ISO 14001: Where are we? Where are we going?
Abstract:
By Debra K Detwiler, Smithers Scientific Services, Inc. and John R Sedlak, Smithers Quality Assessments, Inc.
Environmental concerns are nothing new. Waste of resources and pollution of air, water, and land have been discussed, debated, demonstrated (for and against) and regulated for years. In the fall of 1996, when the American National Standard (ANSI/ISO 14001) for environmental management systems was finally published, the level and quantity of discussions began to rise once again. In November 2004, the standard was revised. Changes were minimal. Certified Environmental Management Systems (EMS) must be in conformance with the 2004 revision level by May 15, 2006.
ISO 14001 is a major step aimed at bringing the multiple and often competing and conflicting environmental factors into harmonization. It strives to bridge the multiple gaps that exist between the countries of the world. There are many concerns and much skepticism being expressed by various stakeholders. This paper will address many of the pertinent concerns currently revolving around the requirements for environmental management systems and ISO 14001, including the following:
- What forces are impacting the movement toward ISO 14001?
- How well is ISO 14001 being accepted, both nationally and internationally?
- How does the ISO 14001 standard affect the chemical and rubber industries?
- What affect will ISO 14001 have on my company's ability to conduct international business?
- Should a company pursue ISO 14001 conformance or registration?
- How does ISO 14001 compare to the quality system standard ISO 9001?
- How should a company go about implementation of an environmental management system?
- What happens when a noncompliance to a government regulation is discovered during a registration audit
In summary, this paper will assist you in preparing for the future, eliminating potential surprises in the environmental arena and managing a key phase of your business.