Hanscom shines during VPP inspection Published May 26, 2009 By Rhonda Siciliano 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- After four days of thorough inspection, an audit team from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has found that Hanscom's Voluntary Protection Program has met and in many cases exceeded the requirements to earn its certification as a VPP Star certified site. "The overall evaluation of Hanscom's VPP has been outstanding," said Bob Sands, OSHA's Region 1 VPP manager. "The commitment on behalf of management and employees to VPP was outstanding. Employees were not just involved but there was a real feeling of ownership among them for the program." Mr. Sands congratulated the 66th Air Base Wing Safety Office on their "excellent job of fostering the VPP program into the base." Col. Dave Orr, 66th Air Base Wing commander, thanked the audit team for their work and efforts to help the base establish its VPP. "We want to thank you for your comprehensive look at our program and for the lessons learned that you have provided. We appreciate the feedback; this was a positive experience for all of us." He also thanked General Electric in Lynn, Mass. for the assistance that they provided as Hanscom's VPP mentor. During an outbrief session on May 21 with base personnel and leadership, Mr. Sands explained there was one finding the base would have 90 days to close out. Once that finding is completed, the audit team will prepare its final report with a recommendation to the Regional OSHA Administrator that Hanscom become a Star certified site. The Regional Administrator will then forward this recommendation to OSHA's Assistant Secretary, who will have final approval authority on certification for the base. Once approved Hanscom will become the first Air Force installation to achieve VPP certification.