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Compliance with legislation and regulations

for users of environmental and/or occupational


health and safety management systems

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We at SCCM are convinced and our experience has proven that

any organization, large or small, will achieve better environmental

performance by using the plan-do-check-act approach outlined in

the ISO 14001 standard.

Copyright SCCM
All rights reserved. Nothing included in this publication may be made public, and/or reproduced by means
of printing, photocopying, microfilm or any other method, without prior written permission from SCCM.

Disclaimer
Although the utmost care has been taken with this publication, errors and omissions cannot be entirely
excluded. SCCM therefore accepts no liability, not even for direct or indirect damage occurring due to or in
relation with the use of the content of this publication.

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Compliance with legislation and
regulations for users of environmental
and/or occupational health and
safety management systems

N100824, 10 july 2012

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Contents


cha p te r 1
1 Background 5


cha p te r 2
2 Compliance management within the ISO 14001 and
OHSAS 18001 standards 7


cha p te r 3
3 The compliance management system in detail, by element 10
3.1 Commitment to compliance 10
3.2 Identifying legislation and regulations 11
3.3 Translating legal requirements into their impact on the organization 14
3.4 Ensuring that organizational and technical measures for meeting
the requirements are taken 16
3.5 Self-evaluation of compliance with legislation and regulations 18
3.6 Internal audit 20
3.7 Management review of compliance 21


cha p te r 4
4 Relationship to the other parts of the managementsystem 22


a nne xe s
1 Sample of a simple register of legislation and regulations for an
offset printing company 24
2 Sample applicable legal environmental and compliance requirements 26
3 Sample translation of legal environmental requirements into concrete tasks 29
4 Sample translation of general environmental requirements into specific rules 31
5 Sample of simple register of OHS legislation and regulations for an
offset printing company 34
6 Sample applicable legal OHS requirements and how to ensure compliance 36
7 Sample translation of legal OHS requirements into concrete tasks 38
8 Sample translation of general OHS requirements into specific rules 41
9 Sample management review procedure 43

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chapter 1

Background

It is important for an organization to ensure it is complying with legislation and regulations. Organizations
are held accountable for their compliance behaviour and non-compliance carries heavy risks. Management
wants to know if their organization is in compliance. Proper compliance with legislation and regulations is
a precondition for operating a sustainable and socially responsible business. An organizations management
can only state with conviction that it has control of its compliance when it is working on it systematically.

Compliance with legislation and regulations is one of the basic requirements of both the ISO 14001 and
OHSAS 18001 standards. Both standards in fact contain all the elements of a compliance management
system with which compliance can be demonstrated:
> Identifying legislation and regulations.
> Translating legal requirements into their impact on the organization.
> Ensuring implementation.
> Self-evaluating compliance.
> Internal audits.
> Management review of the results.

In 2008, the Dutch government launched a programme promoting innovation in supervision (Vernieuwing
toezicht). One element of this programme is systemic supervision, the basic principle of which is that an
organization must have a system for adequately controlling its occupational health and safety (hereafter
OHS) and environmental risks. As a minimum, an organization must achieve the level of control laid down in
legislation and regulations. Systemic supervision emphasizes evaluating the management system, instead
of checking each individual requirement of legislation and regulations. An element of this compliance
management is the systematic identification and compliance with legislation and regulations.

Aim of this publication


Our objective is to help show organizations in practical terms how to interpret the requirements in the
ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards related to compliance with legislation and regulations. This booklet
provides some concrete examples, but there certainly are other ways the requirements can be worked out.
The idea is to inspire you to find an interpretation that is right for your own organization.

This document is intended as an aid, and organizations are free to use the suggestions in it or not.

EA 7/04
This document is also based on the EA 7/04 guideline Legal compliance as a part of Accredited ISO 14001:
2004 certification. This guideline was published in 2007 by the European Co-operation for Accreditation,
and must be followed by every certification body accredited in an EU member state. The document can be
found on www.sccm.nl.

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Computer programs
Every organization must document its management system and support its implementation, whether
or not using dedicated software. This booklet frequently shows the relationship with procedures and
instructions. In practice, these can be automated by using software with the various steps built into it.
The user automatically is taken through these steps.

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chapter 2

2 Compliance management within


the ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001
standards

Various elements of both the ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards contain direct or indirect references
to compliance with legislation and regulations. Together these elements constitute the compliance
management system. Table 1 shows the elements of the standard that make explicit reference to legislation
and regulations. Although the internal audit element does not explicitly refer to legislation and regulations,
it is included here since the internal audit is an essential link.

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Table 1: Compliance management related to requirements in the ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards


Co m p l i ance Te xt o f I S O 14 0 01 C l au se n o. C l au se n o.
manag emen t e l emen t (for most clauses identical or very similar to OHSAS 18001) I S O 14 0 01 OHSAS
1 80 01

1 Commitment to compliance Top management shall define the organizations environmental policy and ensure that, 4.2 c 4.2 c
within the defined scope of its environmental management system, it includes a
commitment to comply with applicable legal requirements and with other requirements
to which the organization subscribes which relate to its environmental aspects.
2 Identifying legislation and The organization shall establish, implement and maintain (a) procedure(s) to 4.3.2 a 4.3.2
regulations identify and have access to the applicable legal and other requirements to which
the organization subscribes related to the organizations environmental aspects.
3 Translating legal The organization must establish, implement and maintain (a) procedure(s) to 4.3.2 b
requirements into impact on determine how these legal and other requirements apply to its environmental aspects.
the organization
4 Ensuring that organizational The organization shall ensure that these applicable legal and other requirements to 4.3.2 4.3.2
and technical measures are which the organization subscribes are taken into account in establishing, implementing
taken in order to comply and maintaining its environmental management system.
with the requirements The objectives and targets shall be measurable, where practicable, and consistent 4.3.3 4.3.3
with the environmental policy, including the commitments to prevention of pollution,
to compliance with applicable legal requirements [].

The organization shall identify and plan those operations that are associated with 4.4.6 4.4.6
the identified significant environmental aspects in line with its environmental policy,
objectives and targets, in order to ensure that they are carried out under specified
conditions [].
5 Self-assessing compliance Consistent with its commitment to compliance, the organization shall establish, 4.5.2.1 4.5.2.1
implement and maintain a procedure(s) for periodically evaluating compliance with
applicable legal requirements. The organization shall keep records of the results of
the periodic evaluations.
6 Internal audit The organization shall ensure that internal audits of the environmental management 4.5.5 4.5.5
system are conducted at planned intervals to
a) determine whether the environmental or OHS management system conforms to
planned arrangements, and has been properly implemented and is maintained, and
b) provide information on the results of audits to management.
7 Management review of Reviews shall include assessing opportunities for improvement and the need for 4.6 4.6
compliance change to the environmental management system, including the environmental policy
and environmental objectives and targets. Input to management reviews shall include:
> results of internal audits and evaluations of compliance with legal requirements
and other requirements to which the organization subscribes, and
> changing circumstances, including developments in legal and other requirements
related to the organizations environmental aspects.

The elements of the standard listed in table 1 constitute the core of the compliance management system.
Of course other elements are also relevant for achieving proper compliance (such as communication,
monitoring and measuring, and nonconformities and corrective action). They will be discussed in chapter 4.

Chapter 3 will discuss how each part of the compliance management system can be interpreted, and also
has references to other parts of the standard.

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Compliance with legislation and regulations is also an important element of the EMAS (Eco Management
and Audit Scheme) regulation. Under this regulation, companies can obtain the right to use a European
environmental logo. To qualify, an organization must have an environmental management system and
draw up an annual environmental report. The EMAS environmental management system is based on the ISO
14001 standard, but has some additional requirements. An organization following the plan outlined in this
document will meet these requirements.

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chapter 3

3 The compliance management


system in detail, by element

This chapter elaborates the elements of the compliance management system. The diagrams show in a
nutshell the relationship between the step described and the steps before and after it.

