ESOHCAMP: Are You Ready? Published March 20, 2009 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Spangdahlem's external Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment and Management Program assessment will be held April 20-24, 2009. U.S. Air Forces in Europe personnel will take a critical look at Spangdahlem's environmental, safety and occupational health programs. The external ESOHCAMP assessments are conducted once every three years, with internal assessments conducted in the intervening years by wing personnel. An ESOHCAMP evaluation considers the following environmental as well as occupational health and safety protocols: · Air emissions management · Natural and cultural resources management · Hazardous materials management · Hazardous waste management · Environmental issues such as environmental impact assessments · Noise · Pollution prevention · Environmental management system program management · Pesticide management · Petroleum, oil and lubricants program management, · Restoration program management · Solid waste and recycling management · Storage tank management · Toxic substances management · Wastewater and water quality management · Chemical hazards and hazard communication · Hearing protection, · Personal protective equipment · Respirator protection · Ventilation · Lockout and tag-out · Confined space program validation Each protocol evaluates activities compared to the requirements established in the overseas environmental final governing standards for Germany, Department of Defense, Air Force, Code of Federal Regulations and Air Force Occupational Safety and Health standards. The assessment involves evaluation of the main operating base, Bitburg Annex and Oberweis Annex. It also includes discussions with personnel and review of records such as inspection reports, maintenance logs and training files. The ESOHCAMP assessment team recognizes positive findings and practices in addition to areas of non-compliance. Most shops that do well in ESOHCAMP assessments are those that are aware of their environmental, safety and occupational health responsibilities, take pride in their work and are enthusiastic. In the next few weeks leading up to the assessment period, the Natural Resource Element will work with unit environmental coordinators to ensure they have the tools needed to perform inspections in their work areas and report their identified deficiencies to leadership for corrective actions before the External ESOHCAMP team visits. In addition, base environmental representatives will visit select work areas to evaluate whether past inspection deficiencies remain closed. Upon request, additional training can be provided. By working with unit environmental coordinators to prepare for the ESOHCAMP assessment, the 52nd Fighter Wing will be able to highlight positive environmental stewardship. For more information, contact a unit environmental coordinator or call the Natural Resources Element at 452-7257.