EMS Preparation & Implementation is underway at JLab
Jefferson Lab’s EMS Implementation Team has worked especially hard to prepare the Lab’s EMS, or Environmental Management System, throughout 2004. What is an EMS? An EMS is a continual cycle of planning, implementing, reviewing and improving the processes and actions that an organization undertakes to meet its business and environmental goals. It is a set of processes and practices that will enable Jefferson Lab to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency.
To date Jefferson Lab has met the following DOE Metrics:
- Site EH&S (Environmental) Policy in place (JLab had already had an EH&S Policy)
- EMS Implementation Training was provided to the personnel establishing the system in April 2004.
- Significant environmental aspects, as of September 26, have been identified
- Measurable environmental objectives and targets have also been identified
- Target Implementation Plans have been established to achieve the 2004 EMS objectives and targets
Currently, the EMS Team is working with the Training and Development Group to develop the EMS Awareness Training program. All staff, subcontractors, and users will be required to take this training before July 15, 2005.
For 2005, besides training, other major EMS goals are:
- To have all EMS procedures established. These include those that address: aspect identification, objectives and targets identification, the corrective action process, and performing an annual EMS management review.
- Have the Lab’s EMS in-place and Self-Declared by December 30th
The EMS Implementation Team still has a lot of hard work in front of them to meet the December 30, 2005 deadline but they are steadfast and determined to reach these DOE-identified metrics. Look for more EMS updates throughout the year in various Jefferson Lab publications including this web-site; On-Target; and On-Target briefs.
For more information on Environmental Management Systems, visit http://www.epa.gov/ems/ or call EH&S Reporting at x7308.