Chapter
III
|
|
EMS
Development and Implementation
|
|
A.
Management Commitment
B.
Plan
C.
Do
D.
Check
E.
Act
F.
Keys
to Successful Implementation
III. EMS DEVELOPMENT AND
IMPLEMENTATION
Upon completion of
Initial EMS Planning, the next step for the EMS Working Team is to develop your
EMS based on the information collected and gaps identified in the baseline
assessment. A fundamental requirement is to develop a set of EMS documents
tailored for your company.
The Generic ISO
14001 EMS Templates in this support package are developed based on the ISO
14001:2004 standard, using a four-level EMS documentation structure as below:
Figure 4. The
Four-level EMS Documentation
Structure
- Environmental Manual (EM)
- Environmental Procedure (EP) (System Procedures)
- Environmental Instruction (EI) (Operational Instructions)
- Environmental Records
|
The
4-level EMS documentation structure is an international
practice in line with the implementation of ISO 9001 Quality
Management System (QMS) standards. EMS training materials
delivered by internationally recognized organisations such as
Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA)
and International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA)
also adopt this 4-level documentation structure.
The
full set of Generic ISO 14001 EMS Templates provided as part
of this package is listed in Table 4. Each template is
provided with a Document Number for reference.
After
developing your EMS documents according to the guidelines
provided in this support package, your company will need to
apply the system, implement the procedures and maintain
records to demonstrate compliance with the EMS requirements
that you have established. This chapter describes the steps
and keys for successful EMS operation and monitoring to ensure
its effectiveness. An implementation checklist is provided in
Appendix 3
as a tool to help you to monitor your EMS implementation status.
Table
4. List of Generic ISO 14001 EMS Templates
Level
|
Document
Number
|
Document
Title
|
Manual
Level
|
EM-01
|
Environmental
Management System Manual
(include
sample of organization chart and structure)
|
CP-01
|
Environmental
Policy
|
O&T-YYYY
|
Objectives,
targets and programmes
|
System
Procedure Level
|
EP-01
|
Identification
of Environmental Aspects and Significance Evaluation
|
EP-02
|
Review
of Legal and Other Requirements
|
EP-03
|
Training
|
EP-04
|
Control
of Documents
|
EP-05
|
Environmental
Emergency Preparedness and Response
|
EP-06
|
Environmental
Monitoring and Evaluation of Compliance
|
EP-07
|
Enquiry
/ Complaint / Nonconformity Handling
|
EP-08
|
Control
of Records
|
EP-09
|
Internal
Audit
|
EAR-01
|
Register
of Environmental Aspects
|
LR-01
|
Register
of Legal and Other Requirements
|
Operational
Level
|
EI-01
|
Environmental Office Practices
|
EI-02
|
Green
Procurement
|
EI-03
|
Environmental
Practices for Using Company's Car
|
EI-04
|
Environmental
Instructions on Waste Management
|
EI-05
|
Environmental
Instructions on Air Pollution Control
|
EI-06
|
Environmental
Instructions on Water Pollution Control
|
EI-07
|
Environmental
Instructions on Noise Control
|
EI-08
|
Environmental
Instructions on Resource Conservation
|
EI-09
|
Handling
and Storage of Chemicals
|
EI-XX
|
More
instructions will be developed after reviewing the
operations of the selected sectors as practical
examples, e.g. Environmental Best Practices for
Construction Sites
Environmental
Management Plan
Waste
Management Plan
|
Record
Level
|
EF-EP03-01
|
Training
Plan
|
EF-EP03-02
|
Training
Attendance Records
|
EF-EP07-03
|
Communication
Log
|
EF-EP04-01
|
Master
List of Documents / Forms / External Documents
|
EF-EP04-02
|
Document
Distribution Record Form
|
EF-EP05-01
|
Emergency
Drill Report
|
EF-EP05-02
|
Accident
Report
|
EF-EP06-01
|
Monitoring
Plan
|
EF-EP07-01
|
Corrective
Action Report, CAR
|
EF-EP07-02
|
CAR
Status Log
|
EF-EP08-01
|
Master
List of Environmental Records
|
EF-EP09-01
|
Audit
Plan
|
EF-EP09-02
|
Audit
Checklist
|
EF-EP09-03
|
Internal
Audit Report
|
EF-EI01-01
|
Office
Inspection Checklist
|
--
|
Sample
of Management Review Minutes
|
EF-XX
|
More forms
will be developed after reviewing the operations of the
selected sectors as practical examples, e.g. Inspection
checklist for construction site
|
Others*
|
IER-01
|
Initial Environmental Review Checklist
|
IER-02
|
Gap
Analysis Report
|
|
"Management Commitment" defines the framework for your
EMS through the "Environmental Policy" and the "EMS
Manual".
1. Environmental
Policy
(ISO
14001:2004 4.2
Environmental Policy)
Download (Template - CP-01
Environmental Policy) Download (Sample)
The
first requirement of ISO 14001 is the establishment of an
Environmental Policy (CP-01) which is mandated by your top
management and verified during a Management Review.
The
Environmental Policy (CP-01) :
• |
presents your top
management's declaration of its commitment to
environmental protection;
|
• |
provides the EMS
foundation and unified vision of your company's
environmental concerns;
|
• |
establishes your
framework for setting and reviewing environmental
objectives and targets;
|
• |
should be understood
by your staff and communicated externally,
especially to persons working for or on behalf of
your organization;
|
• |
should be signed and
dated by your top management.
|
|
Helpful Tips :
|
make it related to your products, services, and activities and impacts on the environment |
|
include a commitment to continual improvement, prevention of pollution and compliance with applicable legal requirements and with other requirements to which the organisation subscribes which relate to its environmental aspects
|
|
make it simple and understandable
|
|
if appropriate, make it integrated with your quality policy / safety policy.
|
|
Consider addressing the following issues, where practicable :
|
✔ |
sustainable development and/or product life cycle
|
✔ |
adoption of "green" practices and procedures into design phase
|
✔ |
Minimise of pollution, waste, and resource consumption;
|
✔ |
Commitment to recovery, recycling and reuse.
|
✔ |
Sharing of environmental knowledge with others
|
✔ |
Encourage "green" practices in suppliers / contractors
|
|
|
2. EMS Manual
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
Your EMS manual (EM-01) shall explain how
your company's EMS is organised with reference to the
requirements of the ISO 14001, which :
• |
Describes the core elements of your EMS (and how these elements relate to each other); and
|
• |
Provides cross-reference to related documents.
|
Your
manual shall include a statement to address each element in
ISO 14001. These statements explain how your company conforms
to the particular element, and usually paraphrase the
requirements of the ISO 14001 Standard. It is important to
accurately describe the unique characteristics of your company
and how your EMS operates. If you have a safety or quality
management system, you may wish to integrate these with your
EMS Manual.
The
descriptions below follow the contents of the EMS Manual,
providing guidance on how to modify the Generic ISO 14001 EMS
Template manual into your company's EMS manual. More details
of each EMS Manual section are discussed later in this guide
according to the relevant ISO 14001 Standard clauses.
0.0
|
Terms
and Definitions
|
|
• |
Terms and definitions included in the Generic ISO 14001 EMS Templates are based on ISO 14001:2004 definitions.
