ISO 9000 / ISO 14000 multiple plant registration plan

We have three plants in two states and we are shooting for 9K cerification for all three plants 6 months from now, followed by 14K certification 6 months after that. Is this possible? Are we hindering or diluting our efforts for 9K by working on both? Give me some odds, please!

Originally posted by Rocky Road:
We have three plants in two states and we are shooting for 9K cerification for all three plants 6 months from now, followed by 14K certification 6 months after that. Is this possible? Are we hindering or diluting our efforts for 9K by working on both? Give me some odds, please!

It's very possible, and a good way to go .... if management is behind it.

As far as the odds, that depends on a lot of factors. How much documentation you have in place, mangement commitment, understanding of requirements throughout the organization, etc.. However I still think it comes back to your management, even if you have NO system in place (highly unlikely if you are still in business) I think these are attainable goals, if management is willing to give you the resources you need. We did exactly what you just described at my last job.


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[This message has been edited by Christian Lupo (edited 27 December 1999).]

[This message has been edited by Christian Lupo (edited 27 December 1999).]

[Marc]

It's possible, however probability can't be deterined without knowing more. Let's say you have good managment committment and a reasonable resourse base - higher probablity. On the other hand, if upper management told someone to "...Do This..." and doesn't supply adequate support - lower probability.

It's a bit more complex than that, however. Those are major considerations, but then it also depends upon a number of other factors. For example, what is your current overall status? By this I mean (example) do you already have a solid document control system? Do you have a functioning nonconformance system? Do you have appropriate manufacturing documentation and related systms?

I would suggest, and would be glad to do, a facility evaluation at your primary location.

Can you do it? Yes - it is possible. Odds? Wouldn't begin to predict without a visit and more info.

[barb butrym]

Rocky road...way to go....
Too many keep them seperate, they were meant to work together and compliment each other. i typically suggest if a company has any intention of looking at 14k down the road, that we include it as we do the 9k project so as not to have to undo stuff later, even if 14k isn't planned for the immediate future. A good first step, if nothing else...a confidence booster....find a local support group.

[This message has been edited by barb butrym (edited 28 December 1999).]

[Marc]

Yup - 14001 should be integrated with (or 'allowed for') when 900x is implemented.

As a reality check, I would suggest spending the extra money for a one day preassessment audit at the location that is the least prepared. Your registrar should be able to provide this service for you. See if you can get the same auditor that would be leading your registration audit. You prepare the agenda and naturally, have the auditor focus on the areas where you fear the worst. Make sure the managment reps. from the other sites are present as observers. This service will either give you reassurance or will save you the full cost of the registration assessment at each location.

[barb butrym]

14K is highly dependant on the impact analysis, spend your money there.....if you have a 9000 system in place, and the impact analysis is done well (and the ISO guys have experts checking this part for your industry), all you need to do is follow the resulting plan...and it wil go smooth.

A preassessment of the weakest link is a good idea, but too late if your initial review isn't adequate.

[Randy]

Try to find a 14k auditor who will do the pre-assessment for expenses only. There are plenty that just need documented experience and not really bucks.

Be careful who you choose for your 14k assessment and final. There are many auditors out there who wouldn't know and impact from a blow to the head.

And determining whether or not you are managing your regulatory compliance appropriately requires and environmental professional, not just somebody who took a lead course and got credentialed.

Do your research - there are people out there that are are knowlegeable about environmental and credentialed too. (Like me)

Remember the potential exists for your 14k system to be used against you instead of for you if it is not established and managed correctly. The term pre-existing knowledge and designated inmate comes to mind here.