3.1 Commitment to compliance

Identifying relevant Keeping track of


Commitment to Impact of legal
> legislation and > changes in legislation > >
compliance requirements
regulations and regulations
3.1 3.3
3.2 3.2
>

Laid down in policy: the commitment to


comply with legislation and regulations

The organizations top management must lay down its commitment to comply with legislation and
regulations in its environmental and/or OHS policy. In practice, this is done by including a text in a policy
declaration signed by top management, in which other policy principles (such as the commitment to
improving performance) are laid down.

More important than the written statement is the way that this commitment is communicated within the
organization by its top management. It is essential that compliance with legislation and regulations is part
of the organizations internal culture. Simply putting a statement down on paper is not enough to bring this
about, however; regular communication about the importance of compliance is part of this commitment.
It is important that the culture allows for open communication about compliance, and that employees are
encouraged to come forth promptly to discuss any problems with compliance.

Clause 4.4.2 of both standards is also relevant in this regard, since it sets requirements for creating
awareness about compliance with the environmental or OSH policy, by the organizations employees as
well as third parties such as temporary workers.

Employee awareness and involvement can be encouraged by:


> Oral and written communication from top management reiterating the importance of compliance,
and the progress made in this area.
> Making this a regular agenda item in meetings.

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3.2 Identifying legislation and regulations

Keeping track of
Identifying relevant
Commitment to changes in Impact of legal
compliance > legislation and
regulations
> legislation and > requirements >
3.1 regulations 3.3
3.2
3.2

>

>
Sources: Regular checking by
branch information competent official
competent authority
www.antwoordvoorbedrijven.nl
Agentschap NL
www.arboportaal.nl
consulting firm

Which legislation and regulations are relevant


The organization must identify legislation and regulations that apply to it, meaning that they relate to
the organizations environmental and/or OHS aspects. On the basis of the organizations process steps/
operations/present facilities, an evaluation is made of which legislation and regulations may apply.
The requirements identified may be in both Dutch and European law or regulations. If an organization has
operations outside the Netherlands, it must also identify the applicable legal requirements for the other
country or countries. Identifying the relevant legislation and regulations is sometimes done in two steps.
Sometimes legislation and regulations only apply if a particular limit or threshold is exceeded, for example,
the presence of certain quantities of certain substances. It is then important:
> to document why the legislation and regulations in question are applicable (or not);
> in the case of critical limits, to ensure that limits are not exceeded, or if they are exceeded, that timely
action is taken.
A sample of this process is in annex 4.

For environmental legislation and regulations in the Netherlands, the organization can first ask:
> Does the 2008 Activities Decree (Activiteitenbesluit) apply?
> Does the organization need permits/licences to operate?

Connections to other legislation, semi-legislation (see below) and regulations arise from the Activities
Decree and Water Act.

If an organization needs permits or licences to operate, then using the requirements in the permit/licence
alone is not sufficient. The permit is a practical translation of the law, in most cases of one particular law.
For example, the scope of a permit required under the Environmental Management Act will not go much
further than the Environmental Management Act itself, and may include a few requirements from
the Activities Decree. Other requirements that apply to the company are not covered by these permits.

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Regarding OHS legislation and regulations in the Netherlands, it is important to know if an approved
OHS catalogue (regulations agreed by government and industry) is available for the sector in which the
organization operates.

At European level, there is a distinction between regulations, directives and decrees. Regulations apply
directly and do not have to be included in national legislation. Where European legislation is integrated in
Dutch legislation and regulations, it is sufficient to use only the Dutch legislation. Where this is not the case,
the European legislation applies in addition to the Dutch law.

Thus there are different levels of legislation, for example:


> Permits/licences issued to the organization (if applicable).
> National legislation.
> European regulations, directives or decrees.
> Semi-legislation.

For the sake of convenience, in this publication semi-legislation is understood to refer to all agreements
used as state of the art. Examples include:
> Publications from the Hazardous Substances Publication Series (Publicatiereeks Gevaarlijke Stoffen,
for example PGS 15).
> State-of-the-art descriptions such as laid down in the workbooks for the environment and industry policy
target groups or from the IPPC (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control directive) in best available
technology (BAT) and BREF (BAT reference) documents.
> Covenants.
> OHS catalogues referred to above.

Besides the legal requirements, there are other requirements that must be identified. Examples of these are
requirements in insurance conditions, requirements of the parent company or requirements of customers.
These will not be discussed further in this publication, but they must be included in the management
system.

It must be realized that some legislation and regulations will be more clearly applicable and some less.
An organization must also have an intention to be familiar with, and to comply with, less obvious legislation
and regulations. The question is whether an organization can fairly be expected to be familiar with all the
applicable legislation and regulations. This will also be taken into consideration during the certification
process. The obvious legislation and regulations in any case will be those that SCCM has made summaries
of (see www.sccm.nl) and legislation and regulations related to activities considered to entail risk from an
environmental and/or OHS perspective.

Keeping up to date with legal and other requirements


The overview of legal requirements must be kept up to date, even when there are changes to legislation.
Organizations must therefore keep track of these changes and evaluate how they may affect areas such as
operational control, as well as measuring and monitoring and any objectives.

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Enshrined in a procedure (or another method in the system) are:
> who keeps track of changes in legislation and regulations and other requirements;
> what sources of information are used;
> how often this is done;
> who translates this information into requirements for the organization, and how;
> how this is recorded;
> how changes are communicated internally;
> who determines how, and how often, compliance with the requirements is checked.

It is important that the person responsible for keeping track of and evaluating legislation and regulations
is also competent to do so (clause 4.4.2). Competence includes knowledge of:
> the processes in the organization related to legislation and regulations;
> the main thrust of the various kinds of legislation and regulations that can apply.

Often there are several officials/departments in an organization who play a part in this process, such as
HRM for health-related legislation, Technical Services for inspection requirements and relevant technical
standards, a QES (Dutch KAM; from quality, working conditions and environmental concerns) department
for general legal changes, and possibly a legal/accounting department for insurance conditions, etc.

Good working relationships and laying down who does what can make these things clearer.

With regard to keeping track of changes in legal requirements, there must also be a regular check to
see if the applicable requirements still fit the environmental and/or OHS aspects and the companys
operations. New or different requirements may apply due to changes in, or of, operations. There may also be
requirements that no longer apply. If desired, evaluating the implications of legislation and regulations on
new operations or changes can be a part of an MoC (Management of Change) procedure.

The result
> A procedure concisely laying down who identifies and keeps up to date with legislation and regulations
and how they do so (what the sources of information are; what format is used to record information;
frequency of updating; the person responsible; where information is laid down).
> An overview of legislation and regulations in effect and any other particular requirements. Annexes 1
and 5 show examples of a format for identifying legislation and regulations, giving an indication of
the desired level of detail.

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E x am p l e
Annexes 1 and 5 give example of ways to set down information about the legislation and regulations.
It is not always immediately clear whether a specific law or regulation applies, for example when
its applicability is linked to concentrations of a substance. This can be laid down in an additional
document.
The Dutch guideline PGS 15, for example, contains many different requirements for storing hazardous
substances. A company must first use safety-data sheets to determine whether the substances and the
amounts it stores are governed by the PGS 15 guideline. These requirements are further dependent on
whether the substance is stored indoors our outdoors, in a closet, vault or rack, on the ground floor or a
higher floor. This information will determine if parts of the PGS 15 will (or will not) apply.
The organization must determine which specific prescriptions apply to be able to monitor compliance.
This is worked out with an example in annex 4.

3.3 Translating legal requirements into their impact on


the organization

Identifying relevant Keeping track of Implementing


changes in Impact of legal
> legislation and > > > measures ensuring >
legislation and requirements
regulations compliance
regulations 3.3
3.2 3.2 3.4
>

Tasks and resposibilities in:


job descriptions
procedures and/or operational
instructions
technical provisions

Once an organization knows which legislation and regulations affect it, it will be necessary to unravel them
to find the specific requirements that affect it.
An organization can only make a pronouncement about its own compliance if these requirements are made
explicit. This is a time-consuming (albeit one-time) operation, especially for organizations subject to many
laws and regulations. Ultimately, however, it has great added value.

