Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Traditional Cache

To find this cache you’ll need to hike the challenging hills of the Stanford Dish Trail (3.5 - 4 miles). The trails are paved, the views are amazing, and shade is scarce. I recommend bringing water, sunscreen, hat, camera, GPS and a pen. Strollers are allowed, but no dogs or bikes.

The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) recognizes employers and workers in private industry and federal agencies who have maintained injury and illness rates below national averages and have implemented effective safety and health management systems. In VPP, OSHA works cooperatively with site management and labor to prevent injuries, illness, and incidents. After applying, VPP sites undergo a rigorous period of evaluation by a team of safety and health professionals prior to acceptance into the program.

In May of 2002, NASA Ames Research Center was formally recognized with the Voluntary Protection Program flag and “Star” by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The prestigious “Star” level is the highest category of the Voluntary Protection Program. The award followed years of preparation by NASA and their contractors.

NASA Ames Research Center is clearly visible from several vantage points along the Stanford Dish Trail. The enormity of the National Full-Scale Aerodynamic Complex (NFAC), the world’s LARGEST wind tunnel is on display along with the nearby dirigible hangars of Moffett Field as they tower over all other manmade structures in the region.

Also visible from several points along the Stanford Dish Trail is the Cardinal Cogen facility located on the Stanford University campus. Cardinal Cogen uses clean Natural Gas power to support the electrical demands of the University, and also supplies the steam and chilled water required to operate the hundreds of buildings on campus. On most mornings you’ll see the mist of the Cardinal Cogen cooling towers rising over the campus.

Like Ames Research Center, Cardinal Cogen is Voluntary Protection Program “Star” site. Cardinal is a member of the California VPP, while Ames is a member of the Federal VPP program. As of this writing, approximately 80 companies/sites in California have achieved “Star” status, with Cardinal Cogen first achieving “Star” status in July of 2000. Cardinal Cogen had an impressive run of 13 years without an OSHA recordable injury between 1993 and 2006, and was recognized in 2004 as one of the “Top 3 VPP Sites in California.”

As you stand atop the Stanford Dish Trail today you may feel a sense of relief by having escaped the dangers of your industrial workplace. But for the workers of Ames Research Center and Cardinal Cogen, they’ll have that feeling whether they’re at work or whether they’re hiking the Stanford Dish Trail.

This is cache 3 of 6 in the "Beyond Safety" series of safety themed caches. Please post pictures of your caching experience that may be used in an upcoming safety presentation at Ames Research Center.

Beyond Safety - Cache 1 of 6 - Hearing Conservation
Beyond Safety - Cache 2 of 6 - Eye and Face Protection
Beyond Safety - Cache 3 of 6 - Voluntary Protection Program
Beyond Safety - Cache 4 of 6 - BZ Walking Club
Beyond Safety - Cache 5 of 6 - Earthquake Preparedness
Beyond Safety - Cache 6 of 6 - Slips, Trips, and Falls

Congratulations - You've found the entire "Beyond Safety" cache series!