airlift WIng Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  During the week of August 2-6, a team of assessors will visit Yokota Air Base as part of the 2010 Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment Program.

Throughout the week, protocols will be looked at by assessors, including hazardous materials, hazardous waste, storage tanks and solid waste.

"ESOHCAMP is a means for units to identify potential problems, not to rate their performance," said Meredith Whitney, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron chief of environmental quality. "The assessment areas cover pretty much the entire base population."

The assessors will be looking for any deficiencies or deviations from laws, regulations, instructions and policies that could result in a negative environmental, health or safety impact. Once those issues are identified, the assessors look for the root cause of the problem and make recommendations on ways to correct them.

"The assessors are also looking for achievers who set the standards in compliance," said Miss Whitney. "These individuals or organizations are identified so that others may use their work as a benchmark."

ESOHCAMP assessments protect the health and safety of the workforce and prevent environmental damage caused by different activities. It also lends support to requests for resources.

"ESOHCAMP offers a unique opportunity to get a snapshot in time of how the base is doing in reaching its compliance goals," said Miss Whitney. "This allows us to work towards improvement, creating a safer, healthier and more environmentally sound work environment."

Assessors will only be visiting a small portion of the base, but it could be any unit.

"The best way to prepare is to ensure that your shop is in compliance year-round," said Miss Whitney. "ESOH compliance is every worker's responsibility, every day."

For more information on what to do to prepare for the assessment, call the Environmental Element office at 225-5440, the Bio-Environmental Engineering office at 225-8040 or the Ground Safety office at 225-7233.