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Center for Industrial Services

Publications
Volume 12, No. 7  
August 2002


is published by the Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Program (TMEP), an education and assistance program of The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services. The WRAP Sheet is sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's Division of Community Assistance.


In this issue ...

  1. Saturn Pilots TDEC's Tennessee Pollution Prevention Partnership
  2. How Five Companies Reduce Risks and Save Money with ISO 14001
  3. The Clean Air Challenge: Improving Tennessee's Air Quality by Addressing Motor Vehicle Use
  4. Many Businesses are Still Letting in Unauthorized Visitors
  5. FREE! Get a Self-Audit Checklist for TOSHA Regulations
  6. Grow Your Pollution Prevention Prowess at Planting P2, the Tennessee Pollution Prevention Partnership's Conference
  7. QUALITY, MANAGEMENT, AND ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY WORKSHOPS August - September

CONGRATULATIONS, SATURN!

The Tennessee Pollution Prevention Partnership (TP3) has its first "Performer." Saturn Corporation in Spring Hill, Tenn., has achieved the meritorious status of TP3 Performer. Saturn is the first company to reach this top level in the Partnership, indicating its commitment to pollution prevention and continual improvement to the environment. Five successes demonstrating measurable results in pollution prevention are required for Performers. You're invited to read Saturn's exemplary success stories.

In addition, Saturn Corporation meets the standard for "Commendable Environmental Compliance" for the past three years, initiates local community outreach activities demonstrating environmental stewardship, and mentors other companies in methods of pollution prevention. A qualified reviewer verified that Saturn's environmental management system exceeds the TP3 minimum requirements. Saturn is ISO 14001 registered, as well.

We appreciate Saturn's willingness to pilot TP3 for industry and look forward to recognizing and inspiring other industries to follow their superior example.

--From P2 Alert

Click here for more information on the TP3 program. Also, plan to attend TP3's Planting P2 Conference, September 5-6, 2002.

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ISO 14001 CASE STUDIES: HOW FIVE COMPANIES REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS AND SAVE MONEY

What do Electrolux, Sony, Ericsson, Delphi, and General Motors have in common? They're among the growing number of companies that have implemented environmental management systems and become registered to ISO 14001.

As of May 2002, 2,000 U.S. companies had obtained ISO 14001 registration. An environmental management system, or EMS, provides an efficient framework for managing environmental responsibilities. It also helps companies integrate environmental improvement efforts into their business operations. Here is information reported by the five companies:

  • Electrolux Home Products' (formerly Frigidare) in Greenville, Mich., first big savings came when the company followed its documented procedures and avoided a $70,000 fine for a spill by a contractor on its site. In its investigation, the regulatory agency determined that Electrolux had taken the necessary precautions to prevent a spill and that the company's follow-up would help in preventing future occurrences. The regulatory agency issued a letter stating that it would have fined Electrolux if the company hadn't proved it had procedures in place to prevent such an occurrence.
  • Sony's ISO 14001 registration covers all of its 73 non-manufacturing operations in North America. The company has reduced its recycling rate by 95 percent at 17 sites.
  • Ericsson was the first company to receive worldwide certification at both manufacturing and non-manufacturing operations.
  • Delphi Saginaw's ISO 14001 identified energy reductions as a big cost saver. The company saved 20 percent of its annual energy bills for a savings of $2.5 million.
  • GM's Flint Metal Center, Mich., has taken aggressive steps to reduce energy use. Energy savings from shutdown periods translated into $250,000 per year.

Whether they're looking for cost reductions, improved environmental performance, energy savings, or an enhanced corporate image, implementing ISO 14001 allows organizations to address the environmental impact of their activities, services, products and people. The ISO 14001 standard provides a framework for companies can identify significant environmental issues and implement appropriate management programs to control and improve them. Bottom line: ISO 14001 saves money and reduces risk.

Click here to read the entire article and learn the details of these companies' ISO 14001 successes.

