7.0 Communications

Effective communication is an important part of the EHS Management System (EHS-MS). MIT has developed comprehensive communication mechanisms within the EHS-MS to ensure that the information needed to implement MIT's EHS Policy reaches the MIT community. The ultimate objective of these communication mechanisms is to promote the full integration of the MIT EHS Policy and EHS Management System into research and work processes to ensure compliance and promote achievement of MIT's high EHS standards. Clear and effective channels for communication are essential to ensure awareness and understanding of EHS regulatory requirements, the components and operation of the EHS-MS, and of the supplemental programs, plans, and procedures established at MIT to address EHS issues.

As a leading educational institution, MIT strives to serve as a role model for other institutions and the community at large. MIT is an incubator of ideas, including ideas regarding improved systems or technologies that may protect the environment or reduce the negative human impact on the environment. Communicating these new MIT ideas and approaches related to environment, health, and safety is one component of the EHS-MS communication system that can serve other institutions, neighboring communities, and beyond.

As an institution subject to EHS regulatory requirements, another important component of the communication program is to ensure MIT has well-defined procedures in place for communicating with the regulatory community. These procedures address communicating both compliance problems and achievements, as well as obtaining information for interpreting regulations or guidelines.

7.1 EHS-MS Organizational Structure and Communications

7.2 Communications Service Team (CST)

7.3 EHS Communication Tools

7.4 Communications with Regulatory Agencies

7.5 Community Involvement and Outreach