Base environmental, safety, health standards to be evaluated Published Jan. 24, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Christopher A. Marasky 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Safety and health standards at the 18th Wing will be evaluated during an inspection here next week by volunteers who are experts in their respective fields, to ensure compliance in a number of subject areas. The Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment and Management Program inspection will look for any potential trouble areas so the wing can take corrective action. "This is an annual assessment to ensure that all the organizations on base are in compliance," said Maj. Christopher Bishop, 18th Aerospace Medial Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight commander. "We need to assure that everyone is in compliance with all local, federal and Air Force Standards." While anything on Kadena could be inspected, the team will put special focus on assessing the following areas: hazardous waste, hazardous materials, toxics, storage tanks, solid waste, occupational health and safety management. Members of Team Kadena are encouraged to review their own Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health related programs to ensure they are in compliance with provided standards in preparation for the inspection. The ESOHCAMP ensures the laws and regulations are followed that help protect people's well-being and the environment, said 1st Lt. Thinh Truong, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron environmental program manager. "Every person on this base is affected by these programs, as are future generations who will come to Kadena," he said, "so we need to be interested in how we are performing them." A solid ESOHCAMP program here at Kadena will ensure a safe, healthy work environment and community, according to Major Bishop. "It will also save us time and money lost to avoidable injuries and illnesses," he said. "Not to mention it helps to improve our image in the community when we show we care." According to Major Bishop, the 18th Wing will be up to the challenge, proving throughout the week the wing's commitment to the program. "Our wing organizations are second to none," said Major Bishop. "So I expect to see tons of outstanding work throughout the shops. But, shops shouldn't shy away from identifying any possible areas of concern, since this is the time to develop corrective actions and re-establish compliance." With the wing preparing for next month's Local Operational Readiness Exercise, the inspectors are appreciative of the efforts being made around the wing for the ESOHCAMP, said Lieutenant Truong. "It's a wing-wide program and participation from everyone is needed to make it a success," he said. "I would like to thank all the assessors and site managers ahead of time for taking time out of their busy schedules to conduct and assist in this year's inspection."