[Organization logo]

[Organization name]

Procedure For Operational Control Of Significant Environmental

Aspects
Code:
Version: 0.1
Created by:
Approved by:
Date of version:
Signature:

Distribution list
Cop Returned
y Distributed to Date Signature
No. Date Signature
Change history
Date Versio Created Description of change
n by
0.1
Table of contents
1. Purpose, Scope And Users
2. Reference Documents
3. Operational Control Of Significant Environmental Aspects
3.1. Operational Control Hierarchy
3.2. Operation Control In Design And Development Process
3.3. Operation Control In Purchasing And Outsourced Processes
3.3.1.Evaluation Of Suppliers According To Ems
3.3.2.Supplier Rating
3.4. Operational Controls In Production Process
3.5. Control Of Operations In Warehousing Process
3.6. Control Of Operations In Maintenance Of Equipment And Measuring
Equipment Process
3.7. Control Of Operations In Processes Related To Customers
3.8. Waste Management
3.8.1.Waste Management Hierarchy
3.8.2.Handling Waste On Place Of Creation

1. Purpose
The purpose of the Procedure for Operational Control of Significant
Environmental Aspects is to establish a systematic approach for
identifying, assessing, and managing environmental aspects that have a
significant impact on the environment. This procedure aims to:

1. Ensure compliance with applicable environmental laws, regulations,

and standards.
2. Reduce or mitigate the environmental impact of the organization's
activities, products, and services.
3. Establish operational controls to minimize adverse environmental
effects.
4. Enhance the organization's environmental performance.
5. Support the organization's environmental management system (EMS)
goals and objectives.
6. Promote a culture of environmental responsibility and sustainability
within the organization.

2. Scope
The scope of this procedure covers the following key areas:

1. Environmental Aspects: This procedure defines how to identify and

evaluate environmental aspects associated with the organization's
activities, products, and services. It outlines the criteria for determining
the significance of these aspects.

2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: The procedure addresses the

processes for understanding and complying with relevant environmental
laws, regulations, and other requirements.

3. Operational Controls: It establishes measures, procedures, and work

instructions to control and reduce significant environmental aspects.
These controls include processes, technologies, and practices to prevent
or minimize environmental impacts.

4. Emergency Preparedness and Response: The procedure outlines the

organization's approach to emergency planning and response, ensuring
that it can effectively respond to environmental incidents and
emergencies.

5. Monitoring and Measurement: This section covers the monitoring

parameters and data collection methods to measure the effectiveness of
operational controls and environmental performance.

6. Non-Conformance and Corrective Action: It describes the process for

identifying, reporting, and rectifying non-conformances related to
significant environmental aspects.

7. Records and Documentation:This procedure sets requirements for

documenting environmental aspects, controls, monitoring results, and
other relevant information to ensure transparency and accountability.

3. Users
The Procedure for Operational Control of Significant Environmental
Aspects is intended for use by various stakeholders within the
organization, including but not limited to:

1. Top Management: Executives and senior leaders responsible for

setting environmental policy, objectives, and providing overall direction
for environmental management.

2. Environmental Managers: Professionals tasked with overseeing the

organization's environmental management system, including the
implementation of this procedure.

3. Employees: All staff members involved in activities that may impact

the environment directly or indirectly, who need to understand and
follow the operational controls outlined in this procedure.

4. Environmental Coordinators: Those responsible for monitoring and

maintaining compliance with environmental laws and regulations, as well
as the operational controls defined in the procedure.

5. External Auditors and Regulators: Individuals or entities conducting

audits and assessments to ensure that the organization complies with
environmental laws and regulations.

6. Customers and Suppliers: External parties interested in or affected by

the organization's environmental performance, as it may influence
business relationships and supply chain considerations.

7. General Public and Communities: In cases where the organization's

activities have a significant impact on local communities or public areas,
the general public may have an interest in the organization's
environmental practices and the controls implemented.

