5468_14001pitfalls_0206.qxd 5/6/06 9:36 AM Page 36
THE ROUTE TO 14001:2004 THE ROUTE TO 14001:2004
Avoiding the Pitfalls Avoiding the Pitfalls
a73 The Standard requires that plans are tested periodically 4.5.1 MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT
(when practicable). This infers that there should be a
planned test frequency, and that as far as possible
The maxim ‘if you can’t measure it - you can’t manage it’ applies
plans should be tested. There is not always a plan
to an EMS as to any other management system. So there are
which indicates dates of future tests, and sometimes
some specifics as to what must be measured to ensure
the procedures have never been tested even though it
performance and improvement.
is obviously practicable to do so.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
Finally, the outcome of every real emergency and test should be
a73 Monitor and measure key characteristics associated with
reviewed to find out whether it went to plan and whether any
Significant Aspects
changes are needed to the plans. This must be recorded; at its
most basic it may be a non-conformance report for a minor spill,
a73 Tracking of Objectives and Targets
but it may also be a full-blown enquiry from a near miss or a73 Calibration
major emergency.
COMMON PITFALLS
a73 Key characteristics - these often include permit or
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS a19 OR ✘ COMMENT/PLAN
& RESPONSE
authorisation limits. These are checked carefully at audit
Procedure in place to identify potential
and often it is found that measurements are not taken at
emergency situations and produce
the required frequency, place and time, or not at all!
measures to prevent, control and mitigate
They may also include details of waste or energy in
the effects?
support of objectives.
Procedures in place where need
identified, eg
a73 Tracking of Objectives and Targets - sufficient data
needs to be collected to prove and track progress.
a73 fire
a73 flood
This is key to the delivery of Objectives and managing
a73 the weather
programmes. Often data is not collected or not collected
a73 power cut
and reviewed sufficiently often to make sure the target is
a73 spillage
Plans are document controlled and
kept on track. If necessary the target is changed to make
responsibilities are clear and known it more realistic.
to relevant staff?
a73 Calibration - the standard is light on words describing this
Plans are periodically tested where
requirement, but the requirements in ISO 9001 are an
practicable?
There is a schedule for future tests?
effective and common-sense set of criteria for calibration
management. There is not always a need for calibration in
Records of tests, emergencies and false
alarms are maintained?
an EMS, but where there are authorisations, consents and
emissions there is usually a need to measure and to do this
Procedures are amended in the light
of experience if necessary?
with instruments of known calibration status. Problems
found have been: water meters for abstraction not
Staff are trained and competent?
calibrated, calibration status of pH meters not clear, test
labs used to verify emission levels and no knowledge of
their accuracy/traceability, level gauges in tanks not
calibrated, earthing connections not tested.
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