An EMS is a systematic, continuous cycle for improving environmental performance. This cycle consists of four primary components: planning, doing, checking, and acting. The “Plan-Do-Check-Act” model is based on the five core elements of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 Environmental Management Systems—Requirements for Guidance and Use: policy, planning, implementation and operation, checking and corrective action, and management review. DOE Order 450.1, Environmental Protection Program, requires that an EMS be part of an integrated safety management system.
The “Plan-Do-Check-Act” cycle illustrated below is repeated continually, which facilitates continual improvement of environmental performance. Move your cursor over an individual component to learn more.
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Plan |
- New work/task identified
- Line management shall integrate the ES and H&S organizations into the work planning/scoping process
- Identify/assemble Project Team
- Hold kickoff meeting to introduce Project Team to new work/task
- Use Project/Activity Evaluation to identify and analyze environmental aspects and H&S hazards
- Hold design and constructability
review meeting with Project Team
- Identify/set targets, goals, and objectives specific to that activity, as appropriate
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- Develop appropriate controls
and obtain necessary permits,
approvals, and clearances
- Receive final approval from
H&S, ES, and QA on H&S/ES
checklist and/or SOW
- Verify worker training,
awareness, and competence
- Perform work activity/task
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Check |
- Conduct QA audits/surveillances
- Conduct H&S and environmental
monitoring, as appropriate
- Identify deficiencies and nonconformances
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- Issue required notifications
or reports
- Implement corrective actions
- Provide feedback to workers/management
- Conduct management reviews; refine/adjust targets and goals
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