2. References
This section should provide a list of the reference documents and
sources that must be consulted when implementing the operational
control of significant environmental aspects procedure. It is essential to
keep this list up-to-date to ensure compliance with the latest regulations
and best practices.
2.1. Legal and Regulatory Requirements
- List all applicable laws, regulations, and legal requirements related to
environmental management that the organization must adhere to.
Examples may include:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations
- Local, state, or national environmental laws
- Industry-specific environmental standards
- International agreements and conventions (e.g., Kyoto Protocol,
Paris Agreement)

2.2. Environmental Management System (EMS) Documentation

- Reference any internal documents that provide guidance and
information on the organization's EMS. These may include:
- EMS manual
- Environmental policy statement
- Environmental objectives and targets
- Risk assessments and environmental impact assessments
 - Previous audit reports and findings

2.3. Industry Standards and Best Practices

- Mention any industry-specific standards, guidelines, or best practices
that are relevant to your organization's operations and environmental
aspects. For example:
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems)
- ISO 14004 (Environmental Management Systems - General
Guidelines on Principles, Systems, and Supporting Techniques)
- ISO 14031 (Environmental Performance Evaluation)
- Industry association publications or guidelines

3. Operational Control of Significant Environmental Aspects

Operational control is a pivotal element of our Environmental

Management System (EMS) designed to manage and mitigate significant
environmental aspects related to our operations. This section outlines
the steps and responsibilities for the effective implementation of
operational controls.

3.1. Operational Control Hierarchy

Operational control measures are organized within a hierarchy to

systematically address significant environmental aspects:

3.1.1. Top-Level Management Control

- Responsibility: Typically held by top-level management, often the

Environmental Manager or a similar position.
- **Description**: Top-level management is responsible for establishing
high-level policies and strategies for environmental management. They
ensure the allocation of resources necessary for operational control
measures. This involves setting the overall direction and vision for the
organization's environmental performance.
3.1.2. Process-Specific Control

- Responsibility: Process or department managers.

- Description: Process or department managers are tasked with
developing and implementing specific control measures tailored to each
aspect of their respective processes. This includes identifying,
evaluating, and addressing significant environmental aspects within their
domains.

3.1.3. Workplace Control

- Responsibility: Employees and supervisors.

- Description: At the workplace level, employees and their immediate
supervisors are responsible for implementing and adhering to
established procedures and policies designed to control environmental
aspects. This entails day-to-day compliance with operational controls to
minimize the environmental impact of their work.

3.2. Operation Control in Design and Development Process

3.2.1. Identification of Environmental Aspects in Design

- Responsibility: Design and engineering teams.

- Description: Design and engineering teams play a pivotal role in
identifying potential environmental aspects associated with product
design and development. This includes considering the environmental
implications of materials, energy usage, and the eventual disposal or
recycling of the product.

3.2.2. Mitigation Strategies in Design

- Responsibility: Design and engineering teams.

- Description: Integrating eco-design principles, sustainable materials,
and manufacturing processes that minimize environmental impacts is at
the core of this operational control. The design team works to ensure
that environmental considerations are embedded in the design and
development of products and processes.

3.3. Operation Control in Purchasing and Outsourced Processes

3.3.1. Supplier Evaluation and Selection

- Responsibility: Procurement and supply chain management.

- Description: The procurement and supply chain management teams
are responsible for evaluating and selecting suppliers based on their
environmental performance and commitment to sustainable practices.
This includes assessing suppliers' environmental practices and track
record.

3.3.2. Supplier Requirements and Agreements

- Responsibility: Procurement and supply chain management.

- Description: In this phase, environmental requirements are established
within supplier contracts and agreements. These requirements may
encompass compliance with relevant environmental regulations and
adherence to specific environmental standards and performance
expectations.

3.3.3. Outsourced Process Control

- Responsibility: Outsourcing managers and related departments.

- Description: Monitoring and controlling outsourced processes is
essential to ensure that the outsourced activities meet the organization's
environmental requirements and standards. This control extends to
auditing, inspections, and ongoing collaboration with outsourced
partners to ensure environmental compliance.

