Wing clears latest inspection hurdle

Photo By Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur | Tech. Sgt. Gary White, an aircraft hydraulics specialist from the 124th Maintenance Squadron, ensures Material Safety Data Sheets are present and that chemicals are correctly labeled with Dr. Ching Chen, an Occupational Health inspector from the Environmental Safety Occupational Health Compliance Assessment Management Program team, Sept. 19, at Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho. The weeklong inspection is held every three years.  

BOISE, ID, UNITED STATES

09.21.2012

Story by Capt. Tony Vincelli 

124th Fighter Wing

BOISE, Idaho- A team of civilian inspectors descended on Gowen Field to inspect the wing's compliance in environmental, safety and occupational health, Sept. 17-21.

Unlike most inspections, when evaluators leave behind a grade for wing leaders to celebrate (see ORI part II) or lament (see ORI part I), an ESOHCAMP instead leaves only findings; some are significant and the rest, though regrettable, aren't quite as serious.

The team's comments were largely positive, as no significant findings were revealed. While the lack of a measurable score may make it a challenge to praise success, the lack of significant findings is indeed a victory for the inspected – a fact not lost on wing leaders.

"The operation of the [124th Fighter Wing] neither significantly degrades the environment nor adversely affects the health and safety of our airmen. Well done," Col. Michael Nolan, wing commander, wrote on the wing's Facebook page.

Airmen in the environmental, ground and weapons safety, and bioenvironmental engineering work centers have been the voice of compliance locally and bore the brunt of the pre-inspection workload, but the airmen in the inspected sections also deserve their share of the post-inspection praise.

"There was great communication between the shops and the environmental office. The Maintenance Group did a great job preparing their shops for visits from the inspectors, and it showed," said Senior Airmen Heidi Caye, environmental protection specialist for the 124th Civil Engineer Squadron.

As usual, inspectors identified areas for improvement. Those will be addressed quickly and decisively, said wing leaders.

"Although it continues to be challenging, we will get on board as always and rise to the occasion and remain in compliance," said Master Sgt. Brian Hobbs, weapons safety manager.

• Date Taken: 09.21.2012
• Date Posted: 10.09.2012 15:31
• Story ID: 95901
• Location: BOISE, ID, US