4.4.4 Environmental Management System Documentation
Purpose
To demonstrate that the organisation has a documented environmental management system that is accessible and interactive.
Procedure
[enter-your-company-name-here] has a documented Environmental Management System that is controlled by the Environmental Manager. The documentation covers the following elements of the standard;
AS/NZS ISO 14001:1996:
4.1 General requirements
4.2 Environmental policy
A public document that states the organisation’s commitment to the protection of the environment.
4.3.1 Environmental aspects
Identifies those activities that [enter-your-company-name-here] is involved in and which have an impact upon the environment.
4.3.2 Legal and other requirements
Demonstrates that [enter-your-company-name-here] is aware of all legislation and any changes to legislation, relevant to the organisation’s activities and the impact that they may have upon the environment.
4.3.3 Objectives and targets
Demonstrates that environmental objectives and targets are developed for all appropriate levels within the organisation.
4.3.4 Environmental management program(s)
Demonstrates that [enter-your-company-name-here] has a series of management programs and monitors them for effectiveness and whether they achieve its environmental objectives and targets.
4.4.1 Structure and responsibility
Describes the role and responsibilities of the Environmental Manager.
4.4.2 Training, awareness and competence
Describes the organisation’s arrangements for creating environmental awareness, the provision of training and assessment of competence.
4.4.3 Communication
Describes the procedures for internal and external communications.
4.4.4 Environmental management system documentation
Describes the documentation for the environmental management system and the sourcing of related documentation.
4.4.5 Document control
Describes the methods for locating documentation; the periodic review, revision and approval. The identification of current versions and the treatment of superseded versions. The retention of superseded documentation and procedures for the creation and modification.
4.4.6 Operational control
Outlines the controls for the operations and activities that are associated with identified, significant environmental aspects as they effect policy, objectives and targets.
The planning and maintenance of its processes in order to control the conditions through documented procedures that control the impact upon environmental policy, objectives and targets.
Procedures are designed to identify and regulate the environmental aspects of goods and services used by the organisation and to control their environmental impact.
4.4.7 Emergency preparedness and response
Details procedures for the identification of potential accidental or emergency situations and the organisation’s response to these in order to prevent or mitigate the associated environmental impact.
The procedures cover the review and revision of the measures, especially following an accident or emergency incident. Regular testing of the emergency procedures to test the system and the understanding of members of the organisation that may be potentially involved.
4.5.1 Monitoring and measurement
Details procedures for regular monitoring of activities that have a significant impact on the environment, calibration of any monitoring equipment and the documentation of results.
Procedures for surveillance, monitoring and documenting activities that may cause injury or illness.
4.5.2 Nonconformance and corrective and preventive action
Details procedures covering the responsibility and authority for investigating nonconformities and determining corrective and preventive action. Procedures for the implementation changes to procedures and documentation resulting from corrective or preventive action
4.5.3 Records
Details procedures for identification, maintenance and disposition of environmental records
4.5.4 Environmental management system audit
Details programs and procedures for periodic environmental management system audits to determine whether the system conforms with the International Standard and provide information to management on performance.
4.6 Management review
Details procedures for the periodic review of the environmental management system by management to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness.
All elements of the management system are designed to be interactive.
Related documentation
The environmental management system interfaces with other policies, procedures, documents, forms and records that are used throughout the organisation.
Where there is conflict, the Environmental Manager shall conduct a review in association with other relevant, qualified and authorised personnel to eliminate the conflict and preserve the integrity of the environmental management plan.
Related information
Related information may be obtained from a variety of sources, including the internet, industry publications, industry associations etc.
Whenever information is obtained from outside [enter-your-company-name-here]’s environmental management system documentation, it should be checked for validity by the Environmental Manager before it is used in any application where there is a significant environmental impact.