:bigwave:

Halo! It's me again. I have another problem in identifying environmental aspects. I hope i can get more clarification from here and i really appreciate your reply.

My condition:
I'm now going to conduct training for "identifying the environmental aspects & impacts". I already identified a list of aspects, impacts and significant aspects. And, now when i look back to what i'd identified, i would still doubt on the "environmental aspects' identified.

My approach is "process flowchart" by identify the inputs and outputs. While identify the aspects, i would consider those activity/operation, inputs and outputs that could generate an env impact.

My 1st question is: where should i stop? For example :

Activity 1 : Clearing vegetation
Inputs : Machinery
Outputs : Dust generation, waste generation

From the input, i could actually come out with another activity

Activity 2 : Use of machinery
Inputs : Fuel consumption
Outputs : Gas emission, noise generation.

Currently, i only stop at activity 1 which i identify the "use of machinery" as my environmental "aspect". My consideration when selecting an aspect is:
1) this aspect is large enough for meaningful examination and small enough to be understand.
2) this aspect is able to be controlled/ managed

So, what do you think???? :confused:

My 2nd question is: some of the environmental issues related to the activity may not classified as input or output, but it actually a consequence resulted by the activity. For example:

The environmental issues concerning activity 1 :
- increased water runoff discharge

I still consider this issue as my output resulted from activity 1 and identify it as environmental aspect.

What is your opinion? :bonk:

Can I come out with the following conclusions which will take as the basis principles for me to identify the aspect:
1. the aspect selected should be large enough for meaningful examination and small enough to be understand
2. an aspect should be something which we can control
3. the consequence which is environmental concern resulted from the activity can be considered as an aspect for the activity

I attended the relevant course before but i regret that i attended the course too earlier which i have no chance the ask about this.

Thanks for reading my question and thanks for any reply.

June, you're on the right track. Remember it is you procedure and these are your aspects.

You might want to break each activity down further...Activity 1 ask yourself what all is involved? If you are generating exhaust fumes you are using a fossil based fuel (gasoline or diesel most likely). Therefore another aspect is the utilization of fossil based fuels and the depletion of natural resources......

You should not be doing this alone..get others involved and brainstorm..really look at what it is you and what it takes to do it.

hi, thanks for any reply and sorry for not reply the mail soon cause i was too busy in conducting the trainings.

i'd carried out the training sessions at yesterday and today and as what you said before, Randy. They have give me a lot of suggestion and ideas on how to improve the identification criteria and procedures.

If there is anything new discovery, i would be glad to share with all of you.

cya...:bigwave:

Good luck...and you're on the right track, just keep pounding away at it:bigwave:

REGISTER INTRODUCTION AND ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
1.1. The following register of environmental aspects and impacts has been created in order to ensure that HINDALCO IND. Ltd. comply with the requirements of section 4.3.1 of ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. It is the responsibility of Steering Committee to review and where necessary update the register on a regular basis. New products, processes and improvement projects will be reviewed by Design & Development Department and dependant upon their aspects and impacts the register will be amended.
1.2. Controlled copies of this Register are available for the site to review. These copies are held by Manual Holders as identified in AAR 004. Access to the register is open to all site employees.
1.3. The register of environmental aspects and impacts will be formally reviewed and if necessary updated at a period not exceeding 12 months.
1.4. In accordance with the requirements of ISO 14001 the Organisation has established procedures which assess the actual and potential environmental impact of its activities carried out at the site. Consideration has been given to environmental impacts, over which the Organisation has both control (direct) and influence (indirect). Key areas for consideration within this context include: emissions to atmosphere, discharges to water, generation of waste, land contamination, use of energy and resources, noise, dust and odour nuisances and Eco-system impact. Assessment and review has also been carried out for both normal and abnormal conditions, emergency situations and consideration to past, present and potential future impacts.
1.5. It is the responsibility of Head of the Dept. under the guidance of Operations Managers to co-ordinate the assessment of environmental aspects and impacts and liaises with appropriate site personnel regarding specific detailed process performance and / or other specialist information. Where appropriate with consideration of financial and operational feasibility, Organisation will review its environmental objectives and targets with reference to the significant aspects identified following the review and assessment procedure.
1.6. Each activity is assessed for its potential environmental impact and its level of management control against the following aspects, as applicable:
1.6.1Air emissions
1.6.2 Liquid Effluent
1.6.3 Waste disposal
1.6.4 Land Contamination
1.6.5 Noise and Vibration
1.6.6 Ecosystem Impact
1.6.7 Energy and Resource Consumption
1.6.8 Dust or odour
1.6.9 Abnormal or Emergency Situations
1.6.10 Start-up Shutdown.
1.6.11 Past, Present and Future Considerations.
2.0. SITE OVERVIEW
2.1. Hindalco Industries Ltd., Silvassa, manufactures Aluminum Foil and Aluminum Alloy Wheels.
2.2. The manufacturing facility is divided into the following functional areas:
2.2.1. Rolling Department
2.2.2. Conversion Department
2.2.3. Casting, Department
2.2.4. CNC Department
2.2.5. Painting Department
2.2.6. Quality control Department (Foil Plant)
2.2.7. Quality control Department (Wheel Plant)
2.2.8. Engineering department Consists of Electrical and Mechanical Departments of Wheel and Foil plants and also the utilities. Under utilities following functional areas are covered.
a) Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)- attached to paint shop, Wheel Plant
b) Water Treatment Plant (WTP)
c) Cooling towers
d) D.G. Sets
e) Compressors
f) L.P.G. Unit
g) Nitrogen Generator
h) Pump House
2.2.9. Design & Development department
2.2.10 Environment Cell
2.2.11 Security & Fire
2.2.12 Logistics
2.2.13 Stores
2.2.14 Human Resources Department
2.2.15 Civil