It must be clear how the legislation and regulations impact the organization, for example:
> Technical provisions that must be made;
> Organizational measures required;
> Emissions that must be kept below certain levels;
> Studies that must be done;
> Notifications that must be made;
> Obligatory monitoring, and monitoring reports.

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The applicable articles/requirements/rules for each legal or other requirement can be added to the overview
of legislation and regulations from step 1. Of course, this more detailed explanation may be set down in
another document within the management system.

Linking the legal aspects with the register of environmental and/or OHS aspects and the risk inventory will
make the right level of detail easier to see.

Linking legislation/regulations to activities and officers


Besides identifying legislation and regulations, an organization must identify and evaluate its
environmental and/or OHS aspects. The organizations operations/processes will dictate the line of
approach. Making this identification usually shows a connection between the applicable legislation and
regulations and the officers responsible. The organization can opt to combine the translating all the legal
requirements into their impacts on the organization with the identifying of its environmental and/or OHS
aspects. If it does so, it is important to ensure that all legislation and regulations have been adequately
incorporated.

Ultimately, the responsibilities and tasks with regard to such things as legal requirements come together
in the job descriptions, procedures and/or operational instructions. When identifying both environmental
and/or OHS aspects and legislation and regulations, items in specific job or task descriptions or procedures/
operational instructions can be numbered and referred to (see 3.4).

The result
> A procedure (whether or not combined with the procedure from 3.3) which lays down who is responsible
for determining the impact on the organization of the requirements in the applicable legislation and
regulations. Additional conditions for implementation (frequency, method of documentation, etc.)
can also be laid down.
> An overview of the requirements per element of legislation and regulations, and their impacts on the
organization.

S am p l e
Annexes 2 and 6 contain tables with examples of how to systematically display the requirements in the
applicable legislation and regulations. Since a given requirement can apply to more than one area in
the organization, there is sometimes more than one rule for the same requirement. Each table shows
the person or department responsible for compliance and for ensuring compliance, with reference to a
relevant document.
Another approach is to link the requirements directly to the tasks necessary for adequate compliance.
Examples are included in annexes 3 and 7.

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3.4 Ensuring that organizational and technical measures
for meeting the requirements are taken

Implementing Self-evaluation of
Impact of legal Ensuring compliance
> > measures ensuring > > compliance with >
requirements measures work
compliance legislation/regulations
3.3 3.4
3.4 3.5

>

>
Define action Methods for ensuring compliance include:
in improvement checklist
programme frequent measuring, recording and
to achieve reporting
compliance procedures and/or operational
instructions
management of change procedure
translating measures into action and
responsibilities

Once the organization knows which requirements apply, it determines how each requirement will impact it.
What measures and action are necessary to comply with the requirements?

If a requirement has not yet been met, an action must be defined in the organizations environmental or
OHS programme (clause 4.3.3) to achieve compliance with it (this programme may be annually updated).
It may be necessary to notify and confer with the competent authority to define this action.

The next step is to ensure that these measures and actions are actually taken.
Doing so properly guarantees that the requirement is met even in between compliance checks (see step 4).

The method of ensuring compliance depends on the type of requirement for the organization. There are
roughly four types of requirements:
> Static requirements: requirements for parts of the organization that do not change often, such as
requirements for a building (fire-proof doors, presence of a sprinkler system, etc.).
> Technical requirements: requirements for technical measures and maintenance.
> Performance and monitoring requirements: requirements that entail taking measurements (of
concentrations, annual obligations or amounts), keeping records or drawing up reports (including reports,
measurements and studies by third parties).
> Organizational requirements: for matters such as training and instructing personnel.

The static requirements are checked once and ensured using such tools as a management of change (MoC)
procedure. This procedure determines, for example, what action and measures to take in the event of
certain changes.

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Other methods for guaranteeing compliance include:
> a checklist which is gone through at defined intervals;
> frequent measuring, recording and reporting (these can be kept up to date in a register or overview
of measurements, records and reports);
> laying down the method in procedures or instructions which are ensured by means of internal audits;
> translating requirements into action linked to officers and recording these actions once carried out
(see examples in annexes 3 and 7).

The severity of these measures is proportional to the risk of nonconformities. The degree of guarantee
must be heavier as the risks increase. The risk has often already been determined in the identification and
evaluation phase. Its place in a risk matrix (chance x effect) is useful here.

The management system can include an overview by element of how compliance was ensured, if desired
linked to the overview in step 2. If there are changes to legislation and regulations it will be easy to find
what parts of the management system must be adapted. This kind of overview is a convenient aid, but
the standard does not require it.

Result
> Overview of how compliance with the requirements is ensured in the organization.

E x am p l e
Annexes 2 and 6 (right-hand columns) and 3 and 7 provide examples of how to ensure compliance with
the applicable rules. Annexes 3 and 7 provide partial examples of how the requirements are translated
into concrete tasks. Various instruments can be used including checklists, procedures, operational
instructions, and record-keeping).

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3.5 Self-evaluation of compliance with legislation and regulations

Implementing Self-evaluation of
Ensuring compliance
> measures ensuring > > compliance with > Internal audit
measures work
compliance legislation/regulations 3.6
3.4
3.4 3.5

>
Frequency of evaluation depending on, for example:
number of legal requirements
chance of nonconformities
consequences of nonconformities for environment,
safety or working conditions
frequency of change in requirements
consequences of change in requirements

The essence of this element is that an organization must be able to say with conviction that it has its
compliance with legislation and regulations under control. It is difficult to guarantee that all legislation and
regulations are being complied with at every moment. Round-the-clock monitoring of all the requirements
is impossible. A focused approach should enable the organizations management to have confidence
that there is a high level of compliance and that any nonconformities are resolved (where necessary, in
consultation with the competent authorities).

Assuming that the organization knows which legislation and regulations apply, and has translated
requirements they contain into their impacts on it, it can get a structural idea of its own compliance by
taking the following steps. This means that there is an established procedure for this self-evaluation.

Approach depends on the number of requirements


If the number of requirements in legislation and regulations is limited, a checklist can be used for a periodic
check that the requirements are being met. The management system can designate who fills out the
checklist and at what intervals, how the results are reported to management, and how the rectification of
nonconformities is ensured.

If the number of requirements is greater, it is a good idea to establish principles for the frequency with
which compliance with the individual requirements is evaluated. This frequency will depend on factors like
the chance of a nonconformity with the requirements and any consequences of a nonconformity. Using
these general principles as a basis, an organization can determine the appropriate frequency and method of
evaluation for each requirement.

Basis of the approach


To determine how and how often compliance with particular requirements should be evaluated, there must
be an idea of:
> The chances of a nonconformity with these requirements arising.
> The potential consequences of such a nonconformity for the environment, safety or working conditions.

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There is a relationship here with the requirement from the standard to identify and evaluate environmental
and/or OHS aspects. The OHSAS 18001 standard requires the application of a risk assessment in evaluating
the OHS aspects. The ISO 14001 standard does not require this, although organizations with an integrated
management system often do apply the risk assessment when identifying their environmental aspects. The
SCCM publication Information for product organizations: identifying and evaluating environmental aspects
provides examples. The outcome of the risk assessment can be used to determine how strictly to specify the
evaluation of compliance with legislation and regulation for a particular environmental aspect.

An organization can establish a few basic principles for specifying how it evaluates its own compliance.
This can be done using the matrix also used for the risk assessment, as shown in table 2. Each organization
can use its own categories for chances and effect.

