Carlos M Herrera

As the Senior Environmental, Health, and Safety (Sr. EHS) Manager at SMA-America, I am responsible for leading the EHS Department in ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining a safe work environment, and minimizing our environmental impact. My role involves collaborating closely with various teams to develop and implement comprehensive safety programs, risk assessments, and deliver effective employee training on safety policies and practices. Investigate incidents and near misses, manage environmental protection initiatives, and devise emergency response plans. Additionally, conduct audits and inspections, maintain detailed compliance records, and champion sustainability initiatives, including collecting and preparing sustainability reports. Other responsibilities include OSHA reporting, to ensure compliance with occupational safety regulations. I actively engage with stakeholders, employees, contractors, and regulatory bodies to facilitate communication and collaboration on EHS and Sustainability matters, ensuring our operations are safe, sustainable, and compliant with occupational health, safety, and environmental standards.

As Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager for SMA-America my responsibilities are ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining a safe work environment, and minimizing environmental impact. Aid in developing and implementing safety programs, conduct risk assessments, and provide employee training on safety policies and practices. My role involves investigating incidents, managing environmental protection initiatives, and developing emergency response plans. Conduct audits and inspections, maintain compliance records, and promote sustainability initiatives. Other duties include engaging with stakeholders, employees, contractors, and regulatory bodies to communicate and collaborate on EHS matters, ensuring the company's operations are safe, sustainable, and compliant with environmental laws.

As a Control Room Operator in the solar power industry, I was responsible for monitoring and controlling the operations of a solar power plant to ensure it ran efficiently and safely. I continuously monitored SCADA systems, adjusted controls, and troubleshot issues to maintain optimal performance. My role involved analyzing data to identify trends and implement improvements, as well as maintaining detailed logs and reports of plant operations. I ensured compliance with safety protocols, coordinated with maintenance and operations teams, and responded to alarms and emergencies. Simultaneously, I served as the Safety Coordinator and Trainer, conducting weekly safety meetings, HV electrical training, Switching/Substation training, safety drills, etc. Provided training sessions to all employees on safety practices and promoting a culture of safety throughout the plant. I also participated in ongoing training to stay updated on the latest technologies and best practices, playing a crucial role in the smooth and efficient production of solar energy.

As an Cal/OSHA VPP (Voluntary Protection Programs) Special Team member, I was responsible for evaluating and assessing workplace safety programs, collaborating with employers and employees, providing training and support, promoting best practices, recognizing exemplary safety efforts, conducting follow-ups, offering feedback to OSHA, and serving as a liaison within the industrial facilities, and the safety and health community. The key initiative was to enhance workplace safety and health management systems, and foster a culture of safety in facilities participating in the VPP program.

As a Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Control Room Operator (CRO), I played a critical role in the operation of the power plant. My key responsibilities: I continuously observed and monitored the performance of the CFB system, including boilers, turbines, and auxiliary equipment, through a centralized digital control system. Frequently made adjustments in control settings to ensure efficient combustion and optimal power output by regulating the flow of fuel, air, and other inputs.

I analyzed and interpreted operational data to identify trends, optimize efficiency, and ensure safe and compliant operation. Reacted promptly to alarms and abnormal conditions, diagnosing issues, and implementing corrective actions to maintain safe and reliable operations. Coordinated with I&C, electrical and mechanical maintenance teams and other operators to communicate operational status, issues, and necessary maintenance actions. Kept accurate logs of operations, incidents, and any changes made during shifts for compliance and operational reviews. Followed and enforced safety protocols to ensure a safe work environment and compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. Supported training for new operators and assisted in knowledge transfer regarding plant operations and emergency procedures.

Overall, I was essential for ensuring the plant operated safely, efficiently, and in accordance with regulations while maximizing profits.

As a Process Plant Operator and Utilities Plant Operator, my duties were to oversee and control operations within a manufacturing process plants and utility plants, utilizing equipment such as boilers, turbines, high-pressure steam dryers, condensate systems, heat exchangers, and various pressurized gas, fluid, and solid-state conveying systems.

Continuously monitoring plant operations through advanced control systems and observing crucial indicators such as temperature, pressure, flow rates, and material levels.

Adjusting operational parameters as necessary to maintain optimal performance and product quality. Operating and maintaining a diverse range of equipment, including batch mixers, centrifuge separators, pumps, compressors, screening plants, scrubbers, pulverizers, crushers, and ball mills.

Conducting regular inspections and tests to ensure that products meet established quality specifications, taking samples for laboratory analysis, and addressing any deviations from standards.

Accurately recording operational data and maintaining comprehensive logs of equipment performance, incidents, and production changes to facilitate compliance and operational reviews. Job duties required the use of analytical skills and interpret operational data to identify trends, optimize efficiency, and guarantee safe and compliant operations. React promptly to alarms and abnormal conditions, diagnosing issues and implementing corrective actions to maintain safe and reliable operations.

Coordinating with Instrumentation & Control (I&C), electrical, and mechanical maintenance teams, as well as other operators, to communicate operational statuses, address issues, and initiate necessary maintenance actions.

Strictly adhere to and enforce safety protocols, ensuring a safe working environment that complies with environmental and regulatory standards. And supporting the training of new operators, assisting in knowledge transfer regarding plant operations and emergency procedures.

As a general laborer at Searles Valley Minerals, my job duties varied from job to job. Some of the duties included confined space attendant, sand blasting, fiber glass coating, rail car maintenance, welder's helper, concrete, framing, drywall, painting, soil relocation, and grounds keeping.