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
These can be modified according to your company's background and culture.
|
|
For instance, the definition of Environmental Instruction (EI) is not listed in the Generic ISO 14001 EMS Templates, but the company may define their EI as "Documenting instructions for staff to follow in their daily operational activities so that significant environmental aspects will be controlled".
|
|
1.0
|
General
|
|
1.1
Company Profile
• |
Provides background information of your company. Describe the nature and products / services of your business.
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Insert your company information to this section.
|
|
For example, if you choose to include your quality or safety management system.
|
|
1.2
Purpose of this Manual
• |
This section can be modified if the function of the manual is more or less than the Generic ISO 14001 EMS Template.
|
|
|
1.3
Scope of EMS
• |
Clearly defines the coverage of your EMS and the standard (e.g. ISO14001:2004 ) to which your company subscribes. It may include specific function(s) and/or location(s). The scope of EMS shall be documented.
|
|
|
2.0
|
Policy
|
|
• |
Include your Environmental Policy here, briefly describing your company profile, EMS scope, and signed by top management and dated.
|
|
|
3.0
|
Organisation
|
|
• |
Detailed description refers to Section C1 of Chapter III.
|
|
|
4.0
|
EMS
Requirements
|
|
• |
Detailed description on each requirement under ISO 14001 Standard is presented in Sections B, C and D of Chapter III.
|
|
|
Appendix A
|
|
• |
This table presents Cross References of the ISO 14001 Requirements with your EMS Manual and Environmental Procedures (EP).
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Change the EP Ref. No according to your company's own numbering system.
|
|
Appendix B
|
|
• |
This table presents the list of your documents that are controlled by your EMS.
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Change the list according to your company's document numbering and titles
|
|
|
|
"Planning"
helps you to establish the objectives and processes that are
essential for delivering results in accordance with your
environmental policy.
1. Environmental Aspect Identification
(ISO 14001:2004
4.3.1 Environmental Aspects)
Identifying
and evaluating your environmental aspects (EAs) is fundamental
to designing your EMS to control and minimise the
environmental impacts arising from your activities, products
and services. Related documents include:
a) |
Section 4.3.1 of EMS Manual (EM-01) |
b) |
Environmental Procedure for Identification of
Environmental Aspects and Significance Evaluation
(EP-01) |
c) |
Register of Environmental Aspects (EAR-01) |
|
|
a) Environmental Aspect Identification in EMS Manual
(EM-01 Section 4.3.1)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This
part of your EMS manual :
• |
Describes how you identify and evaluate the environmental aspects derived from your activities, products and services.
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
You can modify the approach to identifying and evaluating your environmental aspects. However, make sure that your approach is systematic and comprehensive.
|
|
|
b) Procedure for Environmental Aspect
Identification (EP-01)
Download
(Template -
EP-01 Identification of Environmental Aspects and Significance Evaluation)
Download
(Sample)
This
environmental procedure helps you to identify and assess the
environmental aspects (EAs) that your company can
control, and those that it can influence
taking into
account planned or new developments, or new or modified
activities, products and services.
Step
1 : Identify your environmental aspects
1) |
Use procedure EP-01 to define the responsibility and method of identifying your EAs, and evaluating which EAs are significant environmental aspects (SEAs).
|
2) |
Map your company's activities and processes
|
• |
Production processes, work flow
|
• |
Office operations
|
• |
Building facilities maintenance
|
3) |
For example, inputs and outputs are :
|
-
Inputs
- Paper
- Energy
- Toner
- More …
- Copying
- Outputs
- Printed Documents
- Waste Paper
- Used Toner Cartridges
- Odours
- More…
|
4) |
Identify the environmental aspects of your activities, products and services that can be controlled and influenced within the scope of the EMS including planned or new developments, or new or modified activities, products and services.
|
Following
previous example, the EAs are :
-
- Use of paper
- Use of energy
- Use of toner
- More …
- Copying
-
- Use of resources (paper, energy, toner)
- Solid waste (waste paper & packaging, used toner cartridges)
- Odour emissions
- More…
|
|
5)
Identify related environmental impacts
•
Link
between aspects and impacts is similar to "cause
and effect".
Following
previous example, the environmental impacts are :
-
- Use of resources (paper, energy, toner)
- Solid waste (waste paper & packaging, used toner cartridges)
- Odour emissions
- More…
- Copying
-
- Depletion of natural resource
- Occupy landfill space (waste paper)
- Indoor Air Quality
- More…
|
|
Helpful Tips
:
|
The following are typical EAs to be considered :
|
✔ |
Solid and hazardous wastes
|
✔ |
Raw material and resource use (water, energy, etc.)
|
✔ |
Local issues (e.g. noise, odour, dust, traffic, etc.)
|
✔ |
Hazardous material storage and handling Hazardous material storage and handling
|
|
Remember to look at services as well as products, on-site and off-site operations, activities that you may control and have influence.
|
|
EAs can be positive (e.g. waste recycling) or negative (e.g. toxic waste generated)
|
|
EAs may result from your past activities and emergency situations.
|
|
EAs should be identified comprehensively and reviewed regularly to ensure that they are still appropriate (e.g. planned or new developments, or new or modified activities, products and services
|
|
|
|
Table 5. Environmental Aspects : Things to
Consider
Requirements
|
Technical
|
Environmental
|
Level
|
• |
Legislation
|
• |
Permits
|
• |
Customers
|
• |
Complaints
|
|
• |
Process |
• |
Storage
|
• |
Transfer
|
• |
Transport
|
• |
Utilities
|
• |
Product
|
|
• |
Air
|
• |
Water
|
• |
Waste and by-products
|
• |
Noise and vibration
|
• |
Land and groundwater contamination
|
• |
Use of raw materials and natural resources
|
• |
Energy consumption
|
• |
Energy emitted, e.g. heat, radiation, vibration
|
• |
Nuisance
|
• |
Physical attributes, e.g. size, shape, colour, appearance
|
• |
External safety
|
• |
Product
|
• |
Potential fire
|
|
• |
Site / plant
|
• |
Department
|
• |
Installation / equipment
|
• |
Subcontractor / supplier
|
|
Step
2 : Evaluate the significance of your environmental
aspects
1) |
Define the evaluation method that you will use to determine significance. There are various evaluation methods including criteria based filtering, environmental risk assessment, etc.
|
2) |
The Generic ISO 14001 EMS Template in the EP-01 uses a criteria-based filtering method which is commonly adopted by local companies, and widely accepted by certification bodies. An example is shown in Figure 5 below.
|
3) |
Define the criteria that you will use to determine significance. Typical criteria include legal or customer requirements, environmental consequences, and material usage. Table 6 and Figure 5 show further examples.
|
ISO
14001 does not specify the evaluation method and
criteria for determining significant environmental
aspects. It is up to the companies to decide their own
methods.