Table 2: Example of principles for specifying self-evaluation of compliance

N at u re o f Stat i c Techn i ca l Per f o rmance / Or g an i z at i o na l


Requirement m o n i to r i n g

S co p e o f r i sk 1

Acceptable Test only if a change or > maintenance check > 2x per year data > 1x per month on
incident occurs, as part of 2x per year evaluated by rounds with checklist
MoC2 procedure environment/OHS
coordinator
High-risk 1x per month on rounds > monthly maintenance > 4x per year data > 4x per year records
with checklist check evaluated by evaluated by
environment/OHS environment/OHS
coordinator coordinator
1x per week on rounds > weekly maintenance > 12x per year data > 12x per year data
Extremely high with checklist check evaluated by evaluated by
(unacceptable risk) environment/OHS environment/OHS
coordinator coordinator

1 Based on categories in table 6 of SCCM publication Information for product organizations: identifying and evaluating environmental
aspects

2 MoC = Management of Change procedure: among other things this procedure indicates what must be done, checked, recorded, etc. in
the event of changes in the organization, processes or products.

The higher the risk becomes, the more often the self-evaluation must be performed. It must be clear how
compliance is evaluated for each requirement. This means that it is known:
> Who is responsible for carrying out the evaluation;
> What is evaluated (for example which rules or checklist, etc.);
> How to record that the evaluation has been done, and how any nonconformities are dealt with.

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Evaluating compliance can take various forms, including:
> as part(s) of a checklist used for routine checks;
> periodic agenda point(s) during meetings;
> continuous or periodic measuring programme(s) and reporting results;
> incidental measurement;
> specific evaluation by management/production manager etc.;
> internal audits with an additional audit focused specifically on the process of identifying and complying
with legal requirements;
> work-place inspections.

Checking compliance with legal and other requirements


According to the standard, the organization must periodically evaluate whether it is meeting these
requirements and must keep records of this evaluation. The frequency of this evaluation can differ for each
requirement. The organization must determine how often to evaluate the various requirements and how
to perform the evaluation.

The method and the frequency of checking, including tasks and responsibilities, are set down in the procedure.

Result
> A procedure that sets out how the organization evaluates its own compliance.
> An overview (periodically if desired) serving as a basis for determining during the management review
if compliance satisfies the principles established in the organizations own policy.

3.6 Internal audit

Implementing
Ensuring compliance Management review
> measures ensuring > > Internal audit > >
measures work of compliance
compliance 3.6
3.5 3.7
3.4
>

Testing the effectiviness of procedures for


evaluation organizations own compliance

During internal audits, the organization itself determines how the parts of its management system are
working. The question is also whether the management system is good enough to achieve its objectives.
One important objective is to comply with legislation and regulations. The internal audit yields essential
information for the management review (see 3.7). The SCCM publication Internal audits contains
suggestions for carrying out internal audits.
Sometimes people think that the internal audits can be used to perform the self-evaluation in section 3.5.
This is only possible to a limited degree. Since the internal audits are intended to evaluate the organizations
own system, they also test the effectiveness of the procedures for self-evaluating compliance. Compliance
can only be evaluated using the internal audits if requirements from legislation and regulations are
embedded in procedures or instructions.

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3.7 Management review of compliance

Implementing
Ensuring compliance Management review
> measures ensuring > > Internal audit >
measures work of compliance
compliance 3.6
3.5 3.7
3.4

>
Evaluation by management on
overview of compliance
performance

The results of the evaluation of compliance must be available during the management review (clause 4.6).
If management is to make a judgement of compliance, they must be given an overview of performance.
For top management, it is in any case important to know for which legislation and regulations compliance
is critical and/or insufficient and what measures need to be taken (if necessary) to improve compliance.
The cause of any nonconformity is also investigated so as to formulate corrective as well as preventive action.

An example of part of a management review procedure is in annex 9.

Result
> A procedure for performing the management review (when, by whom, what information as input and
what decisions are made).
> For each management review, a report of the evaluation by top management of (among other things)
compliance with legislation and regulations, and decisions about any necessary action (modifying policy;
making means available, etc.).

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chapter 4

Relationship to the other parts of


the management system

This publication discusses the parts of the ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards having a direct reference to
compliance with legislation and regulations. Other parts of the management system are also important for
proper compliance. A brief indication of their relationship to compliance follows, in order of the elements of
the standard.

The numbers of the sections of the standard are indicated, and are the same for both standards.

Identifying environmental and OHS aspects (4.3.1)


The legislation and regulations must be identified for the applicable environmental and/or OHS aspects.
For most companies, the relationship between the environmental and/or OHS aspects and the legislation
that applies to them is found in the register of environmental and/or OHS aspects. Often a column is added
with references to the applicable legislation and regulations.

This reference is useful in the event of changes in legislation, since it makes it easy to find the applicable
environmental or OHS aspect and the part of the organization to which it applies, and to assign the impact
of the new legislation to the right part of the organization.

This relationship goes both ways: if there are changes to an environmental or OHS aspect due to factors
such as changes in the process, the relevant legislation or regulation can be used to determine if the
requirements are still being met.

Competence, training and awareness (4.4.2)


The employee responsible for keeping track of legislation and regulations and translating the prevailing
requirements to their impacts on the organization must have sufficient knowledge to perform this task.

Communication (4.4.3)
Requirements in legislation and regulations that determine how work is performed must be communicated
to employees to achieve compliance.

Control of documents (4.4.5)


If procedures or instructions are drawn up for complying with and checking legislation and regulations,
they fall under the requirements for control of documents.

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Emergency preparedness and response (4.4.7)
One of the things that must be evaluated in the event of an emergency or disaster is its effect on compliance
with legislation and regulations and other requirements. If the requirements are not being met, even
temporarily, a decision must be taken whether to inform the competent authority. Action must also
be taken to control environmental and/or OHS aspects and reduce risks, and to come into compliance with
the legal and other requirements as quickly as possible again.

Monitoring and measuring (4.5.1) control of records (4.5.4)


Monitoring, measuring, or keeping records can be a requirement in prevailing legislation and regulations or
other requirements. It also records the demonstrability of compliance with legislation and regulations.

Nonconformity, corrective and preventive action (4.5.3)


If nonconformities are found during the evaluation of compliance, corrective and preventive action will be
taken as quickly as possible.

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annex 1

Sample simple register of legislation and


regulations for an offset printing firm

Law, re g u l at i o n o r ot her R emarks Way i n wh i ch l e g i s l at i o n , re g u l at i o n


re q u i remen t o r ot her re q u i remen t s a p p ly

Activities Decree Prevailing regulations determined using the Applicable requirements are established / translated
Netherlands environment (VROM) ministrys AIM tool; into a checklist. Static (such as building-related)
see Activities Decree checklist. Not all of these rules requirements are checked once. For recording, see file
actually apply. The rules that do not apply are in an on checking legislation
overview indicating why each does not apply.
Handbook of environmental measures for Last update 2009/2010. The environmental measures checklist is gone
the graphics industry and packaging printers through (once, see file on checking legislation).
All prescribed measures have been implemented.
Netherlands emission guidelines for air VOC emission regulations for the graphic industry The VOC requirements from the handbook are met
(NeR) (general) from chapter 3.4.4. (April 2003). (for recording, see file on checking legislation).
The measures regarding VOCs are in the workbook of
environmental measures and not in the NeR.

Decree on ozone-depleting substances Applies to cooling installations maintained by The company does not maintain cooling equipment
(October 2003) and Regulation on leak-tight a company accredited by STEK (foundation for itself. The STEK accreditation of the maintenance
cooling installations (1997) preventing emissions in cooling technologies). company is monitored by the suppliers evaluation.
Regulation on European waste catalogue A company can use these lists to determine All hazardous substances have EURAL codes and
(EURAL, 1 May 2002) and ESV list whether waste substances should be disposed of waste substance numbers before they are disposed
(May 2004). as hazardous waste or industrial waste, and if there of. The codes are in the procedure for waste disposal,
are specific requirements for the use of substances. and only change if the composition of a substance
The EURAL list is available through the environment changes or if the company changes waste-collection
(VROM) ministry site, the ESV through the site agency. Control of codes is ensured in the procedure
communications-industry organ KVGO. All wastes for waste disposal.
disposed of as hazardous waste are identified in the
procedure for waste separation and disposal.
PGS 15 (2005, incl. errata pages) The PGS applies to storage of hazardous substances The overview of hazardous substances lists
if substances have an ADR code from the guidelines, substances which fall under the PGS 15 rules, based
since the lower limit (from one of the ADR codes) is on their ADR codes. The substances, quantities and
being exceeded. storage location are used to determine which PGS 15
rules apply. These rules are translated into a PGS 15
checklist; see annex 4
(Dutch) Working Conditions Regulations Requirements in Working Conditions Regulations This requirement applies to all offset presses.
(article 4.3.2b) regarding maximum amounts article 4.3.2. For automatic dosing systems, the legal IPA concentrations are checked and recorded weekly.
of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in damping water limit is 8 percent by volume. The department head checks records and takes any
(2000). necessary action. Internally a limit of 5% is observed.