This comprehensive approach to operational control at all levels of the

organization, from top-level management to individual workspaces,
design and development processes, and outsourced operations, ensures
the integration of environmental considerations into all facets of our
operations. This, in turn, supports our steadfast commitment to
environmental sustainability and responsible business practices.

3.3.1.1 Evaluation of Suppliers According to EMS

**Purpose:** The primary objective of evaluating suppliers according to

the Environmental Management System (EMS) is to uphold our
commitment to environmental sustainability. This evaluation process
ensures that our suppliers align with our environmental objectives and
minimize potential environmental impacts tied to their products and
services. It also serves to identify and maintain relationships with
environmentally responsible suppliers.

Procedure:

1. Supplier Assessment Criteria

- Develop clear and well-defined criteria for assessing suppliers,
focusing on their environmental performance, dedication to
sustainability, and their alignment with our organization's environmental
goals.

2. Supplier Identification
- Maintain a comprehensive list of all suppliers whose products or
services have the potential to affect our organization's significant
environmental aspects.

3. Supplier Evaluation
- Regularly assess suppliers using the established criteria, which may
include factors such as energy efficiency, waste management, emissions
control, and adherence to relevant environmental standards.

4. Communication with Suppliers

- Foster open and constructive communication with suppliers to
discuss environmental performance expectations and to collaboratively
address areas that need improvement.
5.Corrective Actions
- When environmental performance issues are identified, actively
engage with suppliers to implement corrective actions and
improvements.

6. Supplier Selection and Continuation

- Use the evaluation results to make informed decisions regarding
supplier selection, continuation, or discontinuation based on their
alignment with EMS goals and their effectiveness in reducing
environmental impacts.

3.3.2. Supplier Rating

Purpose: Supplier rating is a structured and quantitative system used to

assess and rate the environmental performance of our suppliers. This
system facilitates the identification of high-performing and low-
performing suppliers, aiding in decision-making and improvement
efforts.

Procedure:

1. Rating Criteria Development

- Establish specific, well-defined criteria for rating suppliers. These
criteria may encompass metrics related to environmental impact
reduction, regulatory compliance, sustainability initiatives, and
innovation.

2. Data Collection
- Thoroughly collect data on supplier performance, which may include
metrics related to emissions, waste management, energy consumption,
and adherence to environmental standards.

3. Rating System - Develop a transparent and easily understood rating

system, such as a numerical scale or a color-coded system, to assign
scores to suppliers based on their performance against the established
criteria.

4. Regular Assessment
- Periodically assess suppliers according to the defined rating system.
The assessment frequency may vary based on the criticality of the
supplier and their potential environmental impact.

5. Communication of Ratings
- Share the ratings with suppliers to provide constructive feedback and
to motivate continuous improvement.

6. Performance Improvement
- Collaborate with lower-rated suppliers to define action plans for
performance improvement and closely monitor their progress.

7. Supplier Recognition
- Recognize and reward high-performing suppliers for their consistent
commitment to environmental responsibility.

8. Decision-Making
- Utilize supplier ratings as a fundamental component of decision-
making processes, whether it's for selecting new suppliers, maintaining
relationships with existing suppliers, or discontinuing relationships with
consistently low-performing suppliers.

These well-structured procedures ensure that our organization

proactively manages supplier relationships to reduce its environmental
footprint, contributing to environmental sustainability goals and fostering
better decision-making when it comes to supplier engagement.

3.4. Operational Controls in Production Process:

Effective operational control in the production process is essential for

minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring the efficient use of
resources. This section provides detailed information on managing
environmental aspects in the production phase:
3.4.1. Equipment and Process Management:
- Specify the types of equipment and machinery used in the
production process, including their capacity and technical specifications.
- Define comprehensive maintenance schedules and procedures for all
equipment to ensure optimal performance and prevent unexpected
downtime.
- Identify energy-efficient technologies and practices that are
implemented to reduce energy consumption and emissions.
- Highlight specific processes within production that are known to
generate significant environmental aspects and describe how they are
managed.

