Companies seeking to apply for certification to applicable management system are asked to complete an application form and additional assessment sheet. The form seeks relevant data about the business operations such as number of employees, shifts, specific processes and technologies used in operations, data relating to key environmental aspects, licenses, permits and approvals. Once our proposal is accepted and the application fee is received, Client will be allocated a specific Client Manager who will project manage all QAIC services.

The Client Manager will interface with you to forward plan all audit activities and adjust service delivery to suit your actual needs as the management system evolves and becomes integrated with existing management systems.

A Self Evaluation Checklist will also be sent out for your internal assessment checking; this will need to be completed prior to the Preliminary Audit.

This is an optional service that QAIC can provide to clients which highlights any gaps in your documentation. The review assesses whether key documentation requirements are in place as required by a management system and also outlines in a report areas that do not comply with applicable standard as per the application form. This will allow any additional work to be undertaken on your management system in preparation for the Pre-audit.

The Preliminary Audit has to be conducted at the facilities to confirm that key management system requirements are in place and supported by suitable documentation. It involves: Reviewing any issues arising from QAIC‟s assessment of the Self Evaluation Checklist Reviewing any system assessments undertaken by the client which identify significant system aspects and associated impacts as well as regulatory requirements Confirming that the required standard and policies are
based on determination of significant aspects, continual improvement in performance, prevention of pollution, documented objectives and measurable targets and resourced improvement programs Reviewing management system documentation to assess whether key system requirements have been adequately addressed Assessment of progress in implementing the system through discussions and sampling of procedures, records, etc.

Checking adequacy and reliability of internal auditing, procedures and programs Reviewing audits, corrective action and follow up activities, and planning resources and confirming the scope for the certification audit. A detailed Preliminary Audit report will provide feedback and information on the management system status, which will help prepare for further assessment. It will highlight any major system deficiencies, which will need to be addressed before the Certification Audit, as well as potential opportunities for system improvement.

The Certification Audit is the main assessment that will determine whether certification will be recommended. It is a detailed audit of the system to assess conformance of the management system to all specified requirements of the relevant Standard. Full implementation of the management system will be verified.

Verification of practices to ensure conformance with the documented system will be undertaken. Any shortcomings identified during the Preliminary Audit in Stage 3 will also be checked to ensure they have been satisfactorily addressed. If the management system documentation satisfies the Standard’s requirements and practices accord with your documented system, then satisfactory implementation will be achieved.

A successful audit should result in a recommendation for certification. A detailed certification audit report will be prepared. QAIC will liaise with you in preparing an Audit Service Specification for conducting ongoing surveillance of the management system.

Records of the Certification Audit will be submitted to QAIC‟s Certification Authority for an independent review and a final decision on approval of certification. Upon certification your organization’s name is registered with QAIC and business operation details will be added to the official QAIC Register of Organizations. Your certificate will be valid for a period of three years, as current international accreditation criteria require a Re-Certification Audit every three years.

In order to maintain certification, the system will need to undergo once yearly Surveillance Audits to ensure the system is functioning effectively.

Surveillance Audits will typically assess the following management system areas at least once per year: management system effectiveness in meeting objectives derived from the system policy, Functioning of procedures for evaluation of legal compliance, Progress of planned activities aimed at improving environmental performance, Internal audits and follow up activities, Corrective and preventive control processes, External communication processes, Effectiveness of management review, and Changes to the management system and/or its scope.