Was the update to ISO 14001 worth the ridiculous amount of hype and scaremongering by certification bodies trying sell a training course? Was the upgrade worth making 700,000+ certified organisations spend AUD 350 on purchasing the new standard? AUD 245 million!!! Surely there’s a better way to upgrade standards without such an exorbitant cost.
The minor changes to ISO 14001 focus on clearer language, a greater emphasis on life-cycle, and clearer requirements for risks and opportunities. Most changes are largely inconsequential with minor wording changes, semantics and formatting. For example, terminology changes:
- documented information must be “available” instead of ‘maintained’
- organisations must “meet” compliance obligations instead of ‘fulfil’ compliance obligations
- ‘outsourced processes’ are now referred to as “externally provided processes, products or services”.
TQCSI is now auditing and certifying clients to the new Standard – the first was Bowhill Engineering Pty Ltd audited by Senior Lead Auditors Rob Thompson and Sarah Vinter last week. Bowhill Engineering is a wonderful South Australian success story certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 - they fabricate and surface treat structural steel and other associated engineering services.
That ISO 14001 certification will be upgraded to accredited certification as soon as Global ACI (formerly IAF) issue the rules allowing JASANZ to issue theirs – waiting, waiting! However, there’s little doubt it will be different to the norm – a three year transition period with the least expensive way being for clients to upgrade at their next triennial or recertification audit.
Want to know more? Join our half day ‘ISO 14001:2026 Transition’ Course in Adelaide or on-line 27 May or 10 June. Contact the TQCSI Office for more details (08 8347 0603)