3.4.2. Raw Material Usage:

- List and assess the environmental impacts associated with the raw
materials used in the production process, including extraction,
transportation, and processing.
- Describe measures in place to minimize resource consumption,
reduce waste, and select sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
- Explain procedures for the procurement, handling, and storage of
materials, including strategies for recycling, reusing, or disposing of
waste materials responsibly.

3.4.3. Emissions and Discharges:

- Identify and comprehensively control emissions (e.g., air pollutants,
wastewater discharges) generated during the production process.
- Explain the methodologies used for monitoring and controlling these
emissions to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Highlight initiatives aimed at reducing emissions, improving air and
water quality, and minimizing the environmental impact of production
operations.

3.4.4. Quality Control and Product Testing:

- Provide an overview of quality control procedures and product
testing protocols to reduce defects and minimize waste.
- Specify any eco-friendly testing methods or equipment used in the
quality control process.
 - Detail the procedures for handling non-conforming products,
including whether they are reworked, recycled, or responsibly disposed
of in an environmentally friendly manner.

3.5. Control of Operations in Warehousing Process:

The effective control of operations in the warehousing process is vital for

minimizing environmental impacts associated with the storage, handling,
and distribution of products:

3.5.1. Storage and Handling:

- Describe in detail the procedures for the proper storage and handling
of products, including hazardous materials if applicable.
- Specify measures in place to prevent spills, leaks, and accidents,
ensuring a safe and environmentally responsible warehousing
environment.
- Highlight any innovative storage practices that minimize energy
consumption, reduce waste, or promote sustainability.

3.5.2. Inventory Management:

- Explain the utilization of inventory control systems and technologies
to prevent overstocking and minimize product wastage.
- Outline specific procedures for managing perishable or time-sensitive
products to reduce spoilage and waste.
- Address environmentally friendly packaging and storage solutions,
such as reusable or recyclable materials.

3.5.3. Transportation and Distribution:

- Describe the transportation and distribution strategies in place to
reduce environmental impacts, including the use of eco-friendly
transportation options and fuel-efficient vehicles.
- Explain how the organization optimizes transportation routes to
minimize emissions and reduce its carbon footprint.
- Highlight any initiatives aimed at enhancing the sustainability of
transportation and distribution processes, such as promoting alternative
transportation methods or collaborating with green logistics partners.
3.6. Control of Operations in Maintenance of Equipment and Measuring
Equipment Process:

Proper maintenance of equipment and measuring devices is critical to

ensure their efficient operation and to minimize environmental impacts:

3.6.1. Equipment Maintenance:

- Provide a comprehensive overview of the maintenance schedules
and routines for all equipment, including preventive and corrective
maintenance measures.
- Explain how maintenance procedures are designed to minimize
energy consumption, emissions, and resource waste while ensuring
equipment reliability.
- Address the end-of-life considerations, including the disposal,
recycling, or repurposing of equipment and components to minimize
environmental impacts.

3.6.2. Measuring Equipment Calibration:

- Describe the calibration procedures in detail, including calibration
intervals and methods.
- Ensure that measuring equipment is regularly calibrated to maintain
accuracy and reliability.
- Address the environmental impact of calibration fluids or materials,
specifying their proper disposal or recycling methods.

3.6.3. Spare Parts and Consumables:

- Outline the procedures for sourcing environmentally friendly spare
parts and consumables, including supplier selection criteria.
- Describe how old or used spare parts and consumables are
managed, with an emphasis on recycling, reusing, or responsible
disposal.
- Highlight any sustainability initiatives related to the procurement and
management of spare parts and consumables, such as reducing single-
use items or adopting more sustainable alternatives.

Customize these sections to align with your organization's specific

processes, equipment, and environmental aspects. Consider
incorporating relevant industry best practices and continually review and
update these controls to ensure they remain effective in managing
environmental impacts and supporting your environmental management
goals.

3.7 Control of Operations in Processes Related to Customers

Objective: The objective of controlling operations in processes related to

customers is to ensure that these processes are conducted in an
environmentally responsible manner, meeting customer requirements
while minimizing adverse environmental impacts.