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Law, re g u l at i o n o r ot her R emarks Way i n wh i ch l e g i s l at i o n , re g u l at i o n
re q u i remen t o r ot her re q u i remen t s a p p ly

Regulation on packaging and packaging The paper-fibre covenant III applied until 31 December Paper and cardboard are disposed of separately.
waste paper and cardboard covenant II, 2010 and the paper-fibre covenant IV applies from The waste separating procedure regulates which
of which the paper covenant is a part. 1 January 2011 - 31 December 2014. The principle is to grades are disposed of separately.
ensure collection of old paper and cardboard even if
paper prices are low. Separating different paper grades
will increase paper yield.
National Waste Management Plan (LAP2 Establishes which wastes must be separated. The LAP2 indicates the minimum threshold quantities
2009) above which wastes must be separated. There is not
a separate sector plan for printers giving additional
requirements. The separation rules are described in
the waste separation procedure.
REACH The role identification tool on the Reach helpdesk site The question tree from the identification tool and the
finds that the printer is a downstream user. requirements for downstream users are laid down
in the checking legislation file. The obligations for
downstream users are in the purchasing procedure.
Requirements regarding sustainable This is not a legal requirement, but a customer The requirements are in a table indicating how the
purchasing of printed matter demand requirements are being met.

The following (and other measures) do not apply:


1 Het Solvents Decree (VOC emissions guideline) does not apply to offset printers.
2 BREF: surface treatment with solvents (available through Infomil site but not applicable because
the company uses under 100 tons of solvents).
3 Packaging tax, applicable if over 50,000 kg of packaging is used per year. The company uses less than
this amount.
4 Insurance requirements; these have no relationship to environmental aspects.
5 The permit has been replaced by the Activities Decree as of 1 January 2010. There are no rules in
the permit which should be seen as custom guidelines during the transition period.

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annex 2

Sample applicable legal environmental


and compliance requirements

This example shows some of the requirements for a chemical company, along with the methods for
ensuring the requirement is being met.

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S u b j ec t N o. Law A rt. n o, R e q u i remen t Pr o cess/ de p t. Method D o c . n o.

General Wm**-1 Wm Wm article I-14 Annual inspection of earthing installation by an accredited expert. Technical services Maintenance list
Wm-2 Wm Wm article I-9 Annual progress report about 4-year environmental plan, KAM (QES) dept. Report
submitted to competent authority by 1 March at the latest.

Safety S (Safety PGS 15 paragraph 3.18 Quantity of hazardous substance not more than 2500 kg/litre Storehouse Checklist CL 56+57
Act) -1 (otherwise a journal must be kept).

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S-2 PGS 15 paragraph 3.1 Maximum of 50 kg spray cans. Storehouse 1 Checklist* Cl 56
S-3 PGS 15 paragraph 3.1 Maximum of 50 kg spray cans. Storehouse 2 Checklist CL 57
S-4 PGS 15 paragraph 3.3 The quality of the floor must be visually assessed annually. Liquid- Storehouse Certificate +
proof floors must be inspected once every 5 years by an authorized Recording system
person.
S-5 PGS 15 paragraph 6.2 Gas bottles must always be secured. Storehouse Checklist
S-6 PGS 15 paragraph 3.9 Product storage capacity: leak-proof basins for all stored products Storehouse Overview of
(minimum 110% of the largest package and at least 10% of the total storehouse set-up
storage above the drip tray). with max. storage
capacities
S -7 Wm Wm article T-11 Open fires and smoking are prohibited while filling a tank. The Production Procedure
motor of a tank truck must be turned off while coupling and
uncoupling the filling hose and while filling a tank.
S -8 Wm Wm article T-12 Measures must be taken against static electricity while filling a Production Procedure
tank from a tank truck, the connection between tank and tank
truck must be present during the entire filling process, including
coupling and uncoupling of the hose.
Building B-1 Buildings decree Fire extinguishers, annual inspection by expert. Tech. services Maintenance list
Waste W-1 Covenant Art. 16 Separate disposal of paper/ /plastic/pallets/chemicals. Production Operational WI 101
instructions
W-2 National waste chapter 15 Separate disposal of wastes: plastic cups (500 or more p/wk), All departments Operational WI 101
mgmt plan 2 wood (40 kg or more p/wk), metal (40 kg or more p/wk), and any instructions
(LAP2) rubble created.
W-3 LAP2 Sector plan oil-containing Waste containing oil must be separately removed and taken to an Tech. services Checklist CL 101
waste accredited collector/processor.

Discharge D-1 Water act Pollution of Surface Waters Act Maximum discharge of Cr, Cu, Zn is 2 mg/l, flow rate max 4.5 m3 Production Analysis
permit art. 4.1 per 24 hrs, sampling 1x per quarter.

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Compliance with legislation an d regu lations for users of envi ronmental an d/or ...
27
S u b j ec t N o. Law A rt. n o, R e q u i remen t Pr o cess/ de p t. Method D o c . n o.

D-2 Water act Pollution of Surface Waters Act Discharge of mineral oil maximum 20 mg/l, sampling 1x per Production Analysis
permit art. 4.2 quarter.
D-3 Water act Pollution of Surface Waters Act An environmental log must be kept containing sampling data and Production Recording system
permit 6.1 and 6.2 results of analyses, and quantity of wastewater per 24 hrs.

Emissions E-1 Permit Wm article L-5 Draw up a solvents accounting system. Purchasing Recording system

N 10 0824 v e r s i o n o f 10 J u ly 2012
to air
E-2 Permit Wm article L-6 Investigate decreasing emission of hydrocarbons from the facility. Production Report
E-3 Permit Wm article L-7 Annual measurements according to set-up measuring plan. Production Recording system
OHS A-1 Working Article 5 Employer must draw up a Risk Identification and Evaluation (RI&E) Personnel Procedure, RI&E
Conditions Act and Action Plan. department
(Arbowet)
A-2 Arbowet Article 9 Workplace accidents and occupational illnesses must be recorded Personnel Procedure and
and reported. department Emergency response
plan
A-3 Working Article 4.2 An additional RI&E must be done for exposure to hazardous Personnel Procedure, RI&E
Conditions Decree substances. department
(Arbobesluit)
A-4 Arbobesluit Article 4.3 Exposure to hazardous substances must remain below threshold Personnel Overview of
values. department measurements ,
records, procedure
A-5 Arbobesluit Article 8.1 Personal protective equipment must meet standards and be used Purchasing and Procedure,
correctly. KAM/QES. information, safety
guide
A-6 Arbobesluit Article 8.2 The use of personal protective equipment must be evaluated in Personnel and RI&E and report
the RI&E. KAM/QES.
A-7 Arbobesluit Article 8.3 Personal protective equipment must be available, used, KAM/QES and Tech. Procedures, supply
maintained and repaired. services management

* See example in annex 4


** Wm: Environmental Management Act

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annex 3

Sample translation of legal


environmental requirements into
concrete tasks
Below is an example of a company that has translated its legal requirements into employee tasks
(only those involving storage of hazardous substances are shown here). Where possible, the company has
integrated the requirements into the procedures and operational instructions in its management system.
For monitoring purposes (and sometimes for performing the tasks) the tasks have been put in a computerized
system. After a task is completed, it must be cancelled in the system. The environmental-OHS coordinator
does random checks to see if the tasks have been performed well and carefully, and if compliance is being
ensured and/or checked by means of the formulated tasks.

