Quality Enhancement Unit
Environmental Management System
Module 5
Operational Control
Module 5 Objectives
What are Operational Controls?
ISO 14001 Requirements
NCDOT EMS Framework Requirements
Examples of Operational Controls
Preventive Maintenance
What are Procedures?
Module 5 Objectives
What are Standard Operating Procedures?
When is a Written Procedure Required?
Writing Procedures
Responsibility for Maintaining Procedures
Supplier/Contractor Expectations
What are Operational Controls?
Operational controls are developed and
implemented to ensure that the potential for
significant negative environmental impacts are
minimized.
Operational Controls describe specific operations
for controlling and managing the activities,
processes, products, and services associated with
the significant environmental aspects.
Operational Controls should:
1. Prevent pollution
2. Comply with legislation and regulations
3. Continually improve
4. Achieve objectives and targets
ISO 14001 Requirements
The organization shall identify those operations
and activities that are associated with identified
significant environmental aspects in line with its
policy, objectives, and targets. The organization
shall plan these activities, including maintenance,
in order to ensure that they are carried out under
specified conditions by:
(a)
(b)
Establishing and maintaining documented
procedures where the absence could lead to
deviations from the environmental policy and
objectives and targets
Stipulating operating criteria in the procedures
NCDOT EMS Framework
Requirements
Operational control procedures
must be developed for
operations associated with
aspects with significant
impacts.
Operational Control procedures
stipulate operating criteria and
instructions to ensure
operations and activities are
carried out appropriately.
Examples of
Operational Controls
Controls may include:
Electronic or mechanical technology to reduce emissions
Routine preventive maintenance programs to reduce wear and
breakdown of equipment
Monitoring and observation of equipment performance
Types of Operational Controls:
Standard Operating Procedures
Contract Language
Signage
Log Books
Check Lists
Preventive Maintenance
The goal of preventive
maintenance is to avoid or lessen
the consequences of equipment
failure.
Much time, effort, and money
could be saved if organizations
invested more in routine
maintenance procedures to stop
problems before they appear.
What are Procedures?
A procedure is an activity
carried out in accordance with
specified instructions.
A procedure defines who has the
authority and responsibility to
conduct the activity, what
resources are needed, when the
activity is to be done, and the
sequence of tasks to complete
the activity.
Writing Procedures
When writing procedures for operational
controls, determine the environmental
objectives desired, set targets for
performance, and write procedures to
ensure that the objective will be met.
Keep the procedure simple and concise.
They should include the appropriate actions
precautions, and notifications required.
Involve people who are knowledgeable and
experienced in the operation, activity, or
task.
Standard Operating Procedures
A Standard Operating Procedure
is a set of instructions having the
force of a directive, covering those
features of operations that lend
themselves to a definite or
standardized procedure without
loss of effectiveness.
When is a Written Procedure Required?
When ISO 14001 specifies a documented procedure.
When the absence of a written procedure could lead
to deviations from the environmental policy and
objectives and targets.
When an operation is:
Complex
Conducted infrequently
Sensitive to operating variables
Documenting Procedures
A documented procedure helps to
achieve consistency between:
Different divisions, units, operators
Different operators doing the same
activity
The ISO standard states that a
documented procedure is needed only
if a pollution problem may occur.
A procedure should be documented
only if the written version adds value.
Documenting Procedures, continued
Useful when training operators.
Defines roles, responsibilities,
accountability, and reporting
requirements.
Clearly specifies operating
conditions, limits, targets, and
precautions.
Responsibility for Maintaining Procedures
Designate those people responsible for
maintaining and reviewing procedures.
The workers responsible for the
significant aspect under consideration
should be responsible for implementing
the procedure.
The workers manager should be
responsible for regular review of the
procedure.
Supplier/Contractor Expectations
Requirements of the EMS must be
communicated to suppliers and
contractors who are on site.
Contractors must comply with all EMS
requirements when on site.
(For more information on
contractors/suppliers see EMS
Framework page 97)
Summary
Operational controls include pollution control
equipment, alarms, preventive maintenance, and
operating procedures.
Preventive maintenance is a key way of controlling
operations.
ISO 14001 requires a documented procedure if the
absence of one could cause environmental problems.
Summary
Written procedures define roles, responsibilities,
accountability, and operating criteria.
Document a procedure only if it adds value.
Communicate environmental requirements to
suppliers and contractors.
Contact Information
Quality Enhancement Unit
Marshall Dobson
mcdobson@[Link]
Phone: (919) 508-1871
Fax
(919) 508-1954
