Clause 4.1 “Scope”—Requires that companies describe activities, products, operations and services included in their environmental management systems (EMS). Also requires an evaluation of how the EMS meets standard requirements, and documentation to that effect.
Clause 4.2 “Policy”—Requires that companies ensure their policies are consistent with the defined project scope and that the policy is appropriate to the nature, scale and environmental impacts of the activities, products and services of the company.
Clause 4.3.1 “Environmental aspects”—Requires that companies take into account the “activities, products and services” that can possibly influence (rather that can be expected to influence) the environment. Additionally, the clause now requires companies to consider the possible implications of their activities when planning.
Clause 4.3.2 “Legal and other requirements”—Requires access to appropriate legal advice and that legal issues are considered during the development of the EMS.
Clause 4.4.1 “Resources, roles, responsibility and authority”—The title of the clause has been changed to emphasize that the EMS’ focus should be on resources, as well as stating that management should ensure the availability of appropriate resources for the EMS’ implementation.
Clause 4.4.2 “Competence, training and awareness”—Requires that “any person performing tasks” on a company’s behalf that has the potential to cause significant environmental impact should be competent in the task.
Clause 4.4.3 “Communication”—Requires the establishment of an external formal communications plan.
Clause 4.4.4 and Clause 4.4.5 “Documentation”—Aligns document control procedures with those of ISO 9001.
Clause 4.5.2 “Evaluation of compliance”—Requires that a company regularly evaluate its EMS against applicable legal requirements, and that these examinations are documented.
Clause 4.5.3 “Nonconformity, corrective and preventive actions”—Includes minor changes in wording for clarification purposes.
Clauses 4.5.5 and Clause 4.6 “Internal audits and Management review”—Changes in titles to align with ISO 9001.
These changes will require ISO 14001:1996-registered companies to review their processes and make minor changes to ensure compliance with the revised standard. For more information, visit www.iso.org or www.nqa.com.
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