--From Quality Digest

If you're interested in learning more about ISO 14001 and how it can serve your business, please contact us. We regularly schedule courses on ISO 14001 issues, and our consultants are available to provide customized services to you in your plant.

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THE CLEAN AIR CHALLENGE: IMPROVING TENNESSEE'S AIR QUALITY BY ADDRESSING THE CONTRIBUTION OF MOTOR VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED TO OZONE POLLUTION

Below is the Overview of a white paper developed by the Vanderbilt Center for Environmental Management Studies on this increasingly important subject.

All of Tennessee's major cities, as well as the Smoky Mountains, have high levels of ground-level ozone pollution as compared to many other cities and counties in the United States. The state has strived over the years to achieve acceptable levels of ozone, which is a major contributor to smog and is associated with negative public health and environmental effects. This effort has become increasingly challenging as the state's population has grown, and development has increased. In addition, Tennessee and states across the country soon will be required to comply with a new, more stringent federal air quality standard for ozone. Failure to meet the new ozone standard could harm public health and the environment and result in federal restrictions on industrial growth as well as reduced federal highway funds for the state.

Many sources contribute to the state's ozone problem, including stationary sources, such as power plants and industrial facilities and mobile sources, such as on-road and off-road motor vehicles. This paper focuses on how the increase in the number of motor vehicle miles traveled in the state contributes to the ozone problem. The increase in the number of vehicles miles traveled presents unique challenges because it is not subject to either state or federal regulatory requirements, and it stems largely from population growth and land development patterns. The problem will require leadership and innovation to address. This paper suggest some possible approaches that the state could consider, including development of a long-range strategic transportation plan that includes investments in alternative modes of transportation; increased integration of transportation and land use planning, including support for local planning efforts and coordination of state transportation and land use plans; provision of economic incentives such as congestion fees; and implementation of other initiatives, such as incentive programs for carpooling, that will enable state government to serve as a role model for private citizens and businesses.

Click here to read the complete white paper.

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MANY BUSINESSES ARE STILL LETTING IN UNAUTHORIZED VISITORS

Despite increases in workplace security measures since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, nearly one-third of all businesses still allow unauthorized visitors to enter their buildings.

According to a survey by The Hartford Financial Services Group, 40 percent of adults across the country report seeing signs of increased security since September 11. Beefed-up security was observed most often in the Northeast, and least often in the Northwest.

The survey of nearly 400 employed adults also found that fewer than half of those questioned conduct emergency evacuation drills.

Following unauthorized entry, the second most likely safety threat was harassment -- 17 percent reported harassment at work. In addition, 16 percent cited on-the-job violence.

About 15 percent said unsafe furniture or equipment had been used at their workplaces, and 11 percent said they or a colleague had experienced unprotected occupational exposure to chemicals and other substances.

The Hartford recommends use of picture or other positive identification cards for employees, and requiring visitors to sign in upon entry and be accompanied by an authorized employee during their visits.

To minimize the chance for violence, The Hartford points to strategies like carefully controlling access to workplace facilities and training managers and supervisors on warning signs that potentially violent employees may exhibit. The insurance group also recommends zero tolerance for any type of violence, including verbal and physical threats, as well as the destruction of property.

From Safety Currents

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FREE! GET A SELF-AUDIT CHECKLIST FOR TOSHA REGULATIONS WITH TRAINING AND WRITTEN PLAN REQUIREMENTS

Did you know that there are more than 50 chemicals or activities that can require you to have a written program and/or annual refresher training?

The Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Program (TMEP) has put together a simple outline of programs and chemicals that require documented training or written programs. You can get this valuable tool here.

For more information on how the TMEP can help you with safety-related issues, or if you have questions or comments about the checklist, please contact Bryan Lane , Steve Street or George Smelcer.

