ISO 14001 Audit and Checklist

Identify legal EMS requirements

Define EMS scope, including the environmental policy and environmental aspects

Establish EMS procedures and processes to ensure consistency that will help prevent negative environmental impacts and improve response to emergency situations

Document implemented EMS procedures and processes to prevent environmental damage

Perform employee training and awareness to explain the purpose of EMS and how it will be incorporated

Choose a certification body to audit EMS processes for compliance with ISO 14001 requirements and evaluate the system for its effectiveness

Operate the EMS and maintain records that will be needed during an audit to show that the processes meet the requirements defined

Perform internal audits to make sure that the processes are functioning well. The audit will also help fix any problems that may arise

Conduct management review for continued maintenance of the EMS

Implement corrective action by finding the root cause of any problems found during measurements, internal audits or management review, and take corrective action

The certification audit is divided into two stages. Stage 1 involves the certification body reviewing the documentation to verify if all the necessary requirements of the ISO 14001 standard are met. Stage 2 has the certification body auditors performing the on-site audit, reviewing the records accumulated by operating EMS processes, including records of internal audits, management review, and corrective actions. After this audit, a report detailing their findings is issued and if the EMS is effective and in compliance with the ISO 14001 requirements. The auditors will make a recommendation for certification if all requirements are met.