Operational Support
Environmental Management System Implementation
Life
Sciences Environmental Management System Description
Supporting EMS Information
What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?
An environmental Management System (EMS) is a way to integrate
environmental considerations into every part of our work. It helps us improve environmental
performance, gain community trust,
reduce costs and achieve compliance with the law. An EMS is a tool
to manage, control, and measure our environmental impacts.
There is an International Standard Organization (ISO) which
develops standards for organizations to use worldwide. ISO 14001
specifies the requirements for an EMS. BNL is in compliance with ISO14001. In this system, environmental aspects are
identified and ranked by significance criteria. Plans and controls
are implemented to manage these significant aspects. At BNL, EMS
also includes a site wide Environmental,
Safety, Security and Health Policy (ESSH) which incorporates
pollution prevention measures. The EMS systems were implemented by
Directorates using the framework established by the site-wide EMS.
The Life Sciences EMS consists of all the work activities in the
Biology and Medical Departments (including BLIP/TPL). The EMS was
implemented and is maintained by a team of Life Sciences employees:
Team:
Ann Emrick, Management Representative
Steve Ferrone/Joy Adams, Environmental Compliance
Jim Bullis, ES&H, BLIP/TPL Operations
Bob Colichio, ES&H
Bill Gunther, ALD Asst.
What you need to know about the Life Sciences EMS:
- How can your work activities potentially impact the
environment?
This is determined, using the Identification
of Significant Environmental Aspects and Impacts Subject Area in the
experimental safety review process, through work planning and
control for operations, and industrial process evaluations.
- How can these impacts be prevented?
Controls are in place as described in the experimental safety
reviews, work planning and control for operations, and industrial
process evaluations.
Pollution
prevention opportunities are incorporated in the review process and
also in setting goals and objectives in the management of the EMS.
- What should you do in case of emergency (this includes a
significant spill, fire, or any other emergency)?
Call ext 2222 or 911.
What are your EMS-related responsibilities for your work
activities?
All workers:
- Understand and follow procedures that control your work. Be
familiar with
SBMS Subject
Areas relevant to your work. This is accomplished via training and
other communications as well as the SBMS site.
- Obtain and maintain training relevant to your work.
- Be alert for
pollution prevention
/ waste minimization opportunities.
- Call x2222 if you witness something that may be detrimental to
the environment. Take mitigating actions only if you are competent
to do so.
Principal Investigators (in addition to the above):
- Obtain approvals before beginning any experimental work,
including setup.
- Generate procedures with input and feedback from workers.
- Identify all environmental aspects in your experimental safety
review(s).
- We recommend that you subscribe to relevant SBMS Subject Areas
(change
notification subscription service).
Last Modified: February 1, 2008
Please forward all questions about this site to:
Denise Monteleone
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