Some managements have a desire to become registered to ISO14001, but feel that tackling this as a single project could be daunting. Usually this is because they feel they cannot commit the resources needed within a sensible timescale.
An alternative route is to use the model set out in BS8555:2003. This divides the development process into six stages. The sixth stage is the formal external assessment for ISO14001 and leads to registration.
However, each of the five preceding stages can, if you wish, be externally audited so that there is independent evidence of the progress being made in improving environmental management. This can give improved credibility with customers, for example, without having to wait for the full ISO14001 certificate.
The six stages are:
Stage 1 - Commitment and Establishing the Baseline
- Top management commits to the project.
- A 'baseline assessment' establishes where the organisation is in relation to environmental aspects, impacts, legislation and legislative compliance. It will help define the scope of the environmental management system and identify the key elements of environmental performance.
Stage 2 - Identify and Ensure Compliance with Legal and Other Requirements
- Identify relevant environmental legal requirements and any other requirements which the business must observe, e.g. codes of practice.
- Check that the business is complying with the requirements.
- Establish the controls needed to maintain ongoing compliance.
Stage 3 - Develop Objectives, Targets and Programmes
- Using the information from the Baseline Assessment (Stage 1) regarding environmental aspects and impacts, identify where environmental improvements can be made, set targets and implementation programmes.
- Where necessary, introduce operational control procedures.
- Update the Environmental Policy.
Stage 4 - Implementation and Operation
- Define management responsibilities.
- Training, competence, and awareness plans.
- Communication, both internally and externally.
- Documentation, e.g. Manual
- Emergency preparedness and testing.
- Develop Performance Indicators where possible.
Stage 5 - Checking, Audit and Review
- Select and train internal auditors.
- Create an audit programme to embrace the whole environmental management system.
- Carry out the audits
- Report back and correct any nonconformances.
- Set up formal Management Review meetings.
- Review the progress of the improvement programme.
Stage 6 - External Assessment
- Select an external Assessing Body.
- Check that all corrective actions which have arisen in the earlier stages have been dealt with.
- Formal assessment leading to registration to ISO14001.
If you think this phased approach is your choice, Penarth Management can help in a number of ways:
- We can sit alongside your own staff from beginning to end.
- We can carry out the Baseline Assessment.
- We can audit progress at the end of each stage before you move onto the next stage.
- We can train your internal auditors.
- We can carry out a final pre-Assessment audit and be with you on the day of the Assessment itself.
In other words, we can offer flexible support as and when you need it.
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