Responsibility: This section is the responsibility of the department

overseeing customer-related processes, working in coordination with the
environmental management team.

Procedure:

1. Identification of Customer-Related Processes:

- Begin by identifying and documenting the processes directly linked
to customers. This may encompass manufacturing products, delivering
services, or managing customer inquiries and complaints. Maintain a
comprehensive list of these processes.

2. Environmental Aspect Assessment:

- Perform a thorough environmental aspect assessment for each of
these customer-related processes. Consider the potential environmental
aspects such as energy usage, resource consumption, waste generation,
emissions, and other factors that may result from these operations.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

- Ensure full compliance with all relevant environmental laws and
regulations affecting customer-related operations. Identify specific legal
requirements pertaining to these operations and maintain an up-to-date
record of compliance.

4. Customer Requirements:
 - Develop a systematic approach to understand and document
customer requirements related to environmental performance. This
might encompass environmental preferences, specific product or service
specifications, or other environmental considerations important to
customers. Ensure these requirements are effectively communicated
within the organization.

5. Operational Controls:
- Develop and implement operational controls specifically tailored to
mitigate and manage environmental impacts within these processes.
This may involve process modifications to reduce resource consumption,
enhance efficiency, minimize waste, and control emissions.

6. Monitoring and Measurement:

- Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for these processes to
monitor and measure environmental performance. These indicators may
include metrics such as energy consumption, water usage, waste
reduction rates, and emission levels. Periodically evaluate the data and
make adjustments accordingly.

7. Training and Awareness:

- Ensure employees responsible for customer-related processes
receive proper training and are aware of their roles and responsibilities
in managing environmental aspects. Regular training and awareness
programs should be conducted to keep employees informed and
engaged.

8. Communication:
- Establish efficient communication channels between the department
responsible for customer-related processes and the environmental
management team. Effective communication is crucial for addressing
environmental concerns and capitalizing on opportunities as they arise.

9. Non-Conformance and Corrective Action:

- Develop and document procedures for reporting and addressing non-
conformance or environmental issues that may arise in customer-related
processes. Implement corrective actions promptly to rectify these issues
and prevent recurrence.
10. Continuous Improvement:
- Encourage a culture of continual improvement within these
operations. Regularly review processes to identify opportunities for
enhancement in terms of environmental performance. Incorporate
feedback from employees, customers, and other stakeholders to drive
positive changes.

11. Documentation:
- Maintain comprehensive records related to customer-related
processes. This should include documentation of environmental aspects,
control measures, monitoring data, and all communications related to
these processes. Proper documentation ensures accountability and
transparency.

12. Review and Audit:

- Incorporate these customer-related processes into the
organization's regular environmental management system reviews and
internal audit processes. Regular reviews and audits help to confirm
compliance and the effectiveness of environmental controls.

By following this comprehensive procedure, your organization can

manage customer-related processes in an environmentally responsible
manner, ensuring that both customer expectations and environmental
objectives are met efficiently and effectively. This will not only contribute
to better environmental performance but also enhance customer
satisfaction and loyalty.

3.8. Waste Management

3.8.1. Waste Management Hierarchy

**Purpose**: This section elucidates the organization's structured

approach to waste management, prioritizing environmentally responsible
practices. It emphasizes the importance of waste minimization and
sustainability.
Procedure:

1. Source Reduction:

- Definition: Source reduction, the highest priority, entails reducing

waste generation at its origin.
- Implementation: Encourage employees to identify opportunities for
waste reduction, such as minimizing excess packaging, adopting digital
documentation, and optimizing processes.
- Examples: Implement paperless initiatives, reduce packaging
materials, and promote responsible resource usage.

2. Reuse:

- Definition: Reuse involves extending the life of items or materials

rather than discarding them.
- Implementation: Establish guidelines for assessing whether items
can be repurposed within the organization before considering disposal.
- Examples: Refurbish equipment, reuse packaging materials, and
encourage intra-organizational resource sharing.

