Hi, ISO 14001 looks frightening but it is not too bad. If you are familiar with HSG 65 or OHSAS 18001 it is very similar in terms of policies, arrangements, monitoring, audits etc. I recently bought a text book on the subject from IOSH "Essentials of Environmental Management" and found it straightforward. Having said that, prepare yourself for yet more paperwork. PH2

A target can be to maintain your already good management of environmental issues in such a tough economic climate. Before anyone has a go at me, I was actually told this by an external auditor from a reputable international auditing company. It made good sense to me. NB measuring this is to continue measuring whatever you were before. There are always small improvements that can be made, It's measuring them I found hardest. No nasties / hazardous substances, I find that hard to believe. I thought electrical equipment was full of it. But if your the safety person I guess you are fully aware of everything you do have. All the best, if your really struggling with CI ideas PM me.

Just to throw my two pence worth in. ISO 14001 has five major parts and they are what you will be audited on when it comes to your external assessment. Environmental Policy- make sure you have one and it is reviewed and dated regularly Environmental Aspects- Basically an environmental risk assessment which looks at the processes of what your company does, what the effects are (pollution, waste material etc) Targets- Based on the effects of your aspects assessment, you will need targets to reduce these, you have to have a measurable way of knowing if you have acheived these or not, so try to target waste etc as these can easily be measured. Procedures- You will need robust procedures in place that cover the required sections of ISO 14001 (as you have a handbook you will more than likely have these), you will also need an up to date legislation register which highlights what legislation is applicable to your business and a method of being kept up to date on these (netregs is the easiest) Management meetings- Hold them at regular intervals in line with your policy (review environmental procedures, targets and the policy itself) and keep your minutes. If you are doing these key points then you are on track.