|
Helpful Tips
:
|
Other types of evaluation methods are provided in the Practical Examples of ISO 14001 EMS (e.g. environmental risk assessment in Case 3)
|
|
The Generic ISO 14001 EMS Template procedure EP-01 is self-explanatory with the evaluation method defined. You may choose to design your own methodology (e.g. scoring method, example is risk assessment method, R=P x S
|
R=risk,
P=probability S=severity
|
|
|
Table 6. Criteria and Scores for Evaluation of
Environmental Aspect
Significance
Evaluation
criteria
|
Conditions
|
Score
|
Legal
requirement
|
The
aspect is legally and contract regulated.
|
1
|
The
aspect is not legally regulated.
|
0
|
Environmental
consequence
|
Expected
release of pollutants of severe environmental
consequence
|
1
|
Unexpected
situation such as emergency may cause uncontrolled
released of pollutants, or serious damage to flora,
fauna or historical heritage.
|
1
|
The
aspect does not have potential environmental impacts of
severe consequence.
|
0
|
Use
of materials
|
|
1
|
Consumption
of materials that are hazardous in nature and can be
replaced by more environmentally benign alternatives.
|
1
|
Consumption
of materials that originate from environmentally
sensitive sources.
|
1
|
Consumption
of materials that have little or no potential for
reduce, reuse, recycling, replacement, and are not from
environmentally sensitive sources.
|
0
|
Corporate
concerns
|
The
Company has received valid, justifiable complaints for
similar situations previously.
|
1
|
The
aspect concerns suppliers or contractors' activities
and can potentially be influenced by the Company.
|
1
|
The
aspect is about selection of suppliers or contractors
|
1
|
The
aspect is a corporate concern that can be reflected from
the environmental policy
|
1
|
None
of above
|
0
|
Note : 1
= Yes, 0 = No
Figure
5. Workflow of Environmental Aspect Identification and
Evaluation
|
|
Aspect
No↓
Legal Requirement?
No↓
Environmental Consequence?
No↓
Use of Materials?
No↓
Corporate Concern?
No↓
Not Significant
Significant Environmental Aspect (SEA)
Step
3 : Documentation
1) |
Compile the EAs that you have identified and their significance evaluation in your Register of Environmental Aspects (EAR-01).
|
|
c) Register of Environmental Aspects
(EAR-01)
Download
(Template - EAR-01 Register of Environmental Aspects)
Download (Sample)
The Register of
Environmental Aspects compiles the environmental aspects
derived from your activities, products and services. The
register also denotes the significance of your environmental
aspects and your respective operational controls for
significant aspects.
How
to use Generic
ISO 14001 EMS Template EAR-01?
• |
Each excel sheet represents a common business activity in your company, these may include: office, facility maintenance, each production process, warehouse, etc.
|
• |
Define a reference number for each EA identified for easy reference.
|
• |
Numbering format can be OF-01 for office, CA-01 for car-using activities, etc.
|
3) |
Column B : Environmental Aspects
|
• |
List the EAs identified for each activity (e.g. use of chemicals).
|
4) |
Column C-I : Potential environmental impacts
|
• |
Place "x" to mark the environmental impacts that may be generated from such aspect (e.g. air, water, etc).
|
5) |
Column J-M : Evaluation of Significance
|
• |
Based on the criteria and evaluation method defined in EP-01, mark either "1" or "0" as a score for significance.
|
• |
Place "Y" if the environmental aspect is evaluated to be a Significant Environmental Aspect (SEA); otherwise place "N".
|
7) |
Column O : Operational Control / O&T reference
|
• |
You will need to have an operational control for all of your SEAs. You can implement your operational controls either through environmental procedures / instructions (EP / EI) or setting environmental objectives and targets (O&T).
|
8) |
Reviewed and Approved signatures
|
• |
To be signed by responsible personnel (e.g. Top Management, Environmental Management Representative (EMR), etc.) based on what you have defined in the roles and responsibility (refer to Section C1) and control of documents (refer to Section C5).
|
ISO
14001 does not specify the format of Registers of
Environmental Aspects, the companies can decide their
own format to present information.
|
Helpful Tips
:
|
For some cumulative environmental aspects such as use of electricity, water consumption, etc. which can be controlled by single operational measure, they can be singled out in a separate excel table for easier reference. For instance, "Use of electricity" is a cumulative EA and its impact shall be controlled by "EI-08 Resource Conservation" which includes some best practices for energy saving.
|
|
Company may maintain a single register for all activities of the corporation; or maintain separate registers for corporate level / site level /, department level / project level, etc.
|
|
Additional column is found in Practical Examples of ISO 14001 EMS in this package for easy cross reference of legally regulated EAs with the relevant legislation in LR-01.
|
|
|
|
2. Legal
and Other Requirements
(ISO
14001:2004 4.3.2 Legal and Other Requirements)
Identifying
and complying with applicable legal requirements and other
requirements to which the organization subscribes related to
its environmental aspects is a key to the success of your EMS.
This includes all relevant regulations (local and
international, particularly if you deal with overseas clients)
and other self-imposed requirements (e.g. codes of practice,
client requirements, etc.). Related documents include:
a) |
Section 4.3.2 of EMS Manual (EM-01)
|
b) |
Environmental Procedure for Legal and Other Requirements (EP-02)
|
c) |
Register of Legal and Other Requirements (LR-01)
|
a)
Legal and Other Requirements in EMS Manual (EM-01
Section 4.3.2)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This
section of your EMS manual:
• |
Describes how you identify and update your relevant legal and other requirements.
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
You can modify the approach for identifying your legal and other requirements. However, make sure that your approach is systematic and comprehensive.
|
|
|
|
b)
Procedure for Legal and Other Requirements (EP-02)
Download (Template - EP-02 Review of Legal and Other
Requirements) Download (Sample)
This
environmental procedure is established, implemented and
maintained by your company to identify, have access to
and understand all legal and other requirements relevant
to the environmental aspects of your activities. Legal
and other requirements include but are not limited to :
1) |
Legal requirements - Ordinances, Regulations
|
2) |
Other requirements - voluntary principles or codes of practice, non-regulatory guidelines, technical circulars, company-specific codes, contract requirements, etc.
|
|
Step
1 : Identify requirements
• |
Generic
ISO 14001 EMS Template LR-01 presents a general
framework for your reference to develop the register
of legal and other requirements tailored for your
business nature and operations.
|
• |
The
procedure describes how your company identifies the
requirements of these regulations and their
applicability.
|
• |
The
procedure describes how you plan to comply with
relevant requirements and maintain records as
requested.
|
Step
2 : Access and communicate
• |
The
procedure describes how you seek how you can access
those requirements (e.g. through internet or
purchase of relevant documents)
|
• |
The
procedure describes how you communicate these
requirements to employees, on-site contractors and
others, as needed.
|
Step
3 : Review and update
• |
The
procedure describes how you will regularly review
and update any changes of legal and other
requirements.
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Environmental Regulations in Hong Kong - Websites of Environmental Protection Department www.epd.gov.hk and Bilingual Laws Information System of HKSAR Government www.legislation.gov.hk provides updated statutory environmental information in Hong Kong for public access.
|
|
Other relevant business / contract requirements will also need to be identified.
|
|
|
c)
Register of Legal and Other Requirements (LR-01)
Download (Template - LR-01 Register of Legal and
Other Requirements)
Download (Sample)
This
register compiles the legal and other requirements
(legislation, codes of practice, regulatory and
non-regulatory guidelines, contract requirements, etc.)
that are applicable to your
company.
|
How
to use Generic
ISO 14001 EMS Template LR-01?
