5468_14001pitfalls_0206.qxd 5/6/06 9:36 AM Page 28
THE ROUTE TO 14001:2004 THE ROUTE TO 14001:2004
Avoiding the Pitfalls Avoiding the Pitfalls
a73 Accreditation rules require that all staff are made aware of a73 Decision to be made and recorded regarding what
the Policy, Objectives and Significant Aspects associated information (in addition to the Policy) will be divulged to
with their work. This is tested during audit. It is frequently outsiders.If information is to be provided, the process
found that the location and content of the Policy is not needs to be defined.
known to really key staff, eg those who would be the first
point of contact with the organisation.
COMMON PITFALLS
a73 Occasionally there is no procedure documented to
a73 Accreditation rules require that all staff are made aware of
the Policy, Objectives and Significant Aspects associated
cover this requirement.
with their work. This is tested during audit. It is frequently
a73 Internal communications, together with training,
found that the location and content of the Policy is not
are the mechanism for ensuring people’s awareness
known to really key staff, eg those who would be the first
of the EMS and environmental issues relating to the
point of contact with the organisation.
organisation and the individual’s work. Problems in this
area often manifest themselves in poor awareness of
a73 Contractors need to be made aware of procedures and
changes in, or the requirements of, legislation.
requirements - and potentially issued with ‘permits to work’.
a73 External communication - this is tested by interviewing
COMPETENCE TRAINING AND
staff, usually those who would be the first contact with
a19 OR ✘ COMMENT/PLAN
AWARENESS the organisation (eg receptionist, sales, marketing) to
Procedure documented and includes:
ascertain that they are aware of the need to ensure that
a73 Means of identification of training needs environmental issues, complaints and enquiries are
a73 Delivery and recording of training
properly handled and routed to the right person for
a73 Competence
action to be taken.
a73 Awareness training (link to policy)
a73 Linkage to significant aspects and
a73 It is not unusual for these key staff to be unaware of
emergency procedures
their responsibilities for channelling enquiries,
All necessary training and skills in place?
complaints or requests to the correct recipient.
Are there records to identify delivery of
a73 Decision on availability of EMS information - often
training and to substantiate ‘competence’?
this is not recorded. Sometimes it is recorded in
Management Review minutes, sometimes in the
communications procedure.
COMMUNICATIONS a19 OR ✘ COMMENT/PLAN
4.4.3 COMMUNICATION
Procedure to define processes for
internal and external communication?
The standard recognises the need to make sure that information is
Staff aware of procedure?
effectively communicated, both within the organisation and with
Staff know what to do in case of
outside bodies - eg regulators, local community, pressure groups.
complaint or query?
Communications relevant to
KEY REQUIREMENTS
emergencies covered in procedures?
a73 Procedures to control internal and external communications
Decision made and recorded
and interfaces.
concerning external communications
on Significant Aspects?
- 28 - - 29 -
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52