3.0. IMPACTS OVER WHICH THE SITE HAS INFLUENCE
3.1. In addition to the environmental assessments carried out on site activities and processes at HINDALCO IND. attention is also given to the purchase of materials from Suppliers.
3.2. Assessments are also carried out for the Contractors responsible for transportation and disposal of wastes from the process.
3.3. Assessing Suppliers for their environmental performance would be taken up on need basis progressively.

That is an excellent procedure Manoj...I'm going to cut and paste it myself.

Hello Juna,
My approach, and the one our trainees usually find useful and explaining, is that e.aspects are *causes* of impact. So the reason and aproach for defining e.aspects is the closer you get to the source of the impact, the easier it is to change.
My best loved example is a natural gas-fired powerstation emitting "fox tail" of NOx. One may call gas burning an aspect that causes NOx emission, one may argue that it is the lack/failure of gas cleaning equip. But, what causes extra NOx emission, and what could easily be controlled (by mostly a management system!) is the supplied gas/air relationship, and operator who didn't care about it. So if you want to control an aspect, try to look at it as closer as possible.
Best luck,
S

Hi,

I am assisting an educational institution in establishing an environmental management system according to ISO-14001. I would be thankful if members who have some experience in this sector suggest aspects and impacts relevant to educational institutions that may be taken up for further analysis of significance.

Thank you for your suggestions.

with best regards,

Ramakrishnan

Check with the University of Missouri at Rolla. These folks have had an inplace 14000 program for a couple of years and ISO 9000/140001 is a required part of the curriclum. You'll have to do a Google search or something to find the website.

Dear Members

I am a fresh consultant and Lead assessor doing consulting work in India. I like to have some inputs so that it would help me. Please send me some sample formats, procedures and manuals on ISO14001 & 18000 and also i like to have more emphasis on HOw the aspect impact to be done?

Looking for your kind guidance
urs
S. A P Venkatesh

I am a fresh consultant and Lead assessor doing consulting work in India. I like to have some inputs so that it would help me. Please send me some sample formats, procedures and manuals on ISO14001 & 18000 and also i like to have more emphasis on HOw the aspect impact to be done?


Welcome to the Cove. :bigwave:

Have you tried doing a search here on the Cove for information? If you read some of the past threads in the ISO 14000 forum, as well, you may find links and attachments that will help you. This thread, alone, focuses on aspects and should give you a good start on your "how" questions. :)

If you are a Lead Assessor you shouldn't be asking "how" things are done, you should already know.

There are many different ways to do impact analysis and it's up to the organization to determine which way is most effective for them and their system.

As previously stated there are numerous threads and related posts providing much detailed information and examples on how this question can be answered. We have essentially "taught people how to fish" with the information in this forum. Please try fishing.

