Friday, November 11, 2011

Monday, September 26, 2011

Environmental Audit Services - Standard Closing Conference Reports

At the end of a typical audit, before the auditor leaves the location, standard reports are provided to local management at a closing conference on the last day of the audit so they will immediately know the results and can begin working on corrective actions.

These reports are:

  • Audit Results Report (PDF)
  • Audit Results Summary Report (PDF)
  • Action Plan Report (PDF)
  • Action Plan Worksheet (Excel Worksheet)

Many additional reports and other outputs are available, of course, but the four listed above represent the standard set of reports/documents disseminated at the end of every audit.  ARS Environmental ReviewsTM makes it easy to generate these reports in only a few minutes.  These reports are also designed to make it easy to compare locations to each other and to any previous audits that may have been conducted.

The Audit Results Report provides a detailed view by audit area and the categories and items in each area.  This report is scored and a percent/grade is calculated to help gauge the results.  Click on image to view in a larger window.

The Audit Results Summary Report summarizes each audit area by category.  It is similar to the Audit Results Report but without all the detail.  This report is also scored.  Click on image to view in a larger window.

The Action Plan Report lists all the problems found that require corrective actions.  For more information about the Action Plan Report, see our post of August 25th, 2011 regarding Action Plans and Corrective Actions.  Click on image to view in a larger window.

The Action Plan Worksheet is an Excel worksheet similar to the Action Plan Report that serves as a working document for use by location staff in assisting them to take corrective actions and to implement policies and procedures to prevent the problems identified in the audit from reoccurring in the future.  For more information about the Action Plan Report, see our post of August 25th, 2011 regarding Action Plans and Corrective Actions.

For more information about Environmental Audit Services and ARS Environmental ReviewsTM at The Carel Corporation, please checkout our website at:

Environmental Audit Services

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Environmental Audit Services - Both Internal and External Audits are Encouraged

Environmental Audits at The Carel Corporation (TCC) using ARS Environmental ReviewsTM are designed to support the different requirements and audit scenarios typical of any company.

  • Internal Audits Only (Good)
  • External Audits Only (Better)
  • A Combination of External and Internal Audits (Best)

The preferred method is a combination of both external audits by TCC auditors and internal audits by internal audit staff for at least the first year with 100% of locations being audited by TCC.  This establishes a good baseline "state of the nation" upon which to build your audit program in second and subsequent years and to train your auditors to properly and consistently perform the audits. 

Standards of performance can then be established and agreed upon by operations and future audits measured against this internally developed and agreed upon standard.  Auditing 100% of the locations the first year also helps in creating the buy-in necessary from operations since everyone shares in the "pain" equally and had a role in creating the standards they will be measured against.

The second year could then consist of a mix of external and internal audits with maybe 10 - 20% of the locations audited by external TCC auditors and 100% of the locations by internal auditors.  External TCC auditors would be used as a disinterested third party without any ties to the company or operations to thereby ensure a fair and balanced evaluation consistent across the organization.  The locations to be audited could represent a cross-section of your company's locations or could just target the poorest performers or a mix of both in each region or area.

Often times however, companies lack the internal staff and/or resources to audit 100% of the locations and believe it is preferable to have the external auditors audit all locations and internal auditors just "reaudit" locations that have done poorly or to just focus in on specific areas identified as requiring more attention.  By targeting opportunity areas already identified by the external auditors, internal audit staff resources can be used more effectively. 

It is also preferrable to have a certain percentage or number of audits be "test" audits.  Depending on the size of the organization this typically ranges anywhere from two to ten audits.  Once these test audits are completed and a standardized template for all future audits developed, it makes it easier to perform the audits without any surprises or sudden unexpected and possibly disruptive, unwelcome or confusing changes after a large number of audits have already been completed.  Retroactive restating of results are also avoided.

Test audits are done by external TCC auditors only using ARS Environmental ReviewsTM.  However, internal auditors and staff are welcome and encouraged to be present and involved in the audit, however, they will not use ARS Environmental ReviewsTM until after the test audits are completed and have started training.

