ARC Management Systems has developed these frequently ask questions on ISO 14001 so that our customers can make an informed decision about ISO 14001.
We hope these frequently ask questions will help you decide whether or not your company needs to be certified to ISO 14001. If you have any questions regarding these FAQ'S or on ISO 14001 please do not hesitate to contact us.
ISO 14001: Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISO 14000?
ISO 14000 is a series of international standards that deal with environmental issues. Some key standards in the series are ISO 14001, which deals with environmental management systems, and ISO 14010, which covers environmental auditing.
What's an environmental management system (EMS)?
According to ISO 14001, it's the part of an organization's overall management system that deals with developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing, and maintaining the organization's environmental policy. It includes the organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes, and resources.
Why is it important?
Environmental concerns are at the forefront of corporate issues today. Having a documented environmental management system helps ensure that your policies are effectively understood and implemented, and that your environmental management system is an integral part of your overall management system.
Who enforces ISO 14000?
Like other international standards (such as ISO 9000), ISO 14000 standards are voluntary standards adopted by consensus of the world's standards organizations. Third-party registration by an accredited agency certifies that your organization's management system meets ISO 14000 criteria.
What are the differences between ISO 9000 and ISO 14000?
With ISO 14001 an organization may elect to implement its ISO 14000 system as part of an existing management system such as ISO 9000 and the standard includes a table of comparisons between ISO 14001 and ISO 9001. Both include policy, management responsibility, training, document and data control, records, corrective and preventive action, and an internal audit program.
Can we integrate any ISO 9000-based system with an ISO 14000 system?
Yes. Although subtle differences do exist, it is possible to integrate an ISO 14001 EMS with your compliant management system. The year 2000 revision to the ISO 9000 standards has greatly enhanced their compatibility with the ISO 14000 standards
Are companies registered for ISO 14001 in the same way they are for ISO 9001?
Yes. Many registrars are certifying companies to ISO 14001. There are, however, different requirements for being registered to ISO 14001, including environmental aspects and impacts.
What types of companies are getting registered to ISO 14001?
A variety of companies are focusing their attention on ISO 14000 environmental management systems, primarily manufacturers in automotive, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, as well as utilities, printing, metalworking, and assorted manufacturing companies. In addition, the Department of Defense and many other government agencies are showing an active interest in ISO 14000.
How can ARC Management Systems help you?
ARC Management Systems provide full implementation of ISO14001. We have the standard completely broken down with templates for procedures and forms that are easily implemented to suit all types of industry.