The EMS Framework
The Implementation (PDCA DO) Phase : Once the planning phase is completed, the organization follows through with the action plan to implement the EMS. An important component is employee training and awareness for all employees (including interns, contractors, etc.). Other steps in the implementation process include documentation, following operating procedures, and setting up internal and external communication lines. There are five steps (Steps 13-17) in the 27-step EMS implementation process:
- Provide Awareness Training to Employees: All employees must receive awareness training to understand their role in the EMS and support its goals.
- Provide Specialized Environmental Training to Select Staff: Specialized training must be provided to staff responsible for tasks with significant environmental impact.
- Implement Plans to Meet Environmental Objectives: Action plans to meet environmental objectives must be carried out on schedule and monitored for progress.
- Implement Operational Controls: Operational controls must be implemented to ensure consistent performance and prevent environmental harm.
- Implement All Other System-Level Procedures: All system-level procedures developed in earlier planning stages must now be put into action.
The Evaluation (PDCA CHECK) Phase : Once the EMS is fully implemented for some time, the organization monitors and conducts internal audits of its operations to evaluate the effectiveness of the EMS. The steps at this point in the framework process aligns with the PDCA "CHECK" phase. There are five "PDCA CHECK" steps (Steps 18-22) in this third phase of the framework:
- Monitor/Measure and Document: Monitoring and measurement systems must be used to track performance and ensure objectives are being met.
- Conduct Internal EMS Audits: Internal EMS audits must be performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the system and identify weaknesses.
- Evaluate Compliance: Compliance reviews must be conducted to verify that legal and regulatory requirements are being met.
- Hold an Emergency Drill: Emergency drills must be practiced to test the organization’s preparedness for environmental incidents.
- Review EMS Policies and Procedures: EMS policies and procedures must be reviewed to ensure they remain accurate and effective over time.
Fixing and Improving (PDCA ACT) Phase: In this final phase, top management reviews the results of the evaluation to see if the EMS is working. Management determines whether the original environmental policy is consistent with the organization's values. The plan is then revised as needed to optimize the effectiveness of the EMS. The review stage creates a loop of continuous improvement for a company. There are five "PDCA ACT" steps (23-27) in this final phase of the framework:
- Establish and Implement Corrective Action Plans: Corrective actions must be taken to address any nonconformances or deficiencies discovered during reviews or audits.
- Determine the Status of Environmental Objectives: Improvements must be made to EMS procedures or controls when performance gaps or better methods are identified.
- Update EMS Policies and Procedures, and Communicate Any Changes: A formal management review must be conducted to evaluate EMS performance and make high-level decisions for improvement.
- Conduct Management Review: Based on findings, the environmental policy and objectives must be revised to keep the EMS relevant and effective.
- Communicate EMS Successes to the Organization: The organization must communicate EMS achievements to all employees to encourage continued support and involvement.
In the remainder of the course, we will discuss each of the steps in each phase in more detail.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-5. In which EMS framework phase does the organization monitor and conduct internal audits of its operations?
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