Work Instruction:

Environmental Aspects and Impacts

1. Title: Environmental Aspects and Impacts

Ref: 2.5.2.1

2.

Purpose: The purpose of this Work Instruction is to outline the process for managing environmental aspects and impacts under the direct control or influence of Facilities and Services.

3.

Scope: All environmental aspects and impacts are listed in the Environmental Aspects and Impacts Register which is developed in consultation with Facilities and Services staff and maintained by Environment Services. The Environmental Aspects and Impacts Register underpins the success of the Environmental Management System ensuring continuous improvement occurs. The Environmental Aspects and Impacts Register must list all environmental aspects and impacts linked to the Universities Environmental Policy and the aspects and impacts of the five Environmental Programs. This applies to all three campuses, excluding the biodiversity program which only applies to the South West campus.

4.

Definition/s: Aspect: An element of an activity, product or service that can interact with the environment. ECU Strategic Asset Management Framework: A collection of tools and templates that provide a consistent approach to the management of strategic assets throughout the University. Environmental Aspects and Impact Register: Is the documented evidence arising from the application of the risk management process and it outlines all the environmental aspects and impacts associated with Facilities and Services operations. Impact: Any change to the environment resulting from an aspect. Integrated Risk Management Policy: Provides a framework to manage the risks involved in all University activities to maximise opportunities and minimise adversity. Non Conformance / Improvement Action / Feedback Register: A list of determined non conformances, usually as a result of an audit process, improvement initiatives and feedback from customers that is monitored by the Centres Management Review Meeting on a monthly basis.

2.5.2.1 Environmental Aspects and Impacts All printed copies are uncontrolled.

Page 1 of 4

As at October 2009 Issue 2

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, monitored and recorded on the Universitys Environmental Risk Register template. All Managers from the Facilities and Services Business Units are responsible for attending an annual review and to follow up on any aspects and impacts that are associated with their business unit. Review of Facilities and Services Work Instructions provide an opportunity to assess specific activities and processes for their inherent environmental aspects and related impacts. All work instructions are reviewed by the Coordinator of Environment Systems, and at this point aspects and impacts must be incorporated into the Work Instructions. Internal assurance reviews may highlight environmental aspects associated with processes or activities within the scope of the Environmental Management System (EMS). These will be recorded on the Non Conformance/Improvement Action/Feedback Register which forms part of the Facilities and Services monthly Management Review Meeting agenda. The Coordinator of Environment Systems updates the Environmental Aspects and Impacts Risk Register with appropriate environmental aspects listed on the Non Conformance/Improvement Action/Feedback Register. 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 of Environment Systems updates the Environmental Aspects and Impacts Risk Register with appropriate environmental aspects listed on the Non Conformance/Improvement Action/Feedback Register. 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.

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.5

6.

Environmental Aspects: Implicit within this Work Instruction

7.

Risk Assessment: Implicit within this Work Instruction

8.

Records: The Environmental Aspects and Impacts Risk 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 Environmental Aspects and Impacts Risk Register.

2.5.2.1 Environmental Aspects and Impacts All printed copies are uncontrolled.

Page 2 of 4

As at October 2009 Issue 2

9.

References: Code: Owner: Approved By: Date Approved: Amendment Dates: Revision Date: Related Documents/Policies 2.5.2.1 Coordinator, Environment Systems F&S Management Review Meeting May 2008 10/09 October 2012 Integrated Risk Management Policy Work Instruction: Legal and Other Requirements (Environmental) Non Conformance/ Improvement Action/ Feedback Register - TRIM file sub/8376 ECU Strategic Asset Management Framework

10.

Contact Information: Contact Person: Telephone: Email address: Belinda OBrien 6304 2032 b.obrien@ecu.edu.au

2.5.2.1 Environmental Aspects and Impacts All printed copies are uncontrolled.

Page 3 of 4

As at October 2009 Issue 2

Flowchart of risk assessment process F&S Operation

Activity/Product/ Service

Aspects

Actual and potential impacts

Legal and other requirements

Risk Evaluation matrix

No

YES

Accept and record

Significant?

Treat

Monitor and review

2.5.2.1 Environmental Aspects and Impacts All printed copies are uncontrolled.

Page 4 of 4

As at October 2009 Issue 2