Although a combination of both internal and external audits of 100% of the locations is the preferred method, external audits done by TCC auditors only is also a very good option for many organizations.  This is especially true for companies that do not want to develop or need a full-blown internal audit capability or believe the best results are best left to the experts!

Anyway you want it, The Carel Corporation can provide a solution tailored to your situation.

For more information about Environmental Audit Services at The Carel Corporation please check out our website at:

Environmental Audit Services

Friday, September 2, 2011

Happy Labor Day!


The Carel Corporation will be closed Monday, September 5, 2011 for Labor Day.  We will reopen Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at regular business hours.  

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Environmental Audit Services - Action Plans and Corrective Actions

One of the most important aspects of any environmental audit is getting, not just the results (findings), but also the action plan (corrective actions).   Developing and completing the action plan is often the most complicated and time consuming part of the whole process.  The completed audit is truly only half the battle.

It can take a week or longer to put together a good action plan and too often this gets put on the "back burner" because of other priorities.  The resulting action plans are many times not worth the paper they are printed on.  Worse still, the problems identified in the audit do not get corrected and procedures are not put in place to prevent them from reoccurring in the future.

With ARS Environmental ReviewsTM, 100% completed action plans with corrective actions, regulatory standards, SOPs, references, target completion dates and responsible person(s) are generated at the closing conference before the auditor leaves.  As a result, work on the action plan can begin immediately.

All problems areas discovered during the audit are delineated on the action plan, along with:

  • Detail Regarding Exactly What the Deficiences Were
  • Corrective Actions (professionally developed by experienced experts)
  • Responsible Person(s) assigned to implement the corrective actions
  • Target Completion Date
  • Actual Completion Date
  • References to Company SOPs, Policies, Contracts, Manuals, etc.
  • References to Regulatory Standards (DOT, OSHA, EPA, ADA, etc).
The action plan is a working document saved as a Microsoft Excel worksheet that can be edited by management staff. 

Everyone involved knows what has to be done, when it has to be done, why it has to be done and exactly who is responsible for each and every deficiency found on the audit. 

This 100% completed action plan helps to ensure that corrective actions are understood and are actually implemented so that the problems do not reoccur. 

For more information about Environmental Audit Services at The Carel Corporation, please checkout our website at:

Environmental Audit Services

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Environmental Audit Services - Getting Your Audit Data Out is Easy

With any database application, entering your data is only half the battle.  Many database applications may handle data entry (inputs) reasonably well (or not), but then fail when it comes to quickly and easily producing meaningful results in the form of reports, charts/graphs, exports, etc (outputs).  Unfortunately, applications all too often look like something only your IT department would love to use. 

The learning curve just to figure out how to enter your audit data can be steep enough, but then you go to print something (to get the data out) and discover you have to fight the application all over again just to print even the simpliest report.  You will often be asked to enter "Parameters", "Date Ranges", "Generate" something called a "Query", etc., before you can even know what the report will look like.  Even frequently used standardized reports can require considerable training and expertise to generate (something the vendor will be happy to offer and charge you for). 

With ARS Environmental ReviewsTM, printing reports, charts/graphs and exporting data is just as quick and easy as entering the data was in the first place.  A single click on a button is all it takes to produce any type of output.  One-click Reports.  One-click Charts/Graphs.  One-click Exports.  One-click Screenshots.

Also, everything is automatically previewed first so you know exactly what you are getting before you produce the report, chart/graph, export, etc.  This makes learning how to use ARS Environmental ReviewsTM a snap. It also nicely accomodates the laptop user who may not always want to carry a printer around with them everywhere they go.

This "expertise" and "skill set" carries over to each and every report, chart/graph or export throughout the entire application.  Once you have mastered clicking on one button, you will have completely mastered the process for ALL of them.  In addition, it makes generating any kind of output a very rapid fire process you can learn with little or no training or reference to a user guide or, heaven forbid, the dreaded and never used F1 Help emergency option! 