• |
Review
each regulation in Practical Examples of ISO 14001
EMS to determine its applicability to your company.
|
• |
Determine
if the regulation is applied to your company
directly, and/or to the responsibility of your
contractors / suppliers.
|
• |
Define
the area of applicability of specific regulations.
For example, Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle
Fuel) Regulation is applied to vehicles owned by
your company or contractors.
|
• |
Review
the documents listed under "Licenses / Compliance
Records Required" which demonstrates your legal
compliance status to particular regulation, or
conformity to other requirements to which the
organization subscribes related to its environmental
aspects, and ensure that this list is updated
accordingly.
|
• |
Refer
to Practical Examples of
ISO 14001 EMSfor easy reference.
|
|
Helpful
Tips:
|
Define clear responsibility to maintain and provide regular update for your Register of Legal and Other Requirements.
|
|
Additional column is found in Practical Examples of ISO 14001 EMS in this package for easy cross-reference of environmental legislation with the relevant Environmental Aspects in EAR-01.
|
|
|
|
3.
Objectives, Targets and Programme(s)
(ISO 14001:2004
4.3.3 Objectives, Targets and Programme(s))
Objectives, targets
and programmes (O&T) are one way in which your EMS can
control your significant environmental aspects and impacts.
(The other is through operation controls, described in Section
C6.) Related documents include:
a)
Section 4.3.3 of EMS Manual (EM-01)
b)
Objectives, Targets and Programmes (O&T-YYYY)
To
comply with ISO 14001 you need to :
• |
Describe the responsibility and mechanism to establish, review and monitor the environmental objectives, which are ways to demonstrate continual improvement.
|
• |
Also describe the responsibility and mechanism to establish programme to achieve objectives.
|
• |
Objectives and targets are required to be measurable where practicable
|
• |
Objectives and targets must be consistent with the commitment to compliance with legal and other requirements and continual improvement
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
It can be modified based on company's preference.
|
|
Use O&T when it is possible to improve performance;
|
|
Use Operational Controls (EIs) when it is not possible to improve at this time, but the aspect still needs to be managed.
|
|
You can modify the approach to identifying your objectives, targets and programmes. However, make sure that your approach is systematic and comprehensive.
|
|
|
a)
Objectives, Targets and Programmes in EMS Manual (EM-01 Section
4.3.3 and O&T-YYYY)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
Download (Template - O&T-YYYY Objectives,
Targets and Programmes) Download (Sample)
This section of your EMS manual describes
how you establish and review your objectives, targets and
programmes.
Objective is an overall environmental goal, consistent with the
environmental policy, that an organization sets itself
to achieve.
Target
is a detailed performance requirement, applicable
to the organization or parts thereof, that arises from
the environmental objectives, and that needs to be set
and met in order to achieve those objectives.
Programme should be linked directly to your environmental objectives and
targets (O&Ts) and describe how your company will
translate its goals and policy commitments into concrete
actions so that environmental O&Ts are achieved.
The
method to develop and track O&Ts and their Programme
is briefly described in EM-01 Section 4.3.3. It can be
modified according to your company's needs.
Use
the Generic ISO 14001 EMS Template O&T-YYYY, to
establish your O&Ts and Programme for year YYYY.
|
How
to develop and maintain your O&T?
1) |
Your O&Ts should be developed by the people in the functional area involved, since they will be best positioned to establish, plan for, and achieve these goals.
|
2) |
Areas to consider in developing O&T
|
• |
SEAs identified in processes and activities (e.g. reduce waste, prevent pollution, conserve resources, product design),
|
• |
regulatory requirements,
|
• |
communications with interested parties (neighbours, staff, community group, same business sectors, contractors / suppliers)
|
3) |
Communicate O&Ts and their progress across your company.
|
|
Helpful
Tips:
|
Objective should be specific, and targets should be measurable, where practicable.
|
|
Be flexible in your objectives, and keep them simple. Allow the responsible staff to determine how to achieve the O&T.
|
|
Factors to consider while developing O&T :
|
✔ |
Reasonable, realistic
|
✔ |
Technologically feasible
|
✔ |
Consistent with company's policy
|
✔ |
Affordable
|
|
Operational staff can be the best candidates to propose O&Ts as they will be eventually responsible for performance.
|
|
How
to develop and maintain your Programme?
1)
Define :
• |
Responsibilities
for achieving goals
|
• |
Means for achieving goals
|
• |
Time
frame for achieving those goals
|
2)
Modify your program if :
• |
O&Ts are modified or added;
|
• |
Relevant legal requirements are introduced or changed;
|
• |
Major progress in achieving your O&T has been made (or has not been made); or
|
• |
Your products, services processes, or facilities change or other issues arise.
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Build on plans and programs that are existing for other management systems.
|
|
Keep it simple and focus on continual improvement of the program over time.
|
|
Communicate expectations of the EMS and O&T together with the responsibilities to those individuals who can affect environmental aspects.
|
|
Cost savings can be achieved through the coordination between Programme and other managements programmes
|
|
How
to use Generic
ISO 14001 EMS Template O&T-YYYY?
• |
Assign a number for each Objective for easy reference.
|
2) |
Relevance to Environmental Policy
|
• |
Indicate how the specific Objective is linked to your company's Environmental policy
|
• |
A simple description on your objective.
|
• |
A brief explanation on the measurable target(s).
|
• |
A concise action plan on how to achieve each Target.
|
• |
The responsible personnel for achieving each target.
|
• |
The time frame for achieving each target.
|
• |
To report the progress in achieving individual targets.
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Refer to the Practical Examples of ISO 14001 EMS to develop your own O&Ts
|
|
It is not a "must" to develop your O&T with direct association with your policy, but a reference to demonstrate the connection between your O&T in line with your policy
|
|
More than one target can be involved to achieve an Objective.
|
|
Develop your SMART O&T:
|
✔ |
S - Specific
|
✔ |
M - Measurable
|
✔ |
A - Achievable
|
✔ |
R - Realistic
|
✔ |
T - Time-bound
|
|
|
The goal
of "Do" is implementing the processes identified during "Plan"
phase.
1.
Resources, Roles, Responsibility and Authority
(ISO 14001:2004
4.4.1 Resources, Roles, Responsibility and Authority)
Management
shall ensure the availability of resources essential to
establish, maintain and improve the EMS. Resources include
human resources and specialized skills, organizational
infrastructure, technology and financial resources. All staff
in your company should clearly understand their environmental
roles and responsibilities, as well as understand the
importance of the environmental objectives and targets that
they can affect. Related documents include:
a) |
Section 3.1, 3.2, and 4.4.1 of EMS Manual (EM-01)
|
|
To comply with ISO 14001 you need to :
|
• |
Ensure the availability of enough resources for the implementation of EMS
|
• |
Define and communicate EMS job responsibilities and authorities.
|
• |
Nominate an Environmental Management Representative (EMR) and deputy for your company.
|
• |
Refer to Generic ISO 14001 EMS Template EM-01 Section 3 for more detailed requirements.
