Environmental health and safety

Jacobs Vehicle Systems' Bloomfield, CT location is an ISO 14001:2015 certified facility and strives to be a responsible steward of our environment and community. We are committed to improving our ecological impact by actively pursuing ways to protect and sustain our environment. Efforts to reduce energy consumption are ongoing, and the team has seen a 27% energy reduction in the last three years. Jacobs also recycles over 60% of its solid waste and over 95% of all waste materials.

Environmental Management Policy

It is the goal of Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc. to be viewed as a responsible steward of the environment and to the community.

Therefore, Jacobs Vehicle Systems is committed to the following:

  • Fulfilling all of its compliance obligations;
  • Protecting the environment and the prevention of pollution;
  • Continually improving our environmental management system performance; and
  • Continually reducing risk.

Certifications

Download ISO 14001:2015 Certification (Bloomfield)
Download ISO 14001:2015 Certification (Suzhou)

Contractor and Visitor Safety Policy and Expectations

Contractors are a critical aspect of our daily operations at Jacobs. That is why we hold all Contractors and Visitors to the same Environmental Health and Safety expectations as our own employees. From the moment a potential contractor is selected until the time they complete the job, they must follow the guidelines of our Contractor Safety Program as outlined here.

All prospective contractors must complete the Contractors Safety Disclosure to be recognized as an Approved Contractor. Once the document has been submitted to the EHS Department, coordination of the project can begin.

All of these tools are provided to our Contractors to help guide you through our Environmental Health and Safety rules and expectations and ensure that all contract employees have a safe and productive experience while working in our facility.

Visitors' Safety Passport

A guidance & training document to inform contractors and visitors about important contact numbers, environmental and safety policies, and a map of the facility. 

Download Visitors' Safety Passport 

Contractors Safety Disclosure

Download Contractors Safety Disclosure 

High Hazard Assessment

To be completed by all contractors performing Confined Space Entry, Hazardous Chemical Handling or Remediation, High Voltage LOTO, Hot Work, Trenching and Excavation, and any jobs requiring the use of Fall Protection Equipment.

Download High Hazard Risk Assessment 

Contractors Environmental Expectations

Training presented to all contractors (and sub-contractors) by the EHS Leader, Facilities Manager, or Project Manager at the start of the job.

Download Contractor Environmental Expectations 

Noise Concerns

Jacobs Vehicle Systems® has received inquiries regarding engine brake use and noise. The posting of engine brake signs along the roads and highways has created much controversy with both residents and drivers alike. This information has been established to inform interested parties about engine exhaust noise and provide the data and information necessary to understand the issue. We hope you find the information useful, and we welcome any feedback.

Information on Engine Exhaust Noise

Questions and answers:

I've seen signs posted that read "No Jake Brakes.” What does this mean?

Jake Brake® is a registered trademark of Jacobs Vehicle Systems. The term "Jake Brake" is sometimes incorrectly used to refer to compression release type engine brakes in general. The term correctly refers to all of Jacobs Vehicle Systems’ retarding products. When an engine brake is used on a vehicle with a poorly muffled or un-muffled engine exhaust (using straight pipes for example), the sound can be offensive, which is what prompted the sign you saw. The sign you saw might have unfairly used our trademark, making it brand specific.

I'm bothered by the noise of big trucks using their Engine Brakes, what can I do?

The federal government has required all vehicles manufactured since 1978 to meet noise requirements when delivered to the customer, so trucks have been required to meet the requirements when they leave the dealership as new vehicles for quite some time. The real problem here is modified or defective exhaust systems. The use of the engine brake is not the problem. Citizens and truck drivers can both do their part to keep the noise down. Citizens, encourage your local police to stop noisy vehicles and check them for muffler integrity. Truckers, if you know someone who is operating a vehicle with an excessively loud exhaust system, encourage him or her to fix it.

Noise information and ordinance help

To better understand engine exhaust noise and Jacobs' standpoint, view our updated engine brake noise brochure or white paper.

If you are made aware of an upcoming legislative ordinance, or it is your understanding that your community is considering an ordinance that prohibits Jake Brake or engine brake use, please let us know by using our contact form.

Noise laws by state: Quick Reference

We have compiled US noise control laws by state including decibel limits and fines for ordinance violations for quick reference.