Check with the University of Missouri at Rolla. These folks have had an inplace 14000 program for a couple of years and ISO 9000/140001 is a required part of the curriclum. You'll have to do a Google search or something to find the website.
Thank you Randy for the valuable information. Please bear with me for the delayed response; I was on a long tour. Best wishes, Ramakrishnan

REGISTER INTRODUCTION AND ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
1.1. The following register of environmental aspects and impacts has been created in order to ensure that HINDALCO IND. Ltd. comply with the requirements of section 4.3.1 of ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. It is the responsibility of Steering Committee to review and where necessary update the register on a regular basis. New products, processes and improvement projects will be reviewed by Design & Development Department and dependant upon their aspects and impacts the register will be amended.
1.2. Controlled copies of this Register are available for the site to review. These copies are held by Manual Holders as identified in AAR 004. Access to the register is open to all site employees.
1.3. The register of environmental aspects and impacts will be formally reviewed and if necessary updated at a period not exceeding 12 months.
1.4. In accordance with the requirements of ISO 14001 the Organisation has established procedures which assess the actual and potential environmental impact of its activities carried out at the site. Consideration has been given to environmental impacts, over which the Organisation has both control (direct) and influence (indirect). Key areas for consideration within this context include: emissions to atmosphere, discharges to water, generation of waste, land contamination, use of energy and resources, noise, dust and odour nuisances and Eco-system impact. Assessment and review has also been carried out for both normal and abnormal conditions, emergency situations and consideration to past, present and potential future impacts.
1.5. It is the responsibility of Head of the Dept. under the guidance of Operations Managers to co-ordinate the assessment of environmental aspects and impacts and liaises with appropriate site personnel regarding specific detailed process performance and / or other specialist information. Where appropriate with consideration of financial and operational feasibility, Organisation will review its environmental objectives and targets with reference to the significant aspects identified following the review and assessment procedure.
1.6. Each activity is assessed for its potential environmental impact and its level of management control against the following aspects, as applicable:
1.6.1Air emissions
1.6.2 Liquid Effluent
1.6.3 Waste disposal
1.6.4 Land Contamination
1.6.5 Noise and Vibration
1.6.6 Ecosystem Impact
1.6.7 Energy and Resource Consumption
1.6.8 Dust or odour
1.6.9 Abnormal or Emergency Situations
1.6.10 Start-up Shutdown.
1.6.11 Past, Present and Future Considerations.
2.0. SITE OVERVIEW
2.1. Hindalco Industries Ltd., Silvassa, manufactures Aluminum Foil and Aluminum Alloy Wheels.
2.2. The manufacturing facility is divided into the following functional areas:
2.2.1. Rolling Department
2.2.2. Conversion Department
2.2.3. Casting, Department
2.2.4. CNC Department
2.2.5. Painting Department
2.2.6. Quality control Department (Foil Plant)
2.2.7. Quality control Department (Wheel Plant)
2.2.8. Engineering department Consists of Electrical and Mechanical Departments of Wheel and Foil plants and also the utilities. Under utilities following functional areas are covered.
a) Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)- attached to paint shop, Wheel Plant
b) Water Treatment Plant (WTP)
c) Cooling towers
d) D.G. Sets
e) Compressors
f) L.P.G. Unit
g) Nitrogen Generator
h) Pump House
2.2.9. Design & Development department
2.2.10 Environment Cell
2.2.11 Security & Fire
2.2.12 Logistics
2.2.13 Stores
2.2.14 Human Resources Department
2.2.15 Civil

3.0. IMPACTS OVER WHICH THE SITE HAS INFLUENCE
3.1. In addition to the environmental assessments carried out on site activities and processes at HINDALCO IND. attention is also given to the purchase of materials from Suppliers.
3.2. Assessments are also carried out for the Contractors responsible for transportation and disposal of wastes from the process.
3.3. Assessing Suppliers for their environmental performance would be taken up on need basis progressively.


******************************************
Dear Manoj sir,
will u send me some ems aspect impact & dept. objective & one sample of MRM minutes.

Abhay

Hi Randy, I was wondering if you could tell me how to handle MSDS-listed chemicals in a FMEA for 14001. Do you have to list every chemical in the MSDS for Aspect and Impact?
Thanks

Joe

PS: Anyone else with input - please - feel free to reply!

You don't even need to mention msds sheets to be honest (can't find them in ISO 14001).

For real now....The materials listed in msds sheets are in compound or mixture and not in their pure state, so if you are identifying chemicals through msds sheets then just do your ID and significance based on the msds and not the seperate chemicals, and I'll explain why its not wise, but totally goofy to do so.

Pretend you are using a material in process called "De-ionized water" (this is commonly used to service batteries and such...mainly it's just distilled water and you can drink it). If you broke the "de-ionized water"down to its basic elements as you suggest you'd wind up with the explosive/flammable gas Hydrogen (the Hindenburg remember) and an extremely active oxider Oxygen (seeking something to bond with and many times creating heat in the process). Table salt breaks down into Sodium Chloride (please don't get sodium around water) and if you'd break the chloride down you get chlorine (used to gas troops in WW1) and) oxygen again.

Many normally benign chemicals used in the workplace that are covered by msds sheets are nothing like their basic elements. You are not expected to go to this level.

