What are the changes – what are the requirements?
The amendment is included in Chapter 4 of the Harmonized Structure (Appendix 2 of the Annex SL in the ISO/IEC Directives Part 1 Consolidated ISO Supplement) as below:
4.1 Understanding the organization and its context
The organization shall determine external and internal issues that are relevant to its purpose and that affect its ability to achieve the intended result(s) of its XXX management system.
The organization shall determine whether climate change is a relevant issue.
4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties
The organization shall determine:
• the interested parties that are relevant to the XXX management system.
• the relevant requirements of these interested parties.
• which of these requirements will be addressed through the XXX management system.
NOTE: Relevant interested parties can have requirements related to climate change.
Actions by Certified Organizations
Understanding the organization's context and the needs and expectations of interested parties is already required and explained in Chapter 4 of the ISO standard's Harmonized Structure. The additional step needed is to ensure that climate change is consistently considered during this analysis from now.
While the primary purpose of the requirements in clauses 4.1 and 4.2 remains the same, the additions now guarantee that “climate change" is factored into the management system as a significant external consideration for organizations.
If your organization operates multiple management systems, such as quality management and health and safety management, it is crucial to incorporate climate change considerations within each applicable standard. It should be noted that climate change may have different impacts on each type of management system.
Actions by DQS
No revised certificates need to be issued due to the amendments. DQS has adjusted its audit procedures to emphasize climate change factors.
During future certification audits, auditors will verify that organizations have addressed and incorporated climate change into their goals and efforts to reduce risks.
Auditors will view climate change-related matters as opportunities for improvement within the first year following the amendments, allowing organizations time to adjust.
Together, let's make a positive impact and address the challenges of climate change.
