Developing the EMS
Building an Environmental Management System (EMS) might sound like an overwhelming task for a smaller organization, but it need not be. When it is taken in steps, it is a job any organization can tackle. But, before you dig into the content of the course, be sure to review some important definitions that you must be familiar with if you want an effective EMS.
The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Model
There are several models that can be used to develop, implement and maintain an EMS. This course uses the model described by the ISO 14001 Standard, which was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and builds on an approach developed many years ago by quality experts. It focuses on continual improvement through an ongoing cycle of actions called the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) or continual improvement cycle.
The "Plan, Do, Check, Act" diagram used to illustrate the process is typically a circular image with arrows pointed clockwise through the never-ending continuous improvement process. Briefly, each of the four steps in the cycle involve:
- Plan - Planning, including identifying environmental aspects and establishing goals.
- Do - Implementing, including training and operational controls.
- Check - Checking, including monitoring and corrective action.
- Act - Reviewing, including progress reviews and acting to make needed changes to the EMS.
You can also learn more about continual improvement and the PDCA cycle in OSHAcademy course 700, Introduction to Safety Management, Module 8.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-4. The EMS model described by the ISO 14001 Standard focuses on continual improvement through an ongoing cycle of actions called the_____.
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