Don't waste your time.:nope:

Thankis Randy:

Supposing you have a coolant that is a chemical plus water that is used in a lathe operation, and a similar, although not identical coolant used in another type of machine and yet another similar, but not exactly the same chemical in another machine - can you get away with saying "coolants" instead of listing all three seperately ?:(

Joe

Thankis Randy:

Supposing you have a coolant that is a chemical plus water that is used in a lathe operation, and a similar, although not identical coolant used in another type of machine and yet another similar, but not exactly the same chemical in another machine - can you get away with saying "coolants" instead of listing all three seperately ?:(

Joe

If they are similar risks and properties, that would be fine.

As Helmut said, for 14K that could be cool (no pun intended).:agree1:

OSHA would be another matter

You don't even need to mention msds sheets to be honest (can't find them in ISO 14001).

For real now....The materials listed in msds sheets are in compound or mixture and not in their pure state, so if you are identifying chemicals through msds sheets then just do your ID and significance based on the msds and not the seperate chemicals, and I'll explain why its not wise, but totally goofy to do so.

Not sure if it is the same with "your" msds system (I think it is from distant memory.) but the msds also lists disposal considerations and affects when used in water / exposed to air - all valuable in discussing impacts or potential impact.

Not sure how you'd do it without referring to the compounds / chemicals as listed in the msds? :confused:

Not sure if it is the same with "your" msds system (I think it is from distant memory.) but the msds also lists disposal considerations and affects when used in water / exposed to air - all valuable in discussing impacts or potential impact.

Not sure how you'd do it without referring to the compounds / chemicals as listed in the msds? :confused:

Gee, I certainly include them in my EMS audits (doc control of external documents). I realize they are regulated by OSHA, but I see them as having an EMS link. I don't spend a great deal of time on them, however.

Paul, in the US the msds came about after concerns related to employee exposure to hazardous materials in the workplace (this is called the hazard communication standard and it's detailed in 29CFR 1910.1200) as an add on they have been including disposal information but it it not a regulatory requirement because most of the time materials being disposed of are not the same as they were prior to use, they will have other "stuff" mixed in.....solvents wind up containing some of the stuff they cleaned off or disolved for example. Additionally a compound after it has set, dried or been used may not have the same hazards it originally had prior to its use (latex paint, sealing compounds, some glues, resins,etc...)

Under regulatory guidelines (primarily 40CFR in the US) waste materials must be evaluted primarily for flammability, reactivity, toxicity, and corrosivity prior to storage and disposal and using the msds is not really the appropriate way to do this...nor is it the reacognized acceptable method. The msds may provide some guidance but it will say to look at the specific leaglrequirements prior to disposal.

I don't get too wrapped around the axle with msds's either.

Thanks for the information, Randy. It appears the US use of msds is the same as in Europe. Their use also came about as part of H & S legislation but, as mentioned earlier, they do contain useful environmental information that I would use in implementing an EMS or that I would expect a client to have access to in determining significance of impact for use, waste disposal or in the event of a spill.

Here (http://docs-europe.electrocomponents.com/webdocs/094d/0900766b8094dfd1.pdf)is an example of an msds with environmental content.

In section 3 you get chemical compounds and risk phrases including (in this case that the product is harmful to aquatic life
In section 6 it describes accidental release measures (esp. for preventing release to drains)
In section 10 it describes any reactivity issues (in this case a risk of HF in the event of a fire)
In section 12 the ecological information reconfirms the risk phrases (from above)
In section 13 are the disposal considerations (in this case the usual cop out "Disposal should be in accordance with local, state or national legislation"


That is why I think they are useful.

In the US your sections may be meaningless because there is really no mandated format for an msds. We have 6 setion, 9 section, 12 section and 21section msds's and they are all valid.

In the US your sections may be meaningless because there is really no mandated format for an msds. We have 6 setion, 9 section, 12 section and 21section msds's and they are all valid.

Isn't that just missing the point?

However many sections the msds has the example I showed (of a standard msds from the EU) has a whole load of environmental information. My distant memory of looking at US msds is that they have the same.