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Be flexible in your organisation structure.
|
|
Communicate to people what their roles are.
|
|
|
a) Organisation Chart in EMS Manual (EM-01 Section 3.1)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This
part of your EMS Manual :
• |
Presents your Company Organisational Chart which clearly define the EMS organisation structure.
|
• |
Identifies major staff and their role in EMS development and implementation.
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Insert your company information into this section.
|
|
The structure shall be as flexible as possible, while ensuring that it is comprehensive.
|
|
b) Responsibility in EMS
Manual (EM-01 Section 3.2)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This
part of your EMS Manual :
• |
Defines the duty and responsibility of each responsible personnel under EMS.
|
• |
Defines which position is your Top Management (e.g. Chief Executive Director), EMR (e.g. Environmental Manager), DEMR (e.g. Administration Manager), and member of your EMS Committee (e.g. all departmental managers, safety officer).
|
• |
Defines the members involved in management review and the period of the management review.
|
Job
descriptions provided in the Generic
ISO 14001 EMS Templates can be changed according
to your preference.
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Responsibilities may combine both environmental functions and others, such as quality, safety functions.
|
|
c)
Resources, Roles, Responsibility and Authority in EMS Manual
(EM-01 Section 4.4.1)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This
part of your EMS Manual describes how your company
determine the resources
(e.g. finance, staff), organisational roles, and
personnel responsibility for your EMS. It is very
important to clearly define as they relate to the
achievement of environmental objectives and targets, and
the overall operation of the EMS.
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Communicate the EMR's roles and responsibilities to all staff.
|
|
|
|
2.
Competence, Training and Awareness
(ISO 14001:2004
4.4.2 Competence, Training and Awareness)
The ultimate goal of
training is to explain the importance of the EMS to staff and
persons working on behalf of the organization and to explain
their responsibilities for EMS operations. The organisation will need to ensure that all people performing tasks for
or on behalf of the organisation, which includes contractors,
sub-contractors, temporary staff and remote workers, have had
an appropriate assessment for their potential to cause a
significant environmental impact and the associated competence
required. Related documents include:
a)
Section 4.4.2 of EMS Manual (EM-01)
b)
Environmental Procedure for Training (EP-03)
a)
Competence, Training and Awareness in EMS Manual (EM-01 Section
4.4.2)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This
part of your EMS Manual describes how you identify the
training needs of your staff and persons working on
behalf of the organization (e.g. contractors) , and plan
and evaluate training effectiveness
regarding EMS and related matters.
|
Helpful Tips:
|
It can be modified based on company's preference.
|
|
You can modify the approach to identify your training. However, make sure that your approach is systematic and comprehensive.
|
|
b)
Procedure for Training (EP-03)
Download (Template - EP-03
Training) Download (Sample)
Every
staff and function in your company has a role to play in
your EMS. Every person working for or on behalf of your
company can has potential impacts on the environment and
can also suggest ideas to improve the environmental
performance of your company. Therefore, competency for
key roles should be established and appropriate training
provided to ensure the performance of your EMS.
Competence is also based on a combination of education,
training, and experience; and the associated record
shall be retained.
The
training provided to each person in your company should
include the following :
1) |
Environmental policy,
|
2) |
Significant environmental aspects and impacts of their work activities,
|
3) |
Key EMS roles and responsibilities,
|
4) |
Procedures that are applicable to their work, and
|
5) |
The importance of conformity with EMS requirements.
|
|
Helpful Tips:
✔ |
New or changed environmental regulations
|
✔ |
New or changed EMS aspects / O&T / procedures / process
|
✔ |
Corrective action records the failure to follow instructions
|
✔ |
New employee hire
|
✔ |
Unacceptable performance
|
|
Establish competency for various key tasks clearly.
|
|
Step
1 : Identify training needs and requirements
• |
Review
your existing training programmes. Other training
(e.g. safety) may also satisfy the EMS requirements. |
• |
Consider
both general
and specific
needs |
• |
Develop
an EMS training package for new employee orientation |
• |
Review
the qualifications and training needs of your
trainers (both internal and external).
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Don't forget to consider the training needs for temporary or contract staff, contractors and/or suppliers.
|
|
Develop other "job-aids" (e.g. posted guidelines on site) as a supplement for establishing competency.
|
|
If your company has an ISO 9001 Quality Management System in place, this part of EMS can be integrated using the same procedure with additional EMS features.
|
|
|
|
Step
2 : Training
• |
Identify
training needs and prepare training plan according
to the training procedure (EP-03). |
• |
Develop
your EMS training materials. |
• |
Train
your EMS core team members on EMS requirements. |
• |
Conduct
EMS awareness training with all staff to ensure them
to be aware of environmental policy, objectives,
relevant significant environmental aspects, EMS
responsibilities and emergency procedures, etc. as
appropriate. |
• |
Conduct
EMS job specific training to ensure relevant staff
understand the identification and control of
significant environmental aspects (SEAs) (EP-01).
|
|
Helpful Tips :
keeping records
Refer
to the Generic ISO 14001 EMS Templates
and Practical Examples of ISO 14001 EMS for the
followings :
|
Training plan
|
|
Training attendance records
|
|
|
|
3.
Communication
(ISO 14001:2004
4.4.3 Communication) Effective
communication is vital for a company to motivate staff, tell
them what actions they should be taking for the sake of
environment, confirm their roles and procedures, monitor
environmental performance, and as a channel for identifying
any potential for improvement. Related documents include:
a) |
Section 4.4.3 of EMS Manual (EM-01)
|
b) |
Environmental Procedure for Enquiry / Complaint / Nonconformity Handling (EP-07)
|
a)
Communication in EMS Manual (EM-01 Section 4.4.3)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This section of your EMS Manual :
|
• |
Describes the communication channels for environmental issues in your company.
|
• |
Highlights how effective two-way internal and external communication promotes environmental awareness.
|
• |
Sets out your handling procedures for any enquiry or complaints (internal or external) which are related to the environmental procedure EP-07 Enquiry / Complaint / Nonconformity Handling.
|
• |
If your company decides to communicate externally about yours significant aspects, it shall establish a method(s) for this external communication.
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Identify your key audiences (for internal and external) and develop a communication mechanism(s) with individual groups of audiences.
|
|
Make use of existing communication channel such as : Internal methods (newsletters, intranet, staff meetings, daily briefing sessions, notice boards, training, etc..), external methods (website / e-newsletter, annual reports, progress meetings, informal discussions, etc..)
|
|
|
|
How
to initiate the communication?
• |
Hold
EMS committee meetings with core team members to
communicate EMS organisation and individual
responsibilities, and establish EMS implementation
plan.
|
• |
Define
the Effective Date for the EMS implementation
and announce the kick-off of the EMS.
|
• |
Distribute
the EMS documents to relevant staff (refer to
Control of Documents EP-04). |
|
Helpful Tips :
keeping records
✔ |
Organisation chart and documented responsibilities, EMS committee member list, meeting minutes
|
✔ |
Memo / minutes to announce the EMS effective date
|
✔ |
Document distribution records, etc.
|
|
|
|
4.
