NEMS Activities List

An environmental activity is a broad term for any activity, operation, product, process, or service that can interact with the environment or public health. In line with the ISO 14001 standard process for Environmental Management Systems, the NEMS has established a list of NIH Environmental Activities that have potential impact on the environment. The NEMS Activities list works hand in hand with the concepts of NIH Environmental Aspects and Impacts, as shown in this example:

Example: Cage washing is an example of a NEMS “Activity.” The Activity of cage washing is linked to the “Aspect” of water consumption, because water consumption is a means by which cage washing interacts with the environment. One potential environmental “Impact” of cage washing is natural resource (water) depletion, which is caused by the water consumption Aspect of the cage washing Activity.

By identifying these Activities, Aspects, and Impacts, the NEMS provides a framework for addressing them and minimizing potential negative impacts.

NEMS Activities are listed below:

ANIMAL CARE

• Animal Husbandry
• Animal Surgery
• Bedding Storage, and Disposal
• Cage Washing
• Feeding
• Food Storage

• Instrument Fabrication
• Instrument Loaner and Maintenance Operation

• Receiving and Distribution of Chemicals
• Onsite Storage

• Biological Materials Use, Storage and Transportation
• Chemical Use, Storage and Transportation
• Imaging (x-ray, CAT scans, etc.)
• Morgue and Autopsy
• Occupational Medicine Services
• Patient Care
• Patient Transportation
• Radioactive Isotope Use, Storage, and Transportation
• Surgery
• Testing
• Vaccine Programs

FACILITY CONSTRUCTION / RENOVATION / DECOMMISSIONING

• Campus Master Planning
• Decommissioning
• Demolition
• Laboratory moves
• New Building Construction
• New Building Design
• Pre-Project Planning
• Renovation
• Site Work (digging, grading, paving, etc.)
• Toxic Material Removal (asbestos, lead-based paint, etc.)
• Use of Port-a-potties and trailers
• Utilities Work

FACILITY OPERATIONS

• Building Maintenance
• HVAC for NIH Campus
• HVAC for residences
• Operation of Buildings
• Operation of Co-generation Unit
• Operation of Utility Plant
• Substations
• Use of Boilers
• Use of Chillers
• Use of Cooling Towers
• Use of Emergency Generators (portable/stationary)

FIRE ACTIVITIES

• Detonation Chamber Use
• Emergency Response Activities
• Evacuation
• Explosion
• Fire Fighting
• Fire Training
• Haz Mat Response and Clean-Up
• Maintenance of fire equipment and systems
• Vehicles (washing, etc.)

FOOD SERVICE AND SALES

• Cleaning
• Cooking
• Dish Washing
• Grease Storage and Traps
• Heating
• Receiving to Loading Docks
• Refrigeration
• Styrofoam Use

FUEL STORAGE AND TRANSFER

• Bulk Fuel Storage (USTs, ASTs, and temp tanks)
• Bulk Fuel Transfer During Fill/Dispensing Operations
• Re-Fueling of Vehicles
• LABORATORIES
• Bio-containment (Levels 2, 3 & 4)
• Biological Materials Use, Storage and Transportation
• Chemical Use, Storage and Transportation
• Computer Use
• Decontamination and sterilization
• DI System (Deionized Water)
• Equipment Cooling
• Fume Hood Use
• Heavy Metals Use (dental lab)
• Human Tissue Pathology/Histology
• Imaging (x-ray, CAT scans, etc.)
• Lab Equipment Purchase and Use
• Maintenance of equipment
• Photodevelopment
• Radioactive Isotope Use, Storage, and Transportation
• Refrigeration
• Tissue Culture
• Use of electromagnetic radiation equipment
• Vacuum pumps
• Waste Handling

LANDSCAPING AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

• Forest Conservation
• Ice and Snow Control
• Irrigation
• Landscape Construction and Plantings
• Parking Lot Maintenance
• Pest Management
• Storm Water Management (structures)
• Stream Bank Stabilization
• Tree and Stump and Removal
• Turf Maintenance

MAIL SERVICES/SHIPPING

• Animal Shipping and Receiving
• Biological Screening
• Magnatometer/X-ray
• Package Shipping and Receiving
• Use of Vehicles

MOTORPOOL/USE OF VEHICLES

• Commercial Vehicle Inspection
• Parking of Vehicles
• Transportation within NIH
• Transportation to NIH
• Use of Construction Vehicles and Equipment

OFFICES

• Use of Bathrooms
• Use of Office Equipment (computers, copiers, fax machines, printers)

PERSONAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

• Moving Furniture and Equipment
• Receiving and Surplusing of Furniture and Equipment
• Store and Process Furniture and Equipment

PHARMACY

• Drug Dispensing Operations

PROCUREMENT

• Procurement of Chemicals
• Procurement of Computers
• Procurement of Equipment
• Procurement of Office Supplies

RENTAL BUILDINGS

• Real Estate Acquisition and Leasing

SECURITY

• Dog Care
• Vehicle Inspection
• Weapons Cleaning

SHOP ACTIVITIES

• Electrical Work
• Fabrication
• Metal Working
• Painting
• Plumbing
• Refrigeration
• Solvent Use
• Woodworking