ISO 14000 Audit Readiness Process
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ISO 14001 Auditor Commission
Hiring an ISO 14001 auditor is an integral part in the process concerning ISO 14001 Certification Audit Readiness. The auditor will assist your organisation throughout the process. The auditor will perform his own audit that includes all aspects discussed below.
ISO 14001 Document Review
This is usually the first step in assessing your Environmental Management System. The existing documented system of your business is compared to the requirements of the ISO 14001 Standard. This is done by an ISO 14001 auditor. It is important to note that all your documentation should be approved before certification can be achieved. On-site conduction of the document review is the norm, although off-site conduction also takes place sometimes.
ISO 14001 Pre-Assessment
A pre-assessment is conducted with the purpose of preparing you for the actual ISO 14001 certification assessment. This gives the auditor the opportunity to identify and address areas of concern up front.
The two types of pre assessments:
This is an abbreviated version of the ISO 14001 certification audit. Interviews with personnel are done, while the gathering and evaluation of objective evidence also takes place. You are taken through the complete audit process, while at the same time the auditor provides immediate feedback on your organisation’s quality system. The dress rehearsal can basically be described as a reflection of the certification audit.
This type of audit is primarily an over-the-desk audit. It has limited access to records. It assists you in understanding and correctly applying ISO 14001. This type of pre-assessment is cost-effective, yet comprehensive. A written report is given to you at the completion of the desk audit.
ISO 14001 Audit Preparation
The following should have taken place prior to conducting an ISO 14001 certification audit.
- Your ISO 14001 Registrar has reviewed your documented system;
- A complete cycle of internal audits has been performed. A formal management review contains the results of these internal audits;.
- The effective correction of pre-identified weaknesses in the system has taken place; and
- The development of and agreement upon the certification assessment date, audit team makeup, and audit schedule have taken place.
ISO 14001 Initial Assessment: Stages 1 and 2
Stage 1
During stage 1, the company’s state of readiness is determined. The approach and duration of stage 2 are also defined during this stage. The following need to be done by the lead auditor: finalising the document review, executing a facility inspection (both inside and outside the facility), reviewing the environmental permits applicable to the organisation, and reviewing the organisation’s identified environmental aspects and impacts. A limited number of personnel, including a management representative, are involved during this stage.
Stage 2
During stage 2, the extend of implementation, as well as the effectives of the environmental management system, is determined. The ISO 14001 auditor will execute an extensive review of records. A big portion of the employees, at all levels of the organisation, will be interviewed by the auditor.
Contact Sher-Q Management Consultants for any Environmental Management System needs and certification.
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