Documentation
(ISO 14001:2004
4.4.4 Documentation)
The Generic ISO 14001 EMS Templates in this
support package are developed based on the ISO 14001:2004
standard. The four-level EMS documentation structure consists
of :
1) |
Environmental Manual : includes EMS Manual, Policy, Objectives, Targets and Programmes.
|
2) |
Environmental Procedures : 9 procedures complying with ISO 14001:2004 Standard, including associated Registers for Environmental Aspects and Legal and Other Requirements.
|
3) |
Environmental Instructions : operational procedures or environmental instructions describing how activities are performed to manage your significant environmental aspects.
|
4) |
Environmental Records : standard forms, checklists and reports for recording environmental performance to demonstrate compliance with EMS requirements.
|
|
Related document include:
|
a) |
Section 4.4.4 of EMS Manual (EM-01)
|
a) Documentation in EMS Manual
(EM-01 Section 4.4.4)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This
section of your EMS manual describes the EMS
documentation structure and how the pieces fit together.
|
Helpful Tips:
|
The documentation structure may refer to your existing quality / safety management system if in place.
|
|
|
5.
Control of Documents
(ISO 14001:2004 4.4.5 Control of Documents)
ISO 14001 requires
that you provide a clearly defined source of documents for
employees who should be aware of and understand all relevant
environmental significant procedures and practices. Related
documents include:
a)
Section 4.4.5 of EMS Manual (EM-01)
b)
Environmental Procedure for Control of Documents
(EP-04)
a) Control of Documents in EMS Manual (EM-01 Section 4.4.5)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This
section of your EMS manual :
• |
Describes the requirements on control mechanism on your EMS documents to ensure that everyone works with the right tools.
|
• |
Links to procedure EP-04 Control of Documents.
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Your control of documents may integrate or make reference to your existing quality management system if applicable.
|
|
b) Procedure for Control
of Documents (EP-04)
Download (Template
- EP-04 Control of Documents) Download (Sample)
This
procedure ensures that each person in your company is
working with the proper EMS documents. The procedure
presents how your company :
|
• |
Reviews existing document control system, modify it to adopt EMS elements for easier development.
|
• |
Numbers EMS documents, and assigns the designated personnel for approval and review (specific documents should be revised accordingly under your company's culture).
|
• |
Highlights changes on any revised documents for easier understanding of other readers.
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Suggested elements of document control:
|
✔ |
Issue / revision / effective date
|
✔ |
Approval (i.e. signature)
|
✔ |
Revision number
|
✔ |
Document number
|
✔ |
Copy number
|
✔ |
Cross-references
|
|
Limited distribution of documents can make job easier.
|
|
Maintain EMS documents electronically for ease of updating and controlling, if feasible.
|
|
If your company has an ISO 9001 Quality Management System in place, this part of your EMS can be integrated using the same procedure with additional EMS features.
|
|
|
6.
Operational Control
(ISO 14001:2004
4.4.6 Operational Control)
Operational
Controls are one of the means through which your EMS can
control your significant environmental aspects (SEAs). (The
other way is by setting O&Ts and Programmes, as described
in Section B3). Related documents include:
a)
Section 4.4.6 of EMS Manual (EM-01)
b)
Environmental Instructions for various operational
control (EI-xx)
a) Operational Control
in EMS Manual (EM-01 Section 4.4.6)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This
section of your EMS Manual describes how your EMS :
• |
Builds environmental performance into your operations and activities.
|
• |
Manages your company's Significant Environmental Aspects (SEAs), ensures legal compliance and conformity to other relevant environmental requirements, and achieves environmental objectives.
|
• |
Links to Environmental Instructions (EI-XX) for controlling your SEAs.
|
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Develop controls based on your existing procedures / instructions.
|
|
Consider proper controls on your suppliers / contractors and their effects on your environmental performance.
|
|
b)
Operational Control - Environmental Instructions (EI-xx)
Download (Template - Environmental Instructions)
Download (Sample)
Your
EMS will consist of several different procedures which
can help your company to manage its SEAs, ensure
regulatory compliance and achieve environmental
objectives. Determining which operations should be
covered by documented procedures and how those
operations should be controlled is a key step in
developing an effective EMS.
In
determining which operations / activities need to be
controlled, look beyond routine production or service.
Activities such as equipment maintenance, management of
on-site contractors, and services provided by suppliers
or vendors could also affect the environmental
performance of your company.
|
How
to develop your EI?
• |
Step
1 : identify
operations and other activities that are related to
SEAs and/or legal requirements
|
• |
Step
2 : define the
controls implemented at certain processes of each
operation / activity.
|
• |
Step
3 : draft the
instructions and review them with the people who are
responsible for their implementation to ensure these
instructions are appropriate, realistic and
practical.
|
The
following Generic
ISO 14001 EMS Template
documents are included in this package to provide some
direction on developing your EI. For more details on
individual EIs, you may refer to the practical samples :
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Activities that might require operational controls :
|
✔ |
Management / disposal of wastes
|
✔ |
Approval of new chemicals
|
✔ |
Storage & handling of raw materials and chemicals
|
✔ |
Equipment servicing
|
✔ |
Wastewater treatment
|
✔ |
Operation of plant / equipment
|
✔ |
Management of contractors
|
|
Understand existing processes and build on informal procedures with a flow chart.
|
|
Focus on steps needed for consistent implementation
|
|
Review draft procedures with employees that will have to implement them.
|
|
Keep procedures simple and concise.
|
|
Ensure employees are trained on these procedures.
|
|
|
|
How
to Implement your EPs, EIs, O&Ts?
• |
Implement
your EMS procedures (EPs), instructions (EIs) and
programmes (O&T-XXXX) to control SEAs, for
example :
|
▪ |
green office practices
|
▪ |
green purchasing
|
▪ |
waste handling, storage and disposal
|
▪ |
air, noise, water pollution control
|
▪ |
chemical handling and storage
|
▪ |
material conservation and good housekeeping
|
▪ |
energy saving program
|
•
|
Implement
emergency procedures, conduct drills and maintain
preventive measures, etc., using
EP-05
Environmental Emergency Preparedness and Response.
|
• |
Communicate
with suppliers, contractors and interested parties
related to your environmental policy and relevant
EMS requirements as necessary, and assess their
environmental performance (e.g. through
questionnaire surveys or site visits).
|
|
Helpful Tips :
keeping records
|
Records arising from operational control procedures, e.g.
|
✔ |
waste disposal / recycling records,
|
✔ |
wastewater treatment plant operation records,
|
✔ |
purchasing records,
|
✔ |
inspection records, etc.
|
|
Records arsing from emergency procedures, e.g.
|
✔ |
fire drill records,
|
✔ |
fire facilities inspection
|
✔ |
accident reports, etc.
|
|
Communication records, guidance notes for supplier control, etc.
|
(refer
to Generic ISO 14001 EMS Templates and Practical
Examples of ISO 14001 EMS for above records)
|
|
7.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
(ISO 14001:2004
4.4.7 Emergency Preparedness and Response)
You
will need to implement emergency preparation and procedures to
respond to unplanned events in order to mitigate, reduce,
and/or eliminate the environmental health and safety impacts.
