Posted By Carrie Ellerby Paul, I'm a little confused - do you mean to have a list of legal requirements which may be applicable to new projects / equipment and you can check that this new project complies? If so, then it will be very dependent on your business type, surely? Carrie PS: if you write what's written in the audit report (the wording of the improvement) it may make sense and I'll loook see if I can help :-)

Posted By Robert K Lewis Paul The auditor is attempting to point out to the company that they do have an ability to show that they take environmental matters into account when they are changing or modifying plant or process. The issue is that she/he feels that this could be better structured by a checklist of the legislation that applies in addition to the other requirements that also apply both voluntary and mandatory. I am not familiar with your processes etc but in order to be certified you will have already identified these matters. You now need to structure the process steps that need to be done to make changes and then identify potential legal and other requirement impacts. Remember the auditor is saying there is Scope for Improvement not that the system is deficient or missing a piece. Bob

Posted By Robert K Lewis Fred I would think that the lack of the checksheet of legislation and other requirements is not what is referred to here as the category of note would have been either Improvement required or straight non-conformance. We need also avoid the term "environmental Legislation" now as the new standard uses the term "legislation that has an environmental impact" which is much broader and could include COSHH etc. Let us not forget also that the new clause 4.5 is much stronger in seeking evidence of compliance with legal and other requirements. This is one problem where I see many companies trying to rely on an annual audit to evidence compliance where what is needed is a much deeper ongoing system. Bob

Posted By Paul L Williams Thanks to everyone who has replied. I am currently reviewing the EMS legal register ready for the new standard. Adding as said previously by Robert COSHH, EA Guidance and other relevant requirements that has an environmental impact. I will then reference the product and development procedure to a condensed version "checklist", which will hopefully satisfy the auditor. Cheers Paul

Posted By Robert K Lewis Paul You might be going off at a tangent - if you let me have an email address I can let you have a look at one based around construction design and estimating. The process needs to broken down into key topics and the legislation will enhance the steps to be taken. It is a guide through what needs to be done and thought about in a succinct form. Not merely saying - you need to consider this list of legisalation. Don't forget that the new clauses talk about ensuring compliance on an ONGOING basis. I have yet to see a system that does this effectively. I kjnow many will come back with annual compliance audits, weekly nspections but these may not be enough to ensure compliance at all times! Bob