Managing Compliance Obligations (ISO 14001 Clause 6.1.3)

Introduction

“Compliance Obligations” (formerly “Legal and Other Requirements”) are the rules you have to play by. They include mandatory laws and voluntary commitments.

Types of Obligations

Mandatory (Legal)

• National environmental laws (e.g., Clean Air Act, Waste Regulations).
• Local bylaws (e.g., noise limits, sewer discharge limits).
• Permit conditions (e.g., specific limits in your operating license).

Voluntary (Other)

• Industry codes of practice.
• Contractual requirements with customers.
• Community agreements.
• Corporate standards (from Head Office).

The Process

1. Determine: Identify which laws apply to your environmental aspects.
2. Access: Have a way to get the text of the laws (e.g., subscription service, government website).
3. Understand: Figure out what you actually have to do (e.g., “Submit report by March 31st,” “Do not exceed pH 9.0”).
4. Evaluate: Periodically check if you are actually doing it (Clause 9.1.2).