Related documents include:
a) |
Section 4.4.7 of EMS Manual (EM-01)
|
b) |
Environmental Procedure for Environmental Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP-05)
|
a) Emergency Preparedness
and Response in EMS Manual (EM-01 Section 4.4.7)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This
section of your EMS Manual :
• |
Describes your approach to minimising the impacts of uncontrolled events; and
|
• |
Links to procedure EP-05 for Environmental Emergency Preparedness and Response.
|
|
|
b)
Procedure for Environmental Emergency Preparedness and Response
(EP-05)
Download (Template
- EP-05 Environmental Emergency Preparedness and
Response)
Download (Sample)
This
environmental procedure sets out how effective
preparation and response will help your company reduce
injuries, prevent or minimise environmental impacts,
protect employees and neighbours, reduce asset losses
and minimise downtime.
|
Step
1 : Identify potential accidents and emergencies, for
example
• |
Fire
|
• |
Chemical
spillage
|
• |
Flooding
|
• |
Shutdown
(e.g. wastewater treatment plant)
|
Step
2 : Mitigate the impacts of these incidents.
• |
Use
the Generic ISO 14001 EMS Template EP-05 as a basis to define
appropriate mitigation measures for all the
potential incidents identified. |
• |
Define
mock drills requirements wherever practicable. |
Step
3 : Communicate relevant procedure with everyone in your
company
• |
Include
contractors / suppliers and visitors |
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Post copies of the emergency plan around the site with phone numbers for on-site emergency coordinator / fire officers and local fire department, local police, hospital, and others as appropriate.
|
|
Integrate your existing safety plan to include environmental issues.
|
|
|
D.
Check |
"Check" is
the series of processes that you use to measure and monitor
the effectiveness of your environmental policy, objectives,
targets, legal and other requirements, and report the results
to interested parties.
1.
Monitoring and Measurement
(ISO 14001:2004
4.5.1 Monitoring and Measurement)
Measuring
and monitoring is required to ensure that the EMS objectives
and targets are being achieved, and the significant
environmental aspects are being controlled. Related documents
include:
a) |
Section 4.5.1 of EMS Manual (EM-01)
|
b) |
Environmental Procedure for Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation of Compliance (EP-06)
|
a)
Monitoring and Measurement in EMS Manual (EM-01 Section 4.5.1)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This
section of your EMS Manual :
• |
Describes the requirements on monitoring the effectiveness of the control on significant environmental aspects (SEAs) and achievement of objectives.
|
• |
Links to procedure EP-06 for Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation of Compliance.
|
b)
Procedure for Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation of Compliance
(EP-06)
Download (Template - EP-06 Environmental Monitoring
and Evaluation of Compliance)
Download (Sample)
Monitoring
and measurement help to evaluate your environmental
performance, analyse the root causes of problems, assess
compliance with legal requirements, identify areas
requiring corrective action, and improve performance and
efficiency.
|
Step
1 : Identify your needs
• |
Define
what kind of information is meaningful and should
be collected. For instance :
|
- |
key process characteristics
|
- |
regulatory compliance
|
- |
operational performance (effectiveness of operational controls of SEA)
|
- |
progress on meeting objectives
|
Step
2 : Review existing monitoring systems
•
|
Determine
if current systems are sufficient, and identify
any additional monitoring or measurement if
needed.
|
Step
3 : Develop measurement programmes
• |
Ensure
your programmes are simple, flexible, consistent,
ongoing, produce reliable data and communicate
results.
|
• |
Ensure
that calibrated monitoring equipment is used and
maintained.
|
Step
4 : Monitoring and Checking
• |
Establish
environmental management plan according to
procedure EP-06.
|
• |
Carry
out monitoring to ensure legal compliance,
achievement of objectives and effective
operational control.
|
• |
Implement
corrective action and preventive action when
nonconformity are identified during monitoring or
operation. (Refer to EP-07).
|
Step
5 : Communicating performance
Provide
relevant monitoring results to staff will raise their
awareness on your company's environmental performance.
|
Helpful Tips:
|
Keep monitoring requirements limited to KEY process characteristics.
|
|
Procedure to calibrate your equipment which truly affects your environmental performance is required.
|
|
Use the Generic ISO 14001 EMS Template for the environmental monitoring plan to establish your environmental monitoring programmes.
|
|
Monitoring frequency and parameters should be defined based on legal requirements, company objectives and procedure requirements, wherever applicable.
|
Helpful Tips :
keeping records:
|
Environmental monitoring plan
|
|
Maintain permits and monitoring records, e.g.
|
✔ |
wastewater discharge permit and test reports,
|
✔ |
noise monitoring records,
|
✔ |
green office inspection records,
|
✔ |
electricity consumption records, etc.
|
|
CAR (corrective action report)
|
|
|
2.
Evaluation of Compliance
(ISO 14001:2004
4.5.2 Evaluation of Compliance)
Consistent
with the company's commitment to compliance, it shall
periodically evaluate compliance with applicable legal
requirements and other requirements to which it subscribes.
Related
documents include:
a) |
Section 4.5.2 of EMS Manual (EM-01)
|
b) |
Environmental Procedure for Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation of Compliance (EP-06)
|
a)
Evaluation of Compliance in EMS Manual (EM-01 Section 4.5.2)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This
section of your EMS Manual :
|
Helpful Tips:
|
You may choose to integrate or make reference to the elements with your existing quality management system if applicable.
|
|
You can modify the approach for evaluation of compliance. However, make sure that your approach is systematic and comprehensive.
|
|
|
|
3.
Nonconformity, Corrective Action and Preventive Action
(ISO 14001:2004
4.5.3 Nonconformity, Corrective Action and Preventive Action)
The
results of monitoring and measurements, evaluation of
compliance, audit findings and other systemic reviews should
be documented and reviewed, and must lead to corrective
actions which are intended to fix and avoid EMS problems in
the future. Related documents include:
a) |
Section 4.5.3 of EMS Manual (EM-01)
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b) |
Environmental Procedure for Enquiry / Complaint / Nonconformity Handling (EP-07)
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a)
Nonconformity, Corrective Action and Preventive Action in EMS Manual
(EM-01 Section 4.5.3)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This
section of your EMS Manual :
• |
Describes how your EMS will fix and avoid problems in the future.
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• |
Links to procedure EP-07 Enquiry / Complaint / Nonconformity Handling.
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Helpful Tips:
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Your EMS may choose to integrate or make reference to the element with your existing quality management system if applicable.
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b) Procedure for Enquiry
/ Complaint / Nonconformity Handling (EP-07)
Download
(Template - EP-07 Enquiry /Complaint
/ Nonconformity Handling)
Download (Sample)
The
procedure defines how your EMS analyses nonconformities
to detect patterns or trends so that the same deficiency
can be prevented in the future. Any enquiries or
complaints received internally or externally by your
company are treated as problems of your company and are
also handled by this procedure.
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Step
1 :
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Define
the responsibilities to investigate root causes.
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Helpful Tips:
|
If your company has an ISO 9001 Quality Management System in place, this part of your EMS can be integrated using the same procedure with additional EMS features.
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Step
2 :
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Determine
corrective action and preventive action
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Step
3 :
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Implement
action
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Step
4 :
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Verify the effectiveness.
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4.