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S u b j ec t Law o r S u mmary L i nk D e ta i l ed R e f erence Task descr i p t i o n Fre q u ency Task
re g u l at i o n descr i p t i o n o f h o l der
re q u i remen t s

PGS PGS 15 The guideline contains rules for Storage of The classification of > overview of hazardous Check whether personnel annually .
storing packaged hazardous packaged hazardous substances in substances containing performing tasks are
substances in such a way hazardous table 3 is based on the maximum quantities, informed of requirements
as to achieve an acceptable substances transportation legislation storage sites, partitioning, and agreements about

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level of protection for people ADR. The table shows the etc. storing hazardous substances
and the environment. The lower limits of hazardous (primarily partitioning).
required level of protection substances. The PGS 15 does > informative materials Check whether personnel are
is determined by the current not apply under this limit. and records of adequately trained.
state of the art for constructing Chapter 3 (General) applies participants Check whether packaged quarterly .
storage facilities, fire-fighting to [company name] for information sessions hazardous substances are
systems and work equipment. both internal and external stored according to the rules,
The categories and definition storage facilities, and > reports of consultations using the PGS 15 checklist and
of hazardous substances in chapter 6 (Storage of gas involving subjects about overview of partitions.
PGS 15 are also used in the bottles) sets requirements which employees must be
Check that the storage sites annually .
Carriage of Dangerous Goods for storage of gas bottles informed
satisfy the environmental
Act. Classification of hazardous over the limit of 115 litres.
permit requirements, using
substances takes place in > checklist of requirements
the checklist requirements for
conformance with the European in the environmental
storage sites
ADR agreement. permit for storage site and
additional requirements Inform new employees about monthly .

from PGS 15 the requirements agreements


about storing hazardous
substances
Check that the activities of
the ADR safety advisor are
specified

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Compliance with legislation an d regu lations for users of envi ronmental an d/or ...
30
annex 4

Sample translation of general


environmental requirements into
specific rules

PGS 15 is a guideline with many different requirements for storing hazardous substances. Using safety-data
sheets, a company must first determine whether the substances and amounts of them stored fall under PGS
15. The requirements are then dependent on whether the substance is stored inside or outside, in a closet,
vault or rack, on the ground floor or an upper floor. These findings will determine which parts of the PGS 15
will (or will not) apply. To monitor compliance, it must be determined which specific rules apply.

The substance of this annex will be linked to the overview of the applicable legislation and regulations in
annex 1 and/or the elaboration of the requirements in annex 2. One of the rules the company must obey
is the PGS 15 for storing hazardous substances. The PGS 15 analysis is based on the overview of hazardous
substances and ADR codes that a company must have available.

Analysis of the applicable requirements from PGS 15 (28 June 2005) including published addenda sheets up
to 1 September 2010
(Note: this overview is not complete!)

3.1
Indicates that chapter 7 of PGS 15 ( 3.11) should be referred to for storage of spray cans. It also indicates
that the threshold is 50 kg. This means than the PGS 15 only applies if more than 50 kg of spray cans are
stored ( 3.1.2).
Conclusion: the company stores less than 50 kg of spray cans, thus PGS does not apply here.

Working stock (the amount used in one day or batch) is not covered by PGS 15.
Drawing off or racking is not permitted in the storage space.
Empty packaging not yet cleaned is covered by PGS, however, and is stored as full packaging.

3.2 Construction requirements


Conclusion: the requirements for the hazardous substances storage space are covered by the prevailing
requirements since the storage space existed before the publication of PGS 15 in July 2005.
The requirements for storage space are listed in the permit. These requirements are checked once only,
and compliance is further guaranteed by means of a management of change (MoC) procedure.

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3.3 Concerns floor quality
Conclusion: the floor has a liquid-proof finish and must undergo periodic visual inspection.

3.4 Concerns the quality of racks


Conclusion: construction requirements are checked and ensured in the management of change
procedure. They have periodic visual inspection.

3.5 Protection from lightning


Conclusion: lightning-proofing the facility is not necessary. This is determined using the Dutch standard
NEN 1014. See the company notice: Implementing the calculation model for lightning-proofing.

3.6 Explosive safety


Conclusion: given the nature of the substances, there is no danger of explosion and therefore no
measures of this type need to be taken.

3.7 Ventilation
Conclusion: the requirements for ventilation in the storage space were introduced during construction
of the space. At least once a year, the ventilation equipment is checked to see that it functions properly
and that nothing is blocking it. When the check has been performed it is recorded in the checklist
Meeting the PGS 15 requirements.

3.8 Prevention of contaminated rainwater


Conclusion: this rule does not apply, since the external storage is in an appropriate (closed) container.
Rainwater cannot get onto the floor of the container.

3.9 Product containment


Conclusion: All stored containers have leak-proof basins underneath. These basins must be able to
contain at least 110% of the contents of the largest package and with at least 10% of the total amount
stored. We will check this periodically.

3.10 Fire-proof storage closets


Conclusion: Since the company uses storage vaults and not closets, this rule does not apply.

3.11 Packaging and labelling


The packaging of hazardous substances meets the ADR requirements. The substances are stored in the
approved packages in which they were delivered. The same holds for the labelling of the hazardous
substances, which were labelled by the supplier.
Conclusion: Only undamaged, labelled packages are being stored. If labels are (or have become)
illegible, a replacement label is attached. The legibility of labels and damage to packages is checked.

NB: If a company has several storage spaces which all are covered by PGS 15, the applicable rules for
each space must be determined. The rules can differ on the basis of, for instance, location (inside vs.
outside, ground floor vs. upper floor), kind of substance stored or the amount(s) of substances stored.

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Sample PGS 15 checklist (not complete)

A rt. N o. R u l e / q u est i o n f r o m PG S 15 C heck y es/ n o R emarks / f i nd i n g s

Alg. Are all substances (including wastes), excepting the working stocks stored in the
closets or basins intended for them?
Alg. Does everything look tidy and orderly (good housekeeping)?
3.1.3 Is the working stock no more than one days consumption?
3.1.4 Are there indications that draining or racking is taking place in the storage area?
3.1.5 Are empty, not-cleaned packages stored like full ones?
3.3.3 Is the floor clean and without cracks? (Visual inspection)
3.4 Is the quality of closets, basins, and racks good? (No damage, collapsed shelves, and
collision protection still intact)
3.9 Are the leak-proof basins large enough? (each basin must be able to accommodate
110% of the volume of the largest container and at least 10% of the total volume
of packages stored), calculated for each basin separately. If the agreements
for substances and number of containers per basin/rack are met, the volume
requirement has been met.
3.11 Is the packaging of the hazardous substances sufficient? (whole, sealed, original, ..)
3.11 Does the packaging have proper labelling and hazard symbols?

