ISO 14000 and mapping the flow

[ckm]

Help me please

I am trying to implement an integrated TS/ISO 14001 system...got the TS down pretty much got the environmental documentation down...now it is a matter of mapping the environmental stuff. Easily intergated process flow for nonconformances/ Receiving inspection...does anyone have any examples of process mapping at a more granular level...you know like ...grease in--->greasy rags out...and process in the middle...exactly how detailed does the process flow mapping get...I think I will need a lot of extra resources on this project.

Thanks All,

Colleen


I have attached a copy of my overall process flow...there are a lot of individual ones but this is the combined one ...work in progress

 

[Randy]

Combining TS w/14K? Cool!!! I think Marc (the old hippy liberal that runs this site) has already done just that. You may want to look thru the archives using the search mode.

I just went over some of this with a group of folks in Toronto (you know, that little village on the North shore of Lake Ontario)

14K doesn't require the depth of analysis that you are going to, but I think it's a smart idea. Use the same concept that you have been with your TS. Identify your processes (related to your environmental performance and your EMS) and chart them from your recognized inputs to the desired or actual outputs.

The only way to properly and adequately do this is with a good cross functional team (not just the leaders either, you have to have some of the low lifes involved too).

 

[ckm]

Thanks

I was thinking...how about utilizing the Process flow for each individual assembly process....add reference to the application of particular environmental aspects ie...application of a grease into an I-shaft...that box on that particular flow would then link to a seperate flow chart. The environmental flow charts for the aspects within the assembly process maybe...could be group into simular reaction flow... oils and grease on one where as oxygen and argon would be a different one. this way the link from the orginal assembly process flow would link to the co-ordinating reaction process flow. Have I rambled or do you get what I mean... I will check out the archieved stuff as suggested...I already have my manual integrated....I just wish I had a better handle on the environmental stuff.

Thanks again

Colleen

 

[Sam]

CKM,
That is the approach we are using to integrate TS2 & ISO14K. We are using "VISIO" which makes it very easy to create links to other processes and work instructions. When completed we will be able to view the entire input/output history of the process; TS2/ISO14K/Safety/customer requirements/previous nonconformances/audit history. This will make it very easy to control the documentation and report the results, however, the big job will be to make sure it works on the floor. Training and visual aids, IMO, will be extremely valuable.

 

[kalehner]

Colleen

You are on the right track but now you need to add the environmental aspects of the process activities. The aspects cause environmental impacts. As an example, there appears to be a wash step in your process just after OP 110. You need to think about the environmental aspects and impacts from this wash operation. Some of these might be:

(aspect0=water use (impact)=depletion of a natural resource
(aspect0= wastewater discharge to sewer
(impact0=pollution of water & there may be some legal requirements to consider i.e. discharge permits.

(aspect)=use of natural gas to heat the wash water
(impact) =depletion of natural resource and potential air emission from combustion…….

Once you get the aspects you need to figure which of them are “significant” to your organization (which will be on your EMS radar screen). You do this by applying criteria or filters to them like;

Is there a regulatory requirement for the aspect?
Is there an significant cost to us to manage this aspect? (disposal cost) etc…

You will build your EMS around the significant aspects by establishing objectives and targets to improve performance, operational controls to ensure they are managed in a certain way.

I believe that aspect identification is one of the most misunderstood parts of the EMS implementation process. If this step is done poorly it will lead to an ineffective EMS that will cost the organization more than it pays back. Do yourself and your company a favor and supplement your quality management competence with the assistance of competent environmental professional having EMS experience and who has helped other organizations like yours identify environmental aspects. Implementation with inadequate competence = ineffective EMS! Good luck. K.

 

[Randy]

I'll side with Kevin here, especially about possibly looking for some assistance. If you do seek help make sure who you use has some real, tangible experience that encompasses more than just having attended a 2, 3, or 5 day training course.

 

[Marc]

You noticed! :thedeal:


Absolutely

 

[db]

I believe that aspect identification is one of the most misunderstood parts of the EMS implementation process.

I'll agree with that and say that during your process id for TS is an ideal time to look at the aspects associated with the processes.

Also, don't forget those processes that are unique to your EMS (such as environmental compliance), and those that are outsourced (OP 500). You are responsible for aspects that you can be expected to have an influence on as well (4.3.1).