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GROW YOUR POLLUTION PREVENTION PROWESS AT PLANTING P2, THE TENNESSEE POLLUTION PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP'S CONFERENCE

Regardless of where your company is in its pollution prevention activities, the Planting P2 conference can nourish your growth. This conference is presented by the Tennessee Pollution Prevention Partnership (TP3), organized by TDEC’s Division of Community Assistance. TP3 is a statewide network of schools, community organizations, government agencies, businesses, households, and manufacturers united to promote environmental excellence through pollution prevention.

This year’s conference is designed to encourage and assist Tennessee industries in developing a new appreciation and responsibility for our shared environment. You will hear environmental success stories straight from company representatives. You will network with other companies working on goals similar to yours. And, you will learn how to earn recognition for your environmental good deeds from your peers and from the state of Tennessee.

The conference will be held at Montgomery Bell State Resort Park September 5 - 6, 2002. Register for this unique experience today! Call (888) 615-7497 for more information or to receive a registration form by fax.

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QUALITY, MANAGEMENT, AND ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY WORKSHOPS - September - November

For more information about the courses listed below, please visit our Web site. Or, call us: (615) 532-8657 or toll-free at (888) 763-7439. To register for any of these courses, please use this registration form.


QUALITY MANAGEMENT

ISO 9001:2000 Internal Auditor

  • Knoxville -- September 17-18
  • Nashville -- October 8-9
  • Jackson -- October 15-15

LEAN MANUFACTURING
To register for these courses, please use this registration form.

Lean Manufacturing Overview

  • Chattanooga -- October 3
  • Memphis -- October 1
  • Nashville -- October 2

Value Stream Mapping

  • Chattanooga -- October 10
  • Memphis -- October 8
  • Nashville -- October 9

Workplace Organization & Visual Controls (5S)

  • Chattanooga -- October 17
  • Memphis -- October 15
  • Nashville -- October 16

Quick Changeover/Setup Reduction

  • Chattanooga -- October 24
  • Memphis -- October 22
  • Nashville -- October 23

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Hazardous and Special Wastes

  • Chattanooga -- September 25
  • Jackson -- September 26

ISO 14001: Internal Auditor

  • Jackson -- October 22-23
  • Knoxville -- November 5-6
  • Nashville -- November 7-8

Waste Reduction for Manufacturers

  • Jackson -- October 15
  • Knoxville -- October 17
  • Nashville -- October 16

HAZARDOUS WASTE/CHEMICAL SITE WORKER

40-Hour Site Worker

  • Memphis -- September 16-20
  • Gatlinburg -- November 18-22
  • Murfreesboro -- October 14-18

8-Hour Site Worker Refresher

  • Nashville -- September 4
  • Knoxville -- October 9
  • Memphis -- November 5

24-Hour Emergency Response Technician

  • Murfreesboro -- September 23-25

8-Hour Emergency Response Refresher

  • Murfreesboro -- September 26

DOT COMPLIANCE

16-Hour DOT

  • Nashville -- September 5-6
  • Memphis -- November 6-7

SAFETY

8-Hour Excavation Competent Person

  • Murfreesboro -- September 27

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Course

  • Knoxville -- September 10-11
  • Columbia -- September 17-18
  • Jackson -- October 8-9

Safety for Supervisors and Managers

  • Knoxville -- October 30
  • Memphis -- October 23
  • Nashville -- October 7

In-plant courses on topics such as Lean Manufacturing, Quality Management, Human Performance Technology, eBusiness, Manufacturing Management and Operations, and Environment, Health and Safety also are available on your schedule. Please visit our Web site for course information, or call us at (615) 532-8657 or (888) 763-7439 to request a catalog.


SUBSCRIBE FREE: http://www.tmep.utk.edu/


Feedback by e-mail: gsmelcer@tennessee.edu
Feedback by phone: (615) 532-8657 or (888) 763-7439
WRAP Sheet archive: http://www.tmep.utk.edu/formspub.html
WRAP Sheet is published by the Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Program: http://www.tmep.utk.edu


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