3. Recycling:

- Definition: Recycling converts waste materials into new products,

conserving resources and reducing energy consumption.
- Implementation: Define protocols for the proper separation,
collection, and recycling of materials like paper, plastic, glass, and
electronic waste.
- Examples: Set up recycling bins, collaborate with recycling centers,
and educate employees on recycling practices.

4. Recovery:

- Definition: Recovery entails extracting value from waste materials,

often through energy recovery or conversion into useful products.
 - Implementation: Specify procedures for turning waste into energy or
other valuable resources while adhering to environmental regulations.
- Examples: Utilize biomass energy generation, invest in waste-to-
energy facilities, and establish composting programs for organic waste.

5. Treatment:

- Definition: Treatment is essential for waste that cannot be recycled,

recovered, or reused, aiming to reduce environmental impact.
- Implementation: Describe treatment methods, such as incineration
or chemical processes, ensuring environmental safety and compliance.
- Examples: Implement hazardous waste incineration, sewage
treatment, and medical waste sterilization.

6. Disposal:

- Definition: Disposal should be the last resort and involves the final
removal of waste materials to appropriate sites.
- Implementation: Clearly define procedures for waste disposal,
including site selection, transportation, and methods, ensuring full
compliance with legal requirements.
- Examples: Facilitate landfill disposal, manage secure hazardous
waste landfills, and adhere to regulations governing landfill sites.

7. Documentation:

- Responsibility: Assign responsibility for maintaining records of waste

management activities.
- Implementation: Document waste reduction initiatives, recycling
rates, treatment processes, and disposal methods.
- Examples: Record waste generation data, maintain compliance
records, and keep records of waste manifests.

Responsibilities:

- Designate clear responsibilities for each step of the waste management

hierarchy, specifying individuals or departments responsible for
implementing waste reduction, recycling, recovery, treatment, and
disposal.
- Define roles for monitoring and reporting on waste management
efforts, including conducting regular audits and assessing performance.

3.8.2. Handling Waste On Place Of Creation

Purpose: This section addresses the immediate and responsible handling

of waste at the point of its creation, underlining the importance of
preventing environmental harm and adhering to waste management
regulations.

Procedure:

1. Waste Segregation:

- Definition: Waste segregation involves the separation of different

waste types at the point of generation.
- Implementation: Provide explicit instructions to employees on how to
segregate waste effectively, ensuring the use of designated containers
and proper labeling.
- Examples: Sorting recyclables from non-recyclables, segregating
hazardous waste from general waste.

2. Storage and Containment:

- Definition: Proper storage and containment practices are vital to

prevent spills, leaks, and contamination.
- Implementation: Detail the use of leak-proof and labeled containers,
along with appropriate storage conditions.
- Examples: Utilizing spill-proof drums for hazardous waste, labeling
containers with waste types and hazards.

3. Handling and Transport:

- Definition: Safe handling and transportation practices are crucial,

especially for hazardous or bulky waste.
- Implementation: Outline guidelines for safe manual handling and
transportation methods.
- Examples: Provide personal protective equipment (PPE), use forklifts
for heavy waste, and ensure secure waste transportation.

4. Temporary Storage:

- Definition: Temporary storage may be required for operational

reasons and must be conducted properly.
- Implementation: Specify where temporary storage is permitted, set
duration limits, and establish containment requirements.
- Examples: Designate storage areas for incoming waste, limit storage
duration for hazardous materials.

5. Emergency Response:

- Definition: Establish procedures for responding to waste-related

emergencies, including spills or accidents involving hazardous waste.
- Implementation: Detail how to respond to different types of waste
emergencies, covering containment, reporting, and cleanup.
- Examples: Prepare spill kits, train an emergency response team, and
establish procedures for incident reporting.

Responsibilities:

- Assign specific responsibilities to employees or designated personnel

for waste segregation, storage, handling, and emergency response.
- Ensure that employees are adequately trained in these procedures and
periodically conduct drills to test emergency responses.

By implementing these comprehensive procedures, your organization

can significantly reduce its environmental impact, enhance safety, and
remain in compliance with relevant environmental regulations. Regular
training, monitoring, and evaluation are vital to the successful
implementation of these waste management practices.