Top 10 Things to Know About ARS Environmental ReviewsTM Reports, Charts/Graphs and Export Options:

  1. With a Single Mouse Click on a Button You Can Produce Any Type of Output
  2. Outputs are Always Previewed First (Nothing Goes Directly to a Printer)
  3. Outputs can be Printed, Emailed, Saved as PDF Files or Converted to Image Files (BMP, JPG, GIF, PNG, TIF), etc.
  4. You Can Export Your Data to Excel and Create Your Own Reports and Graphs, Databases, etc.
  5. A Printer is Not Required
  6. Customization of Reports, Charts/Graphs, Exports, etc., is Available
  7. Top N Reports, Charts/Graphs and Exports Take Only Seconds to Produce
  8. Presentation Quality Output is Available for Use in PowerPoint Presentations, Word, etc.
  9. Even Screenshots Can Be Used as a Report with a Single-Click on a Button
  10. Very Little or No Training is Required to Learn How to Get Your Data Out!
To learn more about Environmental Audit Services at The Carel Corporation, please check out our website at:

Environmental Audits






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Thursday, August 11, 2011

Environmental Audit Services - Our Application is Simple and Easy to Use

You will be pleasantly surprised to learn that ARS Environmental ReviewsTM, despite the breadth and complexity of the material/subject matter covered by the audit, is very simple and easy to use.  Working with the application is by far the easiest part of the the entire audit process.

Even people who have never used or worked with a database application before can learn everything they need to know to use ARS Environmental ReviewsTM effectively with just a few hours of training.  Data entry into any of the modules is a simple straight forward process that typically takes only a few minutes.

Although there are over 75+ audit area data-entry modules, hundreds of reports, charts/graphs, etc., learning how to use any one of the modules immediately gives you complete mastery over all the rest.  The skills you learn using one, carries over to all the other modules because of the standarized layout.  Even printing sophisticated Top N reports and graphs is accomplished with just the click of a button.

All questions are answered exactly the same way throughout the entire application:

Y - Yes
N - No
D - No Detail Provided
A - N/A
X - Not Examined

The remainder of the data entry typically consists of a series of checkboxes that require clicking on the appropriate choices with your mouse.



For more information about Environmental Audits Services, please checkout our website at:

Environmental Audits

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

DOWN IN A HOLE


Your proposal was approved, the monitoring wells were installed, and everything has been running smoothly.  The next sampling event rolls around with no issues...until your field personnel approaches one of the perfectly installed wells and notices it is now leaning some.  Upon further inspection, the slope adjacent to the well has failed.  Put two and two together, and this situation has the potential to compromise the structural integrity of the well.  So what do you do now?

The Carel Corporation has recently faced a similar issue and while the solutions can be many and varied, we chose a down-hole submersible video camera.

The GeoVision down-hole submersible camera is a small camera on the end of a long, flexible cord designed to fit in the casing of the well.  The cord may be attached to a winch for more control in lowering the instrument down the hole and it can rotate 360 degrees for an all around inspection of the well casing.


Video is streamed instantly and the technician can immediately diagnose problems as the image appears on the screen, as well as save the data for later review.   

The video our field personnel shot by the down-hole  submersible camera was reviewed for any secondary damage that might have occurred from the slope failure.  The entire length of the inner casing was visually checked, paying particular attention to the casing joints.  Luckily, no structural damage to the well casing was observed, and the next step, repairing the pad, can be broached.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Environmental Audit Services - Top 10 Reasons to Use ARS Environmental Reviews

Top 10 Reasons to Use The Carel Corporation and ARS Environmental ReviewsTM

  1. Audits are based on over 30 years experience and 1,500+ audits
  2. Conducted in the same method an expert witness would review a case in preparation for court
  3. Customized for your company's internal programs, SOPs and policies
  4. Helps identify and focus on areas of opportunity for improvement
  5. Consistently reduces environmental regulatory compliance and violation issues
  6. Generates a complete Best Practices action plan at the close of the audit
  7. Maximizes environmental, regulatory and other internal training programs
  8. Reduces the inefficiency of paper and spreadsheet based data collection systems
  9. The best way to ensure a company's internal safety programs are propertly implemented and maintained
  10. Saves lives, serious injuries and $$ millions
For more information about Environmental Audit Services at The Carel Corporation, please checkout our website at:

http://www.thecarelcorporation.com/environmentalaudits.htm

    Saturday, July 23, 2011

    Environmental Audit Services - Areas Covered by the Audits

    Our Environmental Audit Service covers the following areas in a thorough and comprehensive manner:

