Operational Control

Definition

Operational control refers to the processes and procedures put in place to ensure that an organization’s environmental management system (EMS) operates effectively and efficiently. This involves establishing clear criteria and responsibilities for managing environmental aspects, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and integrating environmental considerations into daily operations. Proper operational control is essential for minimizing negative environmental impacts and ensuring that an organization's activities align with its environmental policy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Operational control involves defining roles, responsibilities, and authorities within the organization to ensure effective environmental management.
2. Establishing procedures for operational control helps organizations prevent pollution and reduce waste during their activities.
3. Training employees on operational controls is crucial, as it ensures they understand their roles in maintaining compliance and managing environmental impacts.
4. Monitoring and measuring performance related to operational controls are necessary to identify areas for improvement and ensure continuous enhancement of the EMS.
5. Documentation and record-keeping are essential aspects of operational control, as they provide evidence of compliance and facilitate auditing processes.

Review Questions

• How does operational control enhance the effectiveness of an organization's environmental management system?
  • Operational control enhances the effectiveness of an EMS by clearly defining roles and responsibilities, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and integrating environmental practices into daily operations. This structured approach allows organizations to systematically manage their environmental aspects, reduce negative impacts, and maintain accountability. By establishing specific procedures and protocols, operational control helps create a culture of environmental awareness among employees, promoting better overall performance.
• What steps should be taken to implement effective operational controls within an organization’s EMS?
  • To implement effective operational controls within an EMS, organizations should start by identifying their significant environmental aspects and determining the associated risks. Next, they should establish clear procedures for managing these aspects, assign responsibilities to staff members, and provide adequate training. Regular monitoring and measurement of performance against these controls are necessary to assess effectiveness. Additionally, organizations should establish corrective action protocols to address any deviations from established controls.
• Evaluate the impact of operational control on achieving regulatory compliance in environmental management.
  • Operational control significantly impacts achieving regulatory compliance by establishing a structured approach to managing environmental obligations. By implementing specific procedures and assigning responsibilities for compliance monitoring, organizations can ensure they adhere to relevant laws and regulations effectively. Moreover, operational control fosters a proactive culture of compliance by training employees and regularly evaluating performance against legal requirements. This not only mitigates risks associated with non-compliance but also enhances the organization's reputation and credibility in the eyes of stakeholders.

Related terms

Environmental Management System (EMS): A structured framework that helps organizations manage their environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner.

Compliance Monitoring: The process of ensuring that an organization adheres to environmental laws, regulations, and standards.

Corrective Action: Steps taken to eliminate the causes of non-conformities or undesirable situations within an EMS.