MSDS-Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSDS)

Some extracts:

In some jurisdictions, the MSDS is required to state the chemical's risks, safety and impact on the environment.
In the U.S. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupational_Safety_and_Health_Administration) requires that MSDS be available to employees for potentially harmful substances handled in the workplace under the Hazard Communication regulation. The MSDS is also required to be made available to local fire departments and local and state emergency planning officials under Section 311 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_Planning_and_Community_Right-to-Know_Act).
In the U.K. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom), the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002 (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2002/20021689.htm) - known as CHIP Regulations - impose duties upon suppliers, and importers into the EU, of hazardous materials. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations (http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh) govern the use of hazardous substances in the workplace in the UK and specifically require an assessment of the use of a substance. Regulation 12 requires that an employer provides employees with information, instruction and training for people exposed to hazardous substances. This duty would be very nearly impossible without the data sheet as a starting point. It is important for employers therefore to insist on receiving a data sheet from a supplier of a substance.
The duty to supply information is not confined to informing only business users of products. MSDSs are now commonly available to anyone using the web sites of manufacturers and large retail suppliers as well as by written or telephone requests for paper copies

Isn't that just missing the point?

However many sections the msds has the example I showed (of a standard msds from the EU) has a whole load of environmental information. My distant memory of looking at US msds is that they have the same.


Didn't really mean to make an issue of MSDS, just used it as an example. The simple reason I mentioned them earlier is all of my clients include them in their EMS systems as part of emergency preparedness. Once they include them, they are part of the auditable ISO 14001 system, and I think they should be.

Didn't really mean to make an issue of MSDS, just used it as an example. The simple reason I mentioned them earlier is all of my clients include them in their EMS systems as part of emergency preparedness. Once they include them, they are part of the auditable ISO 14001 system, and I think they should be.

I would hope the organisation uses them earlier than emergency preparedness. The MSDS give information about environmental aspects that I hope the organisation would use at the EMS planning stage.

Thanks to Sidney for the Wiki MSDS info. The infomration on the MSDS is primarily for H & S information but, as mentioned - provides EMS info as well.

Here are a couple of msds's for some serious workplace chemicals to help us understand the valuable environmental and disposal information they may contain.

Here are a couple of msds's for some serious workplace chemicals to help us understand the valuable environmental and disposal information they may contain.

Thank you Randy for posting. What I found interesting is that if the same workplace environmental and safety rules/regulations would be applied to a household, most would be fined and/or shut down...;)

Home...where most tragic accidents occur. :( :yes:

Stijloor.

You're correct and the EPA would shut down most homes as well.

I used those particular msds's to show that there is more to them than meets the eye and impact consideration, regulatory compliance and waste management should go beyond what they say.

Thanks to all the expert, i gain lot of useful information form their expereince.

Our company (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) also planning for ISO 14001 certification.

i want a guide line related to chemicals / solvents environmental aspects & impacts. It is very useful for me if some one give me the sample procedure / format.

Thanks in advance.

You want a guide?

ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems —Requirements with guidance for use - Annex "A" Guidance on the use of this International Standard

ISO 14004:2004 Environmental management systems —General guidelines on principles, systems and support techniques

Also........BS 8555-2003 Environmental management systems - Guide to the phased implementation of an environmental management system including the use of environmental performance evaluation

Anything in print that you buy or receive will be derived form these documents.

There is also plenty of stuff here in the ISO 14001 Forum if you just look.

Dear Sir,

Thank you very much for reply, but i think you are not read my request, i want the smaple procedure / format for chemicals / solvents environmental aspects & impacts.


i again request to all expert please guide me in this regards.

Thanks & best regards.





You want a guide?

ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems —Requirements with guidance for use - Annex "A" Guidance on the use of this International Standard

ISO 14004:2004 Environmental management systems —General guidelines on principles, systems and support techniques

Also........BS 8555-2003 Environmental management systems - Guide to the phased implementation of an environmental management system including the use of environmental performance evaluation

Anything in print that you buy or receive will be derived form these documents.

There is also plenty of stuff here in the ISO 14001 Forum if you just look.

Dear Sir,

Thank you very much for reply, but i think you are not read my request, i want the smaple procedure / format for chemicals / solvents environmental aspects & impacts.

i again request to all expert please guide me in this regards.

Thanks & best regards.

How about this - EPA (http://www.epa.gov/ada/ems/Identifying_SEAs_ORD-ADA.pdf) or THIS (http://www.ndcee.ctc.com/EMIToolKit/EMSManual/EMS210_rev2_8-00.doc) ?

Remember that you have to modify to suit your EMS within the organization.

Dear Mr. Ajit Basrur,

Thank you very much for give me samples, i hope it will help me to identify the aspects & impacts of our companys's activites.

Thanks again.





How about this - EPA (http://www.epa.gov/ada/ems/Identifying_SEAs_ORD-ADA.pdf) or THIS (http://www.ndcee.ctc.com/EMIToolKit/EMSManual/EMS210_rev2_8-00.doc) ?

Remember that you have to modify to suit your EMS within the organization.