Check that substances which should not be stored together are stored separately).
See the partitioning overview

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annex 5

Sample of simple register of


OHS legislation and regulations for
an offset printing company

Law, re g u l at i o n o r R emarks Way i n wh i ch l e g i s l at i o n , re g u l at i o n o f


ot her re q u i remen t ot her re q u i remen t s a p p ly

Working Conditions Act The Working Conditions Act contains general rules for Using the risk inventory and evaluation for the
(Arbowet) employers and employees, to ensure a safe and healthy Grafimedia sector, the company checks to see that
workplace. Not every article in the Act applies to this company. it is complying with all the rules from the Working
The articles which do not apply are in an overview indicating Conditions Act, Working Conditions Decree and the
why each does not apply. Working Conditions Regulations. This RI&E is performed
every four years, and must be done sooner if there are
changes to legislation and regulations or in the company.
There is an annual check to see if the RI&E must be
repeated earlier.
Working Conditions Decree The general rules in the Working Conditions Act are elaborated See text for Working Conditions Act.
(Arbobesluit) on in the Working Conditions Decree. Here as well, not all
articles will apply. The articles that do not apply are in an
overview indicating why each does not apply.
Working Conditions Regulations The Working Conditions Regulations contains more specific See text for Working Conditions Act.
(Arboregeling) rules of the Working Conditions Act. Not all regulations apply to
this company. The articles that do not apply are in an overview
indicating why each does not apply.
Graphic media sector The Grafimedia requirements catalogue was drawn up by The company has read all the subject pages of the
requirements representatives of both employers and employees in the catalogue on www.arbografimedia.nl. Using the
(Arbocatalogus Grafimedia) graphic media branch. It contains minimum standards that checklists and the RI&E, they have checked if all
companies working in the branch must meet, as well as requirements are being met. There is a check each year
suggestions for solutions. of whether there have been any changes that make it
necessary to read the pages again.
Working Times Act The Working Times Act prohibits employees working too many The Ministry of Social Affairs (SZW) brochure on the
(Arbeidstijdenwet) hours in a day or week. Working Times Act has been read. The working hours
and break times meet the requirements in the Act. If
working hours or break times change, or if an employee
is pregnant, the brochure will be checked again. There is
an annual check to see if there have been changes to the
Working Times Act.
Work and Care Act The Work and Care Act regulates different forms of leave, If an employees leave may fall under the Work and
(Wet Arbeid en Zorg) so that employees can better coordinate work with receiving Care Act (pregnancy, maternity, adoption, foster care,
and giving needed care. emergency and other short-term leave, care leave,
maternity/paternity leave, or long-term care under the
Dutch life-course savings scheme), the checklist based
on this law is used.

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Law, re g u l at i o n o r R emarks Way i n wh i ch l e g i s l at i o n , re g u l at i o n o f
ot her re q u i remen t ot her re q u i remen t s a p p ly

Gatekeeper Improvement Act Officially called the Eligibility for Permanent Invalidity Benefit In the event of illness, the company goes through the
(Wet verbetering Poortwachter) (Restrictions) Act, this Act provides rules for the first two years checklist, drawn up in consultation with the company
of illness, with the goal of keeping the period of illness as short doctor.
as possible.
Tobacco Act (Tabakswet) The Tobacco Act provides measures to minimize tobacco use, There is no smoking allowed inside the company
and to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke. premises. Smokers may smoke in the smoking area
outside the building. This complies with the Tobacco Act.
Each year there is a check for changes in the Tobacco Act.
Works Councils Act (Wet op de This Act contains rules for the works councils and employee Since the company has fewer than 50 employees, it is
Ondernemingsraden) representative bodies. not required to have a works council. An annual poll is
taken among employees asking if they find a need for an
employee representative body.
Grafimedia Collective Labour The Collective Labour Agreement for the Grafimedia sector The agreements in the CAO are incorporated in the
Agreement (CAO) contains agreements about illness, leave, risk inventory and checklist for leave and the checklist for illness. A
evaluation, and training. summary is made of agreements about training that is
used in performance appraisal interviews. In performing
the RI&E, the testing agreements described in the CAO
are used. With any new CAO, the checklists are modified
and there is a check to see if other modifications to policy
of procedures are necessary.

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annex 6

Sample applicable legal


OHS requirements and how to ensure
compliance

S u b j ec t N o. Law A rt. N o. R e q u i remen t Pr o cess/ D e p t. E ns u red by D o c . n o.

Policy P-1 Working Conditions Article 5 The employer must draw up a risk Personnel and QES Procedure, RI&E
Act identification and evaluation (RI&E) and depts.
an action plan.
P-2 Working Conditions Article 9 Occupational accidents and illnesses Personnel and QES Procedure,
Act must be recorded and in certain cases depts. Emergency plan
reported.
P-3 Working Conditions Article 4.2 An additional RI&E must be made for Personnel and QES Procedure, RI&E
Decree exposure to hazardous substances. depts.
P-4 Working Conditions Article 4.3 Exposure to hazardous substances must Personnel and QES Overview of
Decree stay below threshold limit values. depts. measurements,
records,
procedure
Personal PPE -1 Working Conditions Article 8.1 Personal protective equipment Purchasing and Procedure,
Protective Decree must meet standards, fit the hazard, QES depts. informing
Equipment circumstances and the person, and be employees,
(PPE) used correctly. safety guide, PPE
register
PPE -2 Working Conditions Article 8.2 The use of personal protective Personnel and QES RI&E report
Decree equipment is evaluated in the RI&E. depts.
PPE -3 Working Conditions Article 8.3 Personal protective equipment must be Purchasing, QES Procedures,
Decree available, used, maintained and repaired. dept. and technical supply
services management,
PPE register
Noise N-1 Working Conditions Article 6.7 The RI&E must evaluate the noise levels Personnel and QES Procedure, RI&E
Decree to which employees are exposed. depts. report, Noise
reports
N-2 Working Conditions Articles 6.8 If threshold limit values are exceeded, Technical services, RI&E report, noise
Decree and 6.9 measures are taken, keeping in mind Personnel and QES report, action
occupational hygiene requirements. depts. plan
N-3 Working Conditions Article 6.10 An audiometric examination must be Personnel and QES Procedure,
Decree offered if threshold limit values are depts., company register,
exceeded. physician individual
medical dossiers
N-4 Working Conditions Article 6.11 Information and instructions should be Personnel and QES Procedure,
Decree given to employees if certain threshold depts. RI&E-report,
limit values are being exceeded. noise reports,
information
campaign

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S u b j ec t N o. Law A rt. N o. R e q u i remen t Pr o cess/ D e p t. E ns u red by D o c . n o.

N-5 (Rubber/plastics Solutions Compressed-air hose openings must be Technical services Checklist, CL 201
industry) for noise fitted with quiet nozzles. Employees and QES dept. information
Requirements are given instructions (they usually campaign
(Arbocatalogus believe that these nozzles work less
NRK) well).
N-6 NRK Requirements Solutions Use mufflers when releasing product Technical services Checklist CL 201
for noise (releasing compressed air after pressure
buildup).
N-7 NRK Requirements Solutions Cool with water instead of quick air- R&D, Technical Redesign
for noise cooling. services
N-8 NRK Requirements Solutions Cleaning with a vacuum cleaner instead Production Procedure,
for noise of compressed air. information
campaign
N-9 NRK Requirements Solutions Limiting how far a product may fall. R&D, Technical Redesign
for noise services

N-10 NRK Requirements Solutions Breaking the fall of dropped products. R&D, Technical Redesign
for noise services

Working hours WRT Working Times Act Article 5:7 An employee may work no more than 12 Personnel dept. Registration
and breaks -1 hours per shift. and production system

Article 5:7 An employee may work no more than 60 Personnel dept. Registration
hours per week. and production system

Article 5:7 The average weekly hours worked over Personnel dept. Registration
a period of 4 weeks must not exceed 55 and production system
hours.
Article 5:7 The average weekly hours worked over Personnel dept. Registration
a period of 16 weeks must not exceed and production system
48 hours.
Article 5:4 If an employee works more than 5.5 Personnel dept. Registration
hours, he or she must have at least 30 and production system
minutes break. This may be split into
two 15-minute breaks.
Article 5:4 If an employee works more than 10 Personnel dept. Registration
hours, the break must be at least 45 and production system
minutes. It may be divided into several
breaks of at least 15 minutes each.

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annex 7

Sample translation of legal


OHS requirements into concrete tasks

Below is an example of a company that has translated its legal requirements into employee tasks
(only a few tasks related to noise). Wherever possible, the company has integrated the requirements into
the procedures and operational instructions in its management system. For monitoring purposes
(and sometimes for performing the tasks) the tasks have been put in a computerized system. After a task
has been completed it must be cancelled in the system. The environmental-OHS coordinator performs
random checks to see if the tasks have been performed well and carefully and if compliance is being
ensured and/or checked by means of the formulated tasks.

