The Process Operator and EMS - Fred Should Know!

Implementing ISO 14001 by engaging Fred!

ISO 14001 implementation is often overly complicated by the organization implementing the system.

For example, ISO Section 4.4.2 requires each organization to:

• ensure that any person(s) performing tasks for it or on its behalf….potential to cause a significant impact…is (are) competent on the basis of appropriate education, training or experience
• retain associated records
• identify…training needs associated with environmental aspects and EMS
• provide training and retain records

Strict interpretation of these requirements can lead to complex documentation, boring long training classes and a lack of buy-in to system improvements by the process operator. The above listed ISO 14001 requirements can be readily and easily translated into – Fred (the process operator) must know 10 things:

1. Environmental Policy and what it means
2. Process specific environmental aspects
3. Process specific Legal and other
4. Process specific Objectives and targets
5. Process environmental roles and responsibilities
6. Is aware of required training, has been trained and can prove it
7. Is aware of  process environmental documentation
8. Can find the document
9. Is aware of process environmental controls
10. Knows what to do in an ‘emergency

Each one of these items is an ISO 14001 requirement.  Implement the Fred 10 and then train Fred on all 10 items. Checking implementation and auditing the system is also then simplified – the auditor checks the Fred 10.

The presentation will describe the easy implementation process that leads to improved training materials and improved auditing techniques.