Abstract

The integration of standards increases focus while reducing confusion. Elements of the ISO 9001 quality standard can be enhanced with corresponding components of ISO 14001, the environmental management standard. Management responsibilities for the combined standards would include: drafting a policy statement and quantifiable quality objectives; setting up organizational charts and job descriptions; providing adequate resources; and appointing a management representative as well as coordinators for the quality and environmental management systems. Documentation is important for both systems, and documents needed for ISO 14001 fit well into the ISO 9001 document control system. When adding ISO 14001 components to those of ISO 9001, planning must be expanded to deal with environmental impacts, and the inspection and test systems modified to cover environmental conformance. This includes ISO 14001 requirements for emergency response planning. The organization must meet the environmental expectations of customers and the government. It must incorporate environmental management elements into internal audit programs and training sessions.