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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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