Operational Aspects

Environmental Assurance >>

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Overview

Emergency Preparedness

staff can recognize equipment malfunctioning and are trained to notify supervisor in such an event

staff can recognize equipment malfunctioning and alarms and are trained to notify supervisor in such events

staff are trained in limited operational response (e.g., shutting off valves) when they recognize equipment malfunctioning or hear equipment alarms; staff then notify supervisor for further response and correction

Environmental Awareness

staff are trained in behaviors, but not impacts (e.g., poorly maintained or broken equipment is not good)

staff receive orientation to impacts (e.g., poorly maintained or broken equipment can lead to environmental impacts)

staff understand that poorly maintained or broken equipment can have environmental consequences and legal liabilities, and understand the necessity of personal action in responding to equipment maintenance needs

Training

staff are trained to recognize equipment and facility malfunctions

staff are trained to recognize and react to equipment and facility malfunctions

staff are trained to recognize and react to equipment and facility malfunctions

Communication

individuals in the greenhouse community report maintenance concerns as they occur

individuals in the greenhouse community report maintenance concerns as they occur; greenhouse staff and maintenance personnel discuss repairs where appropriate to maximize long-term effectiveness of repairs

individuals in the greenhouse community report maintenance concerns as they occur; greenhouse staff and maintenance personnel discuss repairs where appropriate to maximize long-term effectiveness of repairs; greenhouse staff and maintenance personnel meet regularly to discuss preventive maintenance and foreseeable maintenance issues affecting greenhouse structural integrity and plant care

Management

Preventive Maintenance  (mechanical, electrical, plumbing & other environmental control equipment)

no preventive maintenance schedules (greenhouse and maintenance staff)

equipment list; work orders generated by calendar or season; subjective scheduling; no or informal record keeping; no tracking

work orders generated by electronic maintenance system; reports or receipts tracked and required by maintenance system; equipment-specific

Routine Maintenance (mechanical, electrical, plumbing & other environmental control equipment)

greenhouse staff note problems as they occur; report problems informally to greenhouse management

maintenance staff note problems as they occur; repair as needed

greenhouse and maintenance staff work together to identify problems as they occur; repairs are prioritized and implemented

Evaporative Cooling

evaporative cooling system leakage and bleed off are not monitored; cooling system is operated seasonally, regardless of actual ambient temperature

cooling system is periodically inspected and excessive leakage or bleed off is corrected; cooling system is operated only during hot weather

dissolved solids content of cooling system water is periodically monitored and water bleed off is adjusted appropriately; leaks are repaired promptly; cooling system operation is linked to environmental controls

Shading - Application

shading material is applied on schedule on a yearly or more frequent basis

shading material is applied as needed, but only when weather will remain clear until material is well-dried

automatic shading is provided by movable curtains in the greenhouse

Shading - Removal

easily removed shading formulations are used where appropriate; shading material is allowed to be removed by snowfall or on schedule with water and scrubbing

easily removed shading formulations are always used; shading material is allowed to be removed by snowfall or on schedule with water and scrubbing

no removal of external shading is required; automatic shading is provided by movable curtains in the greenhouse

Spill Cleanup (maintenance-related chemicals)

maintenance staff know where spill clean-up materials are kept; spills are cleaned up fairly promptly

maintenance staff know where spill clean-up materials are kept; spills are cleaned up as soon as possible

maintenance staff know where spill clean-up materials are kept; spills are cleaned up as soon as possible; secondary containment or spill absorption material is used where appropriate

Disposal of Plastic Coverings

sanitary landfill

sanitary landfill

recycle

Water Control

External & Internal Drainage

drainage problems are identified and prioritized for repair

drainage problems are identified and prioritized for repair; drainage issues are systematically resolved

drainage problems are identified and prioritized for repair; drainage issues are systematically resolved; drainage in and around structure is visually inspected as weather conditions determine; proper grading in and around structures prevents ponding; landscape plantings kept away from drainage system; pests prevented from tunneling in, under or around structure

Irrigation Systems

irrigation leaks are identified

irrigation systems are inspected; leaks are identified and prioritized for repair

hose couplings and other connections are kept tight and leak free; irrigation leaks are repaired immediately upon discovery; periodic inspections are conducted; algae accumulation on greenhouse floors is used as an indicator of system failure

Structural Leaks

greenhouse structural leaks are identified and prioritized for repair

structural leaks are repaired systematically

structural leaks are repaired systematically; glazing is inspected routinely