New to Iso 14001

I can help a little bit! ISO 14011 doesn't require an "Environmental Manager"! If this was what your non-conformity stated, it's incorrect. ISO 14011 requires what responsibilities for compliance of the EMS and reporting of the effectiveness of the EMS are assigned.

What "exam" are you taking? Since you don't have a lot of time, I'd suggest that the view from under the bus can be improved by having a competent EMS consultant help you prepare. We can point you in a direction, but you need "boots on the ground" it seems.

To be honest, from what you describe, I'm left wondering why you are ISO 14001 Certified.

Where are you located? City/Country?

 

You are sitting the Lead Auditor course? Or some other BSI training?

I can confidently recommend a couple of local (ish) sources for you:

Bywater, Ltd https://www.bywater.co.uk/consultancy/

Capable People come to mind (Shaun Sayers is very busy however). https://www.capablepeople.net/training.php

 

Can I ask why you're going to sit a course on the same subject? Auditing is auditing. The audit criteria is different, that's all. A Lead Auditor course isn't the place to learn about a QMS or EMS. Can you find a one-day ISO 14001 overview or similar. You'll be wasting time/money otherwise.

 

You don't need to learn how to audit! It's not going to help you. Don't Bywater do an overview or similar for ISO 14001?

 

Of course! 2 extra day's revenue! Many people who sell for a living don't think about what you, the customer, actually needs, they ONLY think about what they have to sell which a) makes them most money and b) gives them most pleasure. They don't think like you or the person paying for the training. The don't understand "solution selling", they simply think their "solutions" fit all problems.

Since I am in exactly the same business as Bywater - but can't actually help you - I'd suggest this: Buy a copy of ISO 14001. Study it. It's 70% the same words as ISO 9001 on which (as you know) IATF is based. Compare ISO 9001 to ISO 14001. Identify anything you're unsure about and Google it. Or come here and ask questions. It'll take about 8 - 10 hours, maybe. Only cost? The company paying for ISO 14001!

 

An EMS Manager does not become competent via training in the standards. Environmental Managers need to have knowledge of the laws and regulations in their area, as well as how their particular employer will meet the requirements given their employers' operations and relative aspects and impacts; this is technical knowledge that does not come from introductory or audit courses. An auditing course for ISO 14001 could be expected to cover how to assess the effectiveness of a management system that incorporates controls for aspects and impacts that one might reasonably expect in an organization (management of hazardous waste; chemical management; refrigerant management; mercury, Universal & e-waste, etc.) including the necessary record keeping, but not how to manage the programs.

I would not allow an employer to make me responsible for this type of program without first successfully sending me through comprehensive schooling in this engineering specialty.
:2cents:

 

I've seen organizations contract this part to a specialist consultant who performs a review/report out on any regs and changes thereto, so that the EMS Mgr doesn't have to. In some organizations it's impractical to have a permanent member of management know that stuff.

 

It is sensible to have a contract with which to keep aware of laws and regulations and their changes. A Google search provided this list. There are also several good books on implementing an ISO 14001 management system.

There is so much more, though. The controls need to be developed, implemented, maintained, outputs recorded, and corrective actions taken for aspects found to be out of specified parameters. I have seen a consultant do this too, and it may be more common as time goes by.

All of that requires expertise. More than once I have observed with dismay what results when an otherwise very knowledgeable employee is put in charge of a program he does not understand. Depending on the industry and country the organization is operating in, the required expertise might be very extensive. ISO programs are not designed to build that. My advice is to NOT allow your employer to do this. Do not accept the role, as it comes with responsibilities that you may not realize right now.

 

It's all dependent on the environmental aspects and impacts, isn't it? Surely if an organization has few significant impacts/aspects, then it's not going to require a lot of effort.

 

It is dependent on the environmental aspects and impacts, but no a it is not a sure thing when an organization has few significant aspects and impacts. Laws and regulations apply to all of us, and an organization that uses just machine oils and solvents can run into trouble if they are handled incorrectly. Not everything has an equal impact on the environment, but even "lesser" aspects need to be managed; and who are we to say "Oh it's just a minor aspect"?

The organization needs to provide resources that are adequate for the needs. This includes knowledge and skill.