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S u mmary L i nk D e ta i l ed descr i p t i o n o f R e f erence D escr i p t i o n o f task Fre q u ency Task
re q u i remen t s p er f o rmed
by

Work equipment www.wetten.nl If work equipment has a CE Overview of equipment with EC For every item of equipment, Once for all equipment. ..
must comply mark, has an EC declaration declaration of conformity and make a set with the EC declaration Supplement when new
with the relevant of conformity and is used in Dutch-language instructions. of conformity and instructions. equipment is acquired. Once a
year, check that everything is up to

N 10 0824 v e r s i o n o f 10 J u ly 2012
Commodities Act accordance with the instructions,
decrees. it may be assumed that the date and complete.
equipment complies with the
relevant Commodities Act decrees.
If the above is not the case, it Equipment report See if equipment without Once for all equipment. ..
must be demonstrated that the CE marks complies with the Supplement when new
equipment complies with the requirements from the Working equipment is acquired. Once a
requirements from the Working Conditions Decree year, check that everything is up to
Conditions Decree. date and complete.
Equipment must www.wetten.nl Worn equipment which could Logbook and maintenance plan On the basis of instructions for Once. At acquisition of new ..
be periodically cause dangerous situations must the equipment, see if inspection is machines/equipment/tools.
inspected/tested. be inspected and if necessary necessary.
tested.
Equipment is inspected if special Logbook and maintenance plan On the basis of instructions for Once. At acquisition of new ..
circumstances are a reason to the equipment, see if inspection is machines/equipment/tools.
do so. necessary.
Preventive A maintenance plan must be Maintenance plan Draw up a maintenance plan. Once. At acquisition of new ..
maintenance drawn up in which review days are machines/equipment/tools. Once
of machines, planned in advance. a year, check that all equipment is
equipment and included in the plan.
tools
If desired, make a maintenance maintenance passport Make a maintenance passport ..
passport for each machine. for each machine.
Having employees do more maintenance passport Lay down what part of Once. At acquisition of new ..
preventive maintenance maintenance is performed by machines/equipment/tools. Once
themselves can provide variety in employees on the work floor, a year, check that all equipment is
their job description. technical services employees, and included in the plan.
outside companies.

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S u mmary L i nk D e ta i l ed descr i p t i o n o f R e f erence D escr i p t i o n o f task Fre q u ency Task
re q u i remen t s p er f o rmed
by

Guidelines for safe www.arbocatalogus- The cutter meets the following


working with a vlees.nl safety requirements:
cutter

N 10 0824 v e r s i o n o f 10 J u ly 2012
1. The cutter has a hood that Logbook and maintenance Check these aspects when At purchase and annually. ..
ensures that the machine is off if schedule. purchasing the cutter. During
the hood is raised. The hood has a periodic maintenance, check if this
safety catch. requirement is still being met.
2. The cutters operating system is Logbook and maintenance Check these aspects when At purchase and annually. ..
such that it cannot be turned on schedule. purchasing the cutter. During
accidentally. periodic maintenance, check if this
requirement is still being met.
3. There is a feature where the Logbook and maintenance Check these aspects when At purchase and annually. ..
cutter does not work if there is a schedule. purchasing the cutter. During
malfunction in the safety control. periodic maintenance, check if this
requirement is still being met.
4. The machine is in good Maintenance schedule Check the condition of the Annually. ..
condition. machine annually.
5. Employees wear cut-resistant Personal protective equipment Provide cut-resistant gloves to Continuous ..
gloves when replacing the cutter register. employees who replace cutter
blades. blades, and supervise their use.
6. Employees working with cutters Minutes of employee meeting. Devote time in the employee Annually and at hire. ..
receive repeated instruction in Training period form. meetings to working safely with
safe use of the cutter (proper use cutters. Give new employees
of safety hood/catch, necessary information about safety when
caution when removing meat). working with cutters.

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annex 8

Sample translation of general


OHS requirements to specific rules

This is an example of a way to determine whether legislation and regulations apply using specific rules.
Sometimes legislation and regulations only apply if certain limits are exceeded. Here, a company canteen
has computer display units (VDUs) in several places. They must find out which work stations the OHS
legislation and regulations about working with computer displays apply to.

Article 5.8 of the Working Conditions Decree indicates that the articles about working with computer
displays do not apply to:

1a Operating stations on machines;


1b Computer systems intended primarily for use by the public;
1c So-called portable systems not continuously in use on a workstation;
1d Calculating machines, cash tills and other equipment provided with a small display for information
or quantities and required for the direct use of this equipment;
1e Conventional typewriters with displays;
2 Neither does this Section apply to work whereby an employee usually uses a VDU less than
two hours in every 24 hours.

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Below is a list of the displays in the company canteen and in its offices, work spaces and storage spaces.

S pace D escr i p t i o n o f d i s p l ay D o es O H S E x p l anat i o n C heck i n g


n u mber l e g i s l at i o n
a p p ly ?

1.01 Restaurant team leaders display Yes More than two hours per day, traditional
computer work station.
1.01 Cooks display No Average of 1.5 hours per day. Check annually if amount of
computer work has increased.
1.02 Assistant team leaders display No Average of less than one hour per day. Check annually if amount of
computer work has increased.
1.02 Kitchen workers shared work station No Average of less than one hour per day. Check annually if amount of
computer work has increased.
1.03 Cold room, display on refrigerator No Display for direct use of equipment (1d).

1.04 Walk-in freezer room, display on freezer No Display for direct use of equipment (1d).

1.10 Restaurant, staffed cash desk No Cash till (1d)

1.10 Restaurant, automatic cash desk No Used by the public (1b)

1.10 Restaurant, computer for ordering No Average of less than one hour per day. Check annually if amount of
computer work has increased.
1.12 Dishwashing area, display on dishwasher No Display for direct use of equipment (1d).

1.13 Kitchen, deep-fat fryer display No Display for direct use of equipment (1d).

1.13 Kitchen, oven display No Display for direct use of equipment (1d).

1.15 Supply room, PDA for supply management No Portable system not continually in use (1c).

Conclusion
For the time being, the rules from OHS legislation and regulations relevant to computer display work only
apply to the restaurant team leaders work station.

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annex 9

Sample management review procedure

Below is a part of the management review procedure, around the input and analysis regarding legislation
and regulations.

Documents to be supplied for the management review:


> procedure for keeping track of legislation and regulations;
> overview of changes in the organization (including other changes in process or product) and the follow-up
with regard to legislation and regulations (including updating applicable legislation and regulations
fitting the environmental and OHS aspects, determining impact on the organization, taking measures to
achieve compliance, information campaigns within the organization, etc.);
> report of evaluation(s) of compliance with legislation and regulations (performance): conclusions,
nonconformities, analysis of cause, corrective or preventive action;
> reports of external monitoring (by government authorities etc.): nonconformities, cause analysis,
corrective or preventive action;
> reports/results of internal and external audits regarding legislation and regulations: nonconformities,
cause analysis, corrective or preventive action;
> results of competency analysis of employee(s) responsible.

Analysis by top management:


> evaluate whether the method of keeping track of legislation and regulations ensures an up-to-date
register of legislation;
> evaluate whether changes in the organization have been adequately followed up;
> evaluate if the way compliance is achieved, and the compliance itself, is sufficient;
> evaluate whether sufficient corrective or preventive action has been taken;
> evaluate whether the procedure for corrective action is sufficient;
> evaluate whether the employee(s) involved have sufficient competence and if they need additional
training.

Conclusion by management:
With the management review, top management determines if the management system is still suitable,
appropriate and effective. Part of this is determining if the compliance management system or method
is still suitable, appropriate and effective, and that it ensures continual compliance with legal and other
requirements.

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Contact

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We will


gladly help companies, organizations, consultants, supervisory bodies,
certification bodies and other stakeholders.

SCCM

P.O. Box 13507


2501 EM The Hague

T +31 (0)70 362 39 81


E info@sccm.nl
I www.sccm.nl

Publication SCCM, Den Haag

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