ISO 9001 Consulting, Training
        and Auditing Services

What is the ISO 14001 certification process?
Most Certification Bodies (CB’s) use the following process with slight variations:

1. Apply for certification
The CB generally sends you an Information Request package that includes a questionnaire. They use the information to plan your certification program and the cost to your organization.

The information requested, generally includes:
· Details of your organization in terms size, number of facilities, area, headcount, type of  manufacturing operations and equipment, etc.

· Your industry category; products and services; and business processes to ensure they are qualified to provide you with certification services.

· Your proposed scope of registration in terms of - the number of sites, processes, and range of products and services.

· Your preferred dates for the documentation review, pre-assessment, and registration audit

· Key contacts of executive and environment management representatives

There is a lot of other information they will request of you in their questionnaire. Don’t just automatically provide them the information; engage in a dialogue with them (preferably in person with their sales/marketing personnel), when filling out the information, so you have an understanding and appreciation of the basis and use the information will be put to. 

2. Pre-assessment
Before the actual certification audit, the CB auditor makes a preliminary visit of your facilities, briefly reviews your EMS documentation and an informal check of the EMS implementation. In essence, this preliminary audit intended to uncover areas in your EMS that might need special attention. During the initial visit the audit scope and audit program is agreed upon, as well.

3. Documentation review
The CB audit team evaluates your EMS manual. The documentation review report summarizes any findings from this process. The report indicates if your organization is ready to proceed with the certification audit.

4. Certification audit
During the certification audit, the CB audit team conduct interviews, examinations and observations of the system in operation. It provides the team essential information required for the certification process and assesses the degree of compliance of the EMS with the requirements of the standard. When found compliant, the CB issue the certificate of compliance to ISO 14001.

5. Surveillance audits
Each issued certificate has a three-year life period. Upon certification, the CB create a periodic audit schedule for surveillance audits over the three-year period. These audits confirm the on-going compliance of the EMS with specified requirements of the standard. At least one periodic audit per year is required.

6. Re-certification audit
After the three years are up, your certification will be extended through a re-certification audit.

How can an organization go about implementing ISO 14001?
The following is an overview of the key steps:

Get a copy of the EMS 14001:2004 standard
Familiarize yourself with the requirements and determine if certification to this standard makes good business sense for your organization.

Educate yourself
There is a variety of training courses available to gain deeper insight into the requirements for system development, implementation and auditing. Also read up on the subject matter. The more you read, the more informed you will be in making choices and developing your EMS.

Review consultant options
Experienced and expert consultants can fast track your EMS program development and implementation with realistic and effective strategies and solutions in a cost effective and timely manner. We have the expertise to assist you. Call us for a no-obligation discussion of your needs.

Planning - strategy, resources and project planning
The adoption of an EMS is a strategic decision for the organization. It is vital that your top management provides leadership, resources, involvement and support. In addition, you need to assemble a team to develop and implement your EMS.  You also need to plan your implementation steps, time line, responsibilities and resources needed.

Determine training needs
Your implementation team will need training in the ISO 14001 and other guidance standards. There are a wide range of courses, workshops, and seminars available designed to meet these needs. We provide a number of these training courses. Call us for more information.

Develop a EMS manual
Your EMS manual should describe the EMS policies and operations of your company. Through the manual, you will provide an accurate description of the organization and the best practice adopted to consistently satisfy customer expectations.

Develop procedures and needed documentation
Procedures describe the processes of your organization, and the best practice for effective planning, operation and control of these processes.

Implement your EMS
Work to your implementation project plan. Communication and training are key to a successful implementation. Monitor progress and get management support to overcome hurdles along the way.

Consider a pre-assessment
Consider having a preliminary evaluation of the EMS documentation and implementation by a Consultant or certification body. The purpose of this is to identify areas of non-compliance and allow you to correct these areas before you begin the formal certification process.

Select a certification body
Your business relationship with the certification body will be in place for many years, as your certification has to be maintained. Read our article on “Tips on selecting a Certification Body” before you select your CB.

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