In ASA, we understand the need to incorporate “climate change” into all related management systems standards.
Importantly, ISO and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) have stated that this is a clarification rather than a new requirement. As such, the publication year of Annex SL standards will not change.
The additions to clauses 4.1 and 4.2 of the related standards will be as below in bold:
4.1 Understanding the organization and its context:
- The organization shall determine whether climate change is a relevant issue.
- New text to be added.
4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties:
- NOTE: Relevant interested parties can have requirements related to climate change.
- Note to be added.
Although the overall intent of the requirements for clauses 4.1 and 4.2 are unchanged, the inclusions ensure that “climate change” is now considered within the management system and as an external factor important enough for organizations to consider.
Expectations of certified organizations
Certified organizations should ensure that they have considered “climate change” aspects and risks within the development, maintenance and effectiveness of their own management system(s).
“Climate change”, along with other issues, should be determined as relevant or not and, if so, considered within an evaluation of risk within the scope of the management systems standards. Where an organization operates more than one management system (for example, quality management and health and safety management), it should ensure that “climate change”, if determined to be relevant, is considered within the scope of each management system standard.
With the new additions on “climate change”, ASA is expected to ensure that “climate change” is considered and, if determined to be a relevant issue for the organization’s management system, included in any objectives and mitigation activities by the organization, as required. If it is considered not to be a relevant issue by the organization for its management system, we will assess the effectiveness of the organization’s process to make this determination and implement related actions, when applicable.
While the management systems standards have gone through the ISO amendment process, issuing a revised certificate shall not be needed.
Should you have any queries about how this change may affect your certification, please contact your ASA office at 64441218 or enquiry@asasg.com ,we will be happy to address them.
