RCMS

Responsible Care Management System — or RCMS certification — verifies that a company has implemented the elements of Responsible Care.

While this approach is perfectly acceptable in meeting American Chemistry Council (ACC) certification requirements, RCMS certification does not result in the issuance of an ISO 14001 certificate and is only open to ACC Members, Responsible Care Partners and Responsible Care Licensee Companies.

Companies that elect to become certified under RCMS will be audited against the requirements contained in the ACC’s Responsible Care Management System Technical Specification. This document identifies specific requirements that make up a Plan-Do-Check-Act Responsible Care Management System model.

Since RCMS does not include the internationally recognized requirements of the ISO 14001 standard, companies are thought to have greater flexibility in the development and implementation of their management system.

Much like RC14001 certification, RCMS represents an integrated, structured approach to drive results in seven key areas:

1. Community awareness and emergency response

2. Security

3. Distribution

4. Employee health and safety

5. Pollution prevention

6. Process safety

7. Product stewardship

The RCMS certification process begins with a strong commitment from company leadership. Senior management is called upon to develop, document and implement a policy that establishes a company’s framework for defining and reviewing its goals and objectives. Inherent in this framework is a commitment to continual improvement.

Companies must first PLAN — that is, identify, assess and evaluate potential hazards and risks associated with their products, processes, distribution and other operations. Companies then establish goals and objectives to address any significant hazards and risks, taking into consideration the concerns of their employees, communities, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders.

Next, companies must DO, or implement what they have planned. They establish, document and communicate responsibilities to meet their stated goals and objectives. This includes creating processes to identify and meet staff training needs on performance-related job requirements. Communicating with employees and other stakeholders is essential.

Then companies must CHECK their progress. This stage highlights performance measurement and corrective action. Activities include self-assessments, in which companies regularly measure and evaluate their performance including compliance with regulatory and legislative requirements and take corrective and preventive action to make necessary adjustments. In addition, companies establish procedures for the identification and maintenance of Responsible Care records.

Finally, companies must ACT. Senior management periodically reviews the continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the management system and makes any necessary changes to enhance performance. The results of this process are shared with stakeholders.

Regardless of whether you opt for RCMS or RC14001 certification, companies taking part in the Responsible Care initiative must undergo headquarters and facility audits to assure that they have a structure and system in place to measure, manage and verify performance. All Responsible Care companies are required to renew their certification every three years.

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