    Waste Management and Recycling
    • Outside Housekeeping
    • Inside Housekeeping
    • Solid Waste Inventory
    • Product Substitution
    • Records and Reports
    • Waste Transportation
    • Recyclers and Destination Facilities
    • Manifests and Bills of Lading
    • Emergency Plans
    • Universal Waste
    • Recyclable Materials
    • Lead Acid Batteries
    • Appliance and Equipment Filters
    • Vehicle Filters
    • Spent Oil
    • Aerousel Solvents
    • Wipes, Rags and Towels
    • Hazardous Spills
    • Scrap Metal
    • Used Tires
    • Traps and Separators
    • Electronic Waste
    • Asbestos Containing Materials
    • Hazardous Workplace Chemicals
    • Bulk Storage
    Storage Tanks
    • Gasoline Tanks
    • Diesel Tanks
    • Hazardous Substance Tanks
    • Used Oil Tanks
    • New Petroleum Products Tanks
    • Waste Tanks
    • Propane Tanks
    • Natural Gas Tanks
    • Piping
    • Dispensing
    • Loading and Unloading
    • Spills and Releases
    • LPST and Corrective Action
    General Administration
    • Environmental Record Keeping
    • Environmental Filing System
    • Environmental Incidents
    • Records Retention
    • Staff Questionnaires
    • Employee Training
    Storm Water Management
    • Pollution Prevention Plan
    • Pollution Prevention Team
    • Facility Description
    • Site Plans
    • Potential Contaminants
    • Storm Water Controls
    • Storm Water Monitoring
    • Records and Certifications
    Spill Prevention (SPCC Plans)
    • Applicability
    • Tier I Template
    • Tier II Plan
    Water Quality
    • Sanitary Discharges
    • Direct Discharges
    • Groundwater/Wells
    Air Quality
    • Inventory of Stationary Sources
    • Estimates of Emissions Inventory
    • Fleet Idling
    • Criteria Pollutants
    • Dispensing Fuel
    • Unloading Fuel
    • MVAC Refrigerants
    • Parts Cleaning and Solvents
    • Paint Booth
    • Surface Preparation
    • Generators
    • Halogenated Solvents
    • Space Heating
    • Building HVAC
    In addition, the items being audited can be customized for your company to include standard operating procedures (SOPs), contract requirements, union rules, training programs, etc.

    We can also help you with your Storm Water Management and SPCC Plans.

    To learn more about our Environmental Audit Services, please checkout out website at:

    Environmental Audits

    Tuesday, July 12, 2011

    New Service Offering - Environmental Audits

    The Carel Corporation is pleased to announce a new service:

    Environmental Audits

    The Carel Corporation has partnered with Austian's Risk Services, Inc., to use ARS Environmental ReviewsTM to perform the audits. 

    The Carel Corporation is also an authorized reseller of ARS Environmental ReviewsTM.

    ARS Environmental ReviewsTM is the most powerful/effective tool to train a company's environmental and operation's management team so they can fully comprehend their internal environmental program and regulatory compliance.

    ARS Environmental ReviewsTM is the best way to ensure a company's internal environmental program and regulatory compliance are properly implemented and maintained for maximum $$ results.

    We will bring you more information about our Environmental Audits Service in future blog posts.

    For more information about Environmental Audit Services on our website, please checkout:

    http://thecarelcorporation.com/environmentalaudits.htm

    For more information about our other Services, please checkout our Services page at:

    http://thecarelcorporation.com/services.htm

    Friday, July 1, 2011

    HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

    The Carel Corporation will be closed Monday, July 4th in honor of Independence Day.  If any special arrangements are needed, please feel free to reach us at (817) 337-0112.  Have a wonderful holiday!


    Thursday, May 26, 2011

    THE CAREL CORPORATION WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY

    
    
    The Carel Corporation will be closed Monday, May 30 in observance of Memorial Day.  We will resume regular business hours Tuesday, May 31.  Please contact us at (817) 337-0112 if any special arrangements are needed or if you have any questions.