Control of Records
(ISO 14001:2004
4.5.4 Control of Records)
Environmental
records are required to demonstrate conformity to the
requirements of your EMS and show that it is functioning
properly. Related documents include:
a)
Section 4.5.4 of EMS Manual (EM-01)
b)
Environmental Procedure for Control of Records (EP-08)
a)
Control of Records in EMS Manual (EM-01 Section 4.5.4)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This
section of your EMS Manual :
• |
Describes the requirements on maintaining records, which are the evidence demonstrating the EMS is working as intended.
|
• |
Links procedure EP-08 Control of records.
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Helpful Tips:
|
Your EMS records may integrate or make reference to your existing quality management system if applicable.
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b)
Procedure for Control of Records (EP-08)
Download (Template - EP-08 Control of
Records) Download (Sample)
Records
demonstrate the EMS developed and implemented in your
company is effective.
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Step 1 : |
Identify records to be kept
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•
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Records
may include (but are not limited to) those
demonstrate your EMS implementation and required
by various legal requirements. |
Step 2 : |
Determine the retention time, location, responsible personnel, etc.
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Step 3 : |
Define the disposal method after the retention time.
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Helpful Tips:
|
If your company has an ISO 9001 Quality Management System in place, this part of EMS can be integrated using the same procedure with additional EMS features.
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May maintain your records electronically for easier retrieval and access control.
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5.
Internal Audit
(ISO 14001:2004
4.5.5 Internal Audit)
Internal audit should determine a company's compliance with
the ISO 14001 EMS. Related documents include:
a) Section 4.5.5 of EMS Manual (EM-01)
b) Environmental Procedure for Internal EMS Audit (EP-09)
a)
Internal Audit in EMS Manual (EM-01 Section 4.5.5)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
This
section of your EMS Manual :
•
|
Describes
your approach to conducting internal audits to
determine the effectiveness of your EMS
implementation and conformity to the planned
arrangements including ISO 14001 requirements.
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•
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Links
to procedure EP-09 Internal Audit.
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Helpful Tips:
|
Internal audits may integrate or make reference to your existing quality management system if applicable.
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b)
Procedure for Internal EMS Audit (EP-09)
Download (Template - EP-09 Internal Audit)
Download (Sample)
A
proactive and objective approach identifies and resolves
EMS deficiencies. The results of your internal audits
should be linked to corrective action and preventive
action (EP-08) for continual improvement.
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Step
1 : Frequency of the Audit
• |
Consider
the nature of your operations and activities, SEAs
/ their impacts, results of monitoring processes,
results of previous audits, etc..
|
• |
Should
be at least annually for the whole company, can be
at once or broken down into discrete elements for
more frequent audits.
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Step
2 : Appoint Auditors
• |
Select
and train auditors (at least 2 auditors)
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• |
Auditors
should be independent of the activities being
audited.
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Step
3 : Internal Audit
• |
Select
auditing team members and arrange internal auditor
training.
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• |
Establish
internal audit plan and conduct internal audit
according to procedure EP-09.
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• |
Prepare
audit report and review audit results to identify
areas for improvement.
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Step
4 : Audit Results Management
• |
Identify
trends or patterns in EMS problems following
EP-08.
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• |
Communicate
results
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Helpful Tips:
|
If your company has an ISO 9001 Quality Management System in place, this part of EMS can be integrated using the same procedure with additional EMS features.
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Audits should
|
✔ |
Focus on objective evidence of conformity
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✔ |
Review identified problems
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✔ |
Assess how well your system operates
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Helpful Tips : keeping records:
|
If your company has an ISO 9001 Quality Management System in place, this part of EMS can be integrated using the same procedure with additional EMS features.
|
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Auditor training certificates
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Internal audit plan
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EMS Audit checklist
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Corrective Action Report
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Internal audit report
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(refer
to the Generic ISO 14001 EMS Templates
and
Practical
Examples of ISO 14001 EMS for above records)
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E.
Act
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"Act" means taking
actions to continually improve the performance of your EMS.
1.
Management Review
(ISO 14001:2004 4.6
Management Review)
Your
Management review is an essential portion of the continual
improvement of your company's EMS. Related document include:
a)
Section 4.6 of EMS Manual (EM-01)
a)
Management Review in EMS Manual (EM-01 Section 4.6)
Download (Template - EM-01
EMS Manual) Download (Sample)
|
This
section of your EMS Manual :
• |
Describes the requirements for conducting management review.
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• |
Determines the management review frequency (and as the rule of thumb, at least annually).
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• |
Requires that meeting minutes record issues discussed, decisions made, and action items selected; and should be documented appropriately.
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• |
Ensures that someone will follow-up the progress on action items until completion.
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Helpful Tips:
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Consider your company's structure to define the responsibility and personnel involved in your management review.
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The management review may integrate or make reference to your existing quality / safety management system if applicable.
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|
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Review
for Improvement
• |
Your EMS committee (or EMS core team members) conduct regular meetings to discuss and review the implementation of EMS and areas for improvement.
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• |
Your top management will need to conduct periodic management reviews to ensure the overall effectiveness and continual improvement of the EMS, allocate sufficient resources and identify on-going improvement objectives.
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Helpful Tips : keeping records
✔ |
meeting minutes
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✔ |
follow-up actions (e.g. action plans, correspondence, etc.), wherever necessary
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F.
Keys to Successful Implementation
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The following
obstacles to implementation are commonly faced, especially
for SMEs, that should be remembered and overcome during EMS
implementation.
1. Lack of management commitment
The success of an ISO 14001 EMS is highly dependent on top
management commitment and support. Commitment can be difficult
to obtain when there is lack of understanding of the standard
and the benefits. In order to secure commitment, top management
should be provided with training that raises the importance
of ISO 14001, highlights the benefits associated with an EMS,
simplifies the steps associated with ISO 14001 implementation,
and the possibility of integrating with other management systems.
|
Tip: It is especially useful to demonstrate the
value of an EMS by bringing senior management attention
to environmental risks and liabilities, supply chain
pressure and market trend. |
2.
Lack of understanding and proper expertise
An important
consideration in the development, implementation and
maintenance of an ISO 14001 EMS is the need to ensure complete
understanding of the standard by core personnel. The
misunderstanding of requirements and wrong usage of the
standard can be avoided by ensuring that ISO 14001 expertise
is consulted throughout the process.
|
Tip: Remember that structural and operational
system changes should always be preceded by the
appropriate support and
training. |
3.
Misconceptions about the standard creating too much paper
work
An ISO 14001 EMS requires an organisation to have in
place procedures, documentation and records. All procedures,
documentation and records are developed to meet specific ISO
14001 Standard requirements to ensure functionality of the
system.
|
Tip: Avoid unnecessary procedures, documentation
and records. Keep it simple! Integrate to existing
management systems if
applicable. |
4.
Successful implementation of an EMS requires the input and
action of all employees across the organisation.
Responsibilities and roles of each function and level need
to be clearly defined and well communicated. Employees should
be encouraged to adopt environmental practices and understand
the benefits.
|
Tip: Communicate with all levels of staff and let
everyone know the EMS direction of the company. Arrange
incentive programs to initiate employees' input.
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