
As the name suggests, ISO 14001 is released by the International Organization for Standardization. It is agreed upon by all the member nations, and hence it is globally recognized. The demand for ISO 14001 for Environmental Management System (EMS) is on a rise, particularly since the awareness towards the environment has taken the forefront in all discussions.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Understand thoroughly about ISO 14001
Before implementing EMS in your organization, you must make yourself aware of the requirements of ISO 14001. EMS comprises of methods to manage your products, services, public opinion, and employee safety.
Step 2: Analyse the gaps and review your management system
An initial environmental review helps you in understanding the progress of your processes and creating a roadmap for future. You will have to check for the effectiveness of your controls on previous environment-related issues.
Step 3: Create awareness through training
ISO 14001 certification involves stringent audits to check for your compliance. The auditors will question your staff regarding their preparedness for this management system. Hence, imparting training will not only make them aware about the standard’s requirements but also create a sense of belonging in the execution of the process.
Step 4: Maintain the required documents
An elaborate documentation is a major requirement of ISO 14001. Documentation includes filing EMS manual and procedures of the management system. Documentation helps in aligning your EMS according to ISO 14001 standard.
Here’s a short list of requirements:
- Scope Of EMS
- Environmental Policy
- Identification and Evaluation of Environmental Aspects
- Environmental Objectives
- Operational Control Procedures
- Procedure for Emergency Preparedness and Response
- List of Interested Parties
- Address risks and opportunities
- Competence records
- Evidence of Communication
- Monitoring Performance Information
- Compliance Evaluation Record
- Compliance Obligations Record
- Internal Audit Programme and Results
- Management Review Results
- Nonconformities and Corrective Action
Step 5: Re-design and implement your EMS
Documentation helps in standardizing the EMS of your organization. With the records of progress in place, you can aim for improvement.
Step 6: Perform an internal audit
Before the final audit, you must perform an internal audit to check for non-conformities. This will save the time and cost that may arise diring the final certification audit.
Step 7: Apply forcertification
The final step involves inviting a certification body to perform audit and certify on the basis of successful completion of the audit. For this, SIS Certifications is your trustable partner. Accredited by IAS-IAF and IOAS, we have the reputation for being the best.