Work Instruction:
Environmental Aspects and Impacts
1.
Ref: 2.5.2.1
Title:
Environmental Aspects and Impacts
2.
Purpose:
The purpose of this Work Instruction is to outline the process for identifying relevant
environmental aspects and impacts related to the activities, products and services under
the direct control or influence of Facilities and Services.
3.
Scope:
Activities, products and services under the direct control or influence of Facilities and
Services within the scope of the Environmental Management System (EMS).
4.
Definition/s:
Aspect: an element of an activity, product or service that can interact with the
environment.
Impact: any change to the environment resulting from an aspect.
Environmental Risk and Compliance Register: the documented evidence arising from the
application of the risk management process
5.
Process:
Environmental aspects and impacts may be identified through the following ways:
5.1
Formal risk assessment as part of the operational planning process is undertaken
annually and is governed by the Integrated Risk Management Policy. Risks are
identified, analysed, evaluated, treated and monitored and recorded on the
University’s risk register template: www.ecu.edu.au/rmaa/rm.
5.2
Review of Facilities and Services Work Instructions provide an opportunity to assess
specific activities and processes for their inherent environmental aspects and related
impacts. Aspects are recorded on the relevant Work Instruction and notification sent
to the Coordinator Environmental Systems to update the Environmental Risk and
Compliance Register if appropriate.
5.3
Internal assurance reviews may highlight environmental aspects associated with
processes or activities within the scope of the EMS. These will be recorded on the
Non Conformance/Improvement Action/Feedback Register which forms part of the
2.5.2.1 Environmental Aspects and Impacts
All printed copies are uncontrolled.
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As at May 2008
Issue 1
Facilities and Services monthly Management Review Meeting agenda. The
Coordinator Environmental Systems updates the Environmental Risk and
Compliance Register with appropriate environmental aspects listed on the Non
Conformance/Improvement Action/Feedback Register.
6.
5.4
Staff/customer feedback or improvement suggestions are recorded on the Non
Conformance/Improvement Action/Feedback Register which forms part of the
Facilities and Services monthly Management Review Meeting agenda. The
Coordinator Environmental Systems updates the Environmental Risk and
Compliance Register with appropriate environmental aspects listed on the Non
Conformance/Improvement Action/Feedback Register.
5.5
Project/activity-related risk assessments should be undertaken for new projects,
capital works, processes, products or activities using the process outlined in the
ECU Strategic Asset Management Framework , which is aligned with the ECU
Integrated Risk Management Policy.
Environmental Aspects:
Implicit within this Work Instruction
7.
Risk Assessment:
Implicit within this Work Instruction
8.
Records:
The Environmental Risk and Compliance Register is the documented evidence of the
application of the risk assessment process. It is reviewed and updated every 12 months or
when significant new environmental aspects are identified. The Register can be found
under U:/Environmental Systems/Risk and Compliance.
9.
10.
References:
Code:
Owner:
Approved By:
Date Approved:
Amendment Dates:
Revision Date:
Related Documents/Policies
Contact Information:
Contact Person:
Telephone:
Facsimile:
Email address:
2.5.2.1 Environmental Aspects and Impacts
All printed copies are uncontrolled.
2.5.2.1
Coordinator Environmental Systems
F&S Management Review Meeting
27 May 2008
May 2011
Integrated Risk Management Policy at:
http://www.ecu.edu.au/GPPS/policies_db/policies_view.p
hp?rec_id=0000000157
Integrated Risk Management Guidelines
Work Instruction: Legal and Other Requirements
(Environmental) at:
http://www.ecu.edu.au/fas/procedures/listing.php?dvid=1
Belinda O’Brien
6304 2032
6304 2787
b.obrien@ecu.edu.au
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Issue 1
Flowchart of risk assessment process
F&S Operation
Activity/Product/
Service
Aspects
Actual and
potential impacts
Legal and other
requirements
Risk Evaluation
matrix
No
Accept and record
YES
Significant?
Treat
Monitor and
review
2.5.2.1 Environmental Aspects and Impacts
All printed copies are uncontrolled.
Page 3 of 3
As at May 2008
Issue 1