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THE ROUTE TO 14001:2004 THE ROUTE TO 14001:2004
Avoiding the Pitfalls Avoiding the Pitfalls
THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS The audit starts with an opening meeting to set the scene for the
process. It then reviews any findings from the pre-audit and desk
The certification process breaks down into four stages: study before proceeding to a site tour and the audit proper.
The requirements of ISO 14001 are then checked in detail bya73 Pre-audit (or ‘stage one audit’)
sampling and by interviewing the relevant people. The audit usually
a73 Review of documented system against the standard and
according to the scope of certification
concludes with audits of the audit process and Management
Review, and closes with a private meeting of the auditors to agree
a73 Certification audit (or ‘stage two audit’)
their findings and a presentation of the outcome of the audit to the
a73 Certification
organisation’s senior management.
THE PRE-AUDIT(STAGE 1) It will of course be a presentation of good news if you have set
The pre-audit includes a detailed review of the site by the audit
up, implemented and audited your EMS with due diligence!
team in order to identify the most significant aspects and to ensure
So to finish, a few pointers on what helps an organisation
the EMS includes an evaluation of all relevant aspects. The
become certificated at the first attempt:
organisation’s process for aspects identification and evaluation is
then tested in detail.
a73 Make sure the system is fully implemented
a73 Carry out at least one full sweep of internal audits and
A review of applicable legislation and of the fundamentals of the
carry out any resulting corrective and preventive actions
EMS is also carried out to ensure that operational controls are in
place and that there is a process which will deliver continual
a73 Ensure that all of your people understand the system,
improvement.
Policy and objectives
a73 Have evidence available to show that the process of
Finally the internal audit is checked to ensure that it is effective and
continual improvement is actually happening
reliable and that the audit frequency is based on environmental
significance. Don’t ask for the certification audit until you are sure you are ready!
THE DOCUMENT REVIEW (STAGE 1)
This is a full review of the documented system to make sure that it
SGS IN THE UK
meets the requirements of ISO 14001, the scope of certification,
and the needs of the organisation. Any shortcomings are
SGS provides a comprehensive range of technological and
reported to the auditee organisation for consideration before
management services for the following key markets:
the certification audit.
a73 Oil, Gas, Petrochemicals & Minerals
THE CERTIFICATION AUDIT (STAGE 2)
a73 Agriculture & Food Sectors
This builds upon the preceding stages and checks compliance with
a73 Industrial, Engineering & Manufacturing
all of the requirements of ISO 14001 as well as the organisation’s
a73 Consumer Products & Retail
own documented procedures.
a73 Travel, Tourism & Leisure
a73 Government & Institutions
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