Responsible Care RC 14001
A powerful tool for improving environmental performance.
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has created the RC14001 standard for organizations that want to attain ISO 14001 certification while at the same time meeting the organization’s Responsible Care requirements.
You need not be an ACC member to seek certification to RC14001, however, the standard is focused on chemical companies and their suppliers.
RC14001 broadens the scope of ISO 14001 beyond the traditional environmental management system to include health and safety, security, transportation, outreach, emergency response and other Responsible Care requirements. The RC14001 Technical Specification tracks closely with the elements of ISO 14001.
The audit process is also similar to the ACC’s Responsible Care Management System (RCMS) certification program with certain exceptions:
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Auditors are responsible for additional ISO-specific qualification requirements in RC14001.
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Surveillance follow-up audits are required for RC14001.
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Certification to RC14001 must be conducted and maintained in accordance with ISO 14001 accreditation rules.
Much like RCMS certification, RC14001 represents an integrated, structured approach to drive results in seven key areas:
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Community awareness and emergency response
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Security
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Distribution
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Employee health and safety
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Pollution prevention
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Process safety
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Product stewardship
The RC14001 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 framework for defining and reviewing goals and objectives. There is an inherent commitment to continual improvement in this framework.
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. They also 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 RC14001 or RCMS 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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