1. Aaron Oil Company Used oil recycler and petroleum reclamation company
Plant - Saraland, Corporate Offices - Mobile
Small, locally owned company (<100 employees)

2. Why EMS? Used oil recycler and petroleum reclamation company
Tool to improve Environmental Performance and effectively cover regulatory obligations
Marketing advantage – increase customer confidence

3. Why EMS? (cont.)
Already had majority of policies and procedures written.

4. The Road to ISO Certification
Enlisted the help of a consultant
Performed a gap analysis
What do we have; what do we need
Existing Policies and Procedures were 95% compliant to the ISO Standard
Developed EMS manual to tie existing documentation & cover ISO requirements

5. Practical EMS Development Tips
Be aware of the commitment required.
Provide time, people, $, other resources.
Find the level of detail appropriate for the nature & scale of the organization.
Allow extended time to develop, implement, and revise repeatedly.
Be flexible with the approach, but rigid with applying the EMS Standard.

6. Practical EMS Development Tips
Apply ISO EMS concepts to help meet priorities, not create more to balance.
Integrate existing management systems.
Use dedicated development resources.
Make implementation a responsibility and objective at every level of organization.
Recognize success stories.
Use a Registrar that has experience with your type of organization.

7. The Road to ISO Certification
Implementation
Takes longer than you expect (Feb.- Dec.)
Must be supported by all staff – not just management
Road test procedures – what looks good on paper may not be practical

8. The Road to ISO Certification
Continuous Improvement
Set objectives and targets
Maintain focus and involvement
Communicate
Provide feedback and updates

9. Things to Keep in Mind
Must walk the talk – not just an exercise on paper
You are setting the standards you will be judged by – don’t go overboard
Go as paperless as possible
Assign responsibilities to minimize overload

10. Certification Audit
Use a Registrar that has experience with your type of organization.
Auditor will speak with all levels of your organization to verify what management says you are doing.
Prepare everyone
Be flexible. Have employees available and ready to spring into action.

11. Certification Audit
Recognize employees role in achieving certification – company accomplishment
Certification is only the beginning of a continuous improvement commitment

12. Maintaining Certification
Quarterly EMS audit crucial
Continuous Improvement
Establish new objectives and targets
Recognize accomplishments when targets achieved
EMS Manual a living document – must grow & change as company does.

13. Conclusion
Developing and implementing the EMS was a very positive experience
The process will cause you to consider things that you have never considered yet in the end will prove to be important