    We wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday.

    Friday, May 6, 2011

    THE CAREL CORPORATION CELEBRATES ANDREW ROBERTSON’S 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

    This weekend, The Carel Corporation will gather to honor Field Services Manager Andrew Robertson as he becomes the third member of The Carel Corporation ‘10 Year Club’ for his decade of service.

    It is a misconception that only postal workers report to work ‘come rain or shine’.  As Field Services Manager, Andrew has trudged through mud, endured freezing rain, blazing sun, and worked until after dark in order to correctly complete what was needed to be done.  He is not one known to cut corners to alleviate the work load or make time.  His dedication to his work is evident in the amount of preparation time he devotes to each job as well as his determination to complete each task given. 

    Andrew’s knowledge of each site and his understanding of field equipment has been a beneficial resource not only to himself but also his co-workers.  Andrew is the go to guy concerning questions and problem solving in his area.      

    The technical side of his job aside, Andrew has exhibited excellent ethics that would be desired in an employee and colleague.  The obvious would be that he is a hard worker, but he is also honest, dependable, and displays excellent leadership skills as the Field Services Manager.  He always says good morning when he arrives in the office, ‘bless you’ when someone sneezes, and minds his manners.  Now it would be called old-fashioned, but once upon a time that’s just the way you were raised: to be polite, of good character, and to act like you had some values instilled in you.

    Andrew grew up with his parents and brother in the DFW area, helping out on the family ranch in Fannin, TX and attending Texas Christian University where he studied Environmental Earth Resources and geology.  While in college he had the opportunity to study geology abroad in Scotland, expanding his knowledge of geologic formations.  Andrew is a recipient of the Eagle Scout award as well as a member of Ducks Unlimited and a supporter of wetland preservation.  For sport he is an avid hunter with a specific interest in bird hunting.  He continues to stay close with his family and spends time with them whenever he can.

    As we come together to honor him this weekend, it is but a small token of our appreciation.  Thank you, Andrew, for all of your hard work and dedication to The Carel Corporation. 




    Thursday, April 21, 2011

    VISIT THE CAREL CORPORATION AT THE 2011 TCEQ ENVIRONMENTAL TRADE FAIR AND CONFERENCE

    The Carel Corporation will be returning to the TCEQ Environmental Trade Fair and Conference May 3-4, 2011 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX and we invite you to drop by our booth and say hello.  We will be available to discuss our services, new ventures we are pursuing, and answer any questions you might have.  While you are there, please enter our drawing as well as pick up some of our environmentally friendly giveaways.  Below please find a map of the convention center floor with our booth location highlighted (booth number 407).  We hope to see you there!







    Friday, April 1, 2011

    THE CAREL CORPORATION WELCOMES TWO NEW TEAM MEMBERS

    “Coming together is a beginning.  Keeping together is progress.  Working together is success. – Henry Ford”

    The Carel Corporation is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to our team: Environmental Technician, Stephanie Ganpule, and Senior Geologist, Arne Gelfert, P.G.

    Stephanie graduated from the University of North Texas in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and a minor in Geology.  She served an internship as an environmental specialist at a Dallas based firm, and joins our team with a fresh outlook on environmental consulting.  Stephanie has taken on our AutoCAD needs, assists with several in-house duties, and is continuing to expand her role with the company each day.  In her free time, she enjoys exercising, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her husband.

    Arne hails from Berlin, Germany, where he received both a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science degree in Geology.  He first started as contract geologist for precious metals exploration companies pursuing projects in Chile and Argentina, then continued as staff geologist and GIS specialist in geotechnical and environmental engineering for an Arlington, Texas based firm. He is a licensed professional geologist in Texas, and brings to the company a diverse international background and a commendable work ethic.  Outside of work, his interests include rock climbing, remodeling, and reading.  Arne and his wife are the proud parents of two children.

    The Carel Corporation was established on the doctrine of thoughtful and responsive customer service and strong project management.  As our team grows, we continue to provide opportunities and challenges for our associates who understand the importance of our mission and are committed to exceeding our clients’ expectations.

    Welcome, Stephanie and Arne; it’s great to have you with us!