ENV729 Internal Audit

ISO 14001 requires that internal audits be carried out at planned intervals to ensure:

  • Compliance with all the requirements of ISO 14001.
  • A systematic evaluation of the EMS performance.
  • Continual improvement of the EMS over the years.

The organization should implement an audit program to schedule the ECAs, the audits, and (if applicable) the external audits of the EMS.

Such a program may identify:

  • Resources
  • Competencies (a certified environmental auditor, ISO 19011 training, etc.)
  • Dates
  • Auditing tools, such as protocols

The organization must:

  • Define the audit criteria and the scope of the audits
  • Select auditors and perform audits that ensure objectivity
  • Ensure that the management receives and understands the findings of the audits.
  • Document the information

To do List

  1. Set up an audit program
  2. Train internal auditors or outsource tehe audits
  3. Execute the audit program, maintain and improve it over the years

Ref. Art. 9.2 or ISO 14001

Your ISO 14001 EMS is almost all in place! It is now time to bring it to management review!