Environment, Health and Safety
The success of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is, in part, dependent upon operational excellence. At PNNL, "operational excellence" means harnessing the energy and passion of every staff member to accomplish our mission: delivering outstanding research results in science and technology while cost effectively managing the Laboratory with the highest standards of good citizenship, safety, health, and environmental stewardship. The Environment, Health and Safety business unit of PNNL contributes to operational success by providing efficient and effective systems, processes, tools and services that enable staff to conduct their work in a safe, compliant and environmentally sound manner. Our staff, research and operational processes work together to produce outstanding results for our customers.
Environmental, Safety, and Health Program Policy
At the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, we value human life above all else and strive to provide a workplace free of occupational injuries and illnesses. We value the environment and strive to protect it, the public and future generations from unacceptable risks resulting from its operations. PNNL fulfills these commitments through active identification, evaluation, prevention, and management of hazards and by striving to comply with the letter and spirit of all environmental, safety, and health laws and regulations.
National Recognition
PNNL has achieved national recognition for its environmental, safety, health & quality systems, processes and tools which is demonstrated through the following national registrations and certifications:
- In 2001 PNNL achieved the highest level of Voluntary Protection Program recognition by being awarded STAR status for implementation of an excellent safety and health program.
- The Department of Energy initially validated PNNL's implementation of Integrated Safety Management (ISM) system requirements in 1998. Integrated Safety Management outlines the parameters that make up a successful safety program integrating safety in all aspects of Laboratory operations. Each year PNNL resubmits ISM performance objectives, measures, and commitments to DOE for its approval. DOE has re-approved PNNL's ISM system since 2004.
- ISO 14001:2004 is the benchmark international standard for excellence in Environmental Management Systems. The Battelle PNWD Environmental Management System was first registered to the ISO 14001:1996 Standard in November 2002 and has been registered to ISO 14001:2004 since December 2005.