Welcome to Week 1 of MiSAFE Solutions Pty Ltd’s IMS Mastery Series: “Build Your IMS Empire: 53 Weeks of QHSE Insights with MiSAFE”. This week, we focus on defining the scope of your Integrated Management System (IMS). This is a crucial first step in integrating Quality (ISO 9001), Health & Safety (ISO 45001), and Environment (ISO 14001). It is under the ISO Annex SL structure.
Defining your IMS scope sets the boundaries for what’s included in your system. Therefore, this approach ensures you tailor it to your organisation’s unique needs without unnecessary complexity.
Why Define Your IMS Scope?
Why Define Your IMS Scope? A clear scope prevents scope creep and focuses your efforts on relevant processes. For instance, in Australian businesses, especially SMEs and trade sectors like construction, an undefined scope can lead to overcompliance or missed risks, which wastes resources. However, you align QHSE with your operations by customising boundaries, which makes the system practical and scalable.
Steps to Customise QHSE Boundaries
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First, identify core activities: Map your main processes, products, and services to determine what falls within QHSE management.
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Next, consider internal and external factors: Factor in your organisation’s size, location, and regulatory requirements, like Work Health and Safety laws.
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Then, exclude non-essentials: Clearly state what’s out of scope, such as non-core activities, to keep the IMS focused.
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Finally, document and review: Write a scope statement and review it with leadership for buy-in.
Benefits of a Customised Scope
Benefits of a Customised Scope A tailored scope boosts compliance, reduces risks, and supports growth. For example, a construction firm might limit scope to site operations, excluding office admin, for better efficiency.
Get Started with Your Free Tool
Get Started with Your Free Tool. Download the IMS Scope Template for Customising QHSE Boundaries in Your Integrated Management System (Document ID: MISAFE-IMS-TMP-001-V1.0) to draft and customise your scope statement easily.
Stay Tuned
Stay Tuned Next week: “Key ISO Standards Explained: Building Blocks for Your IMS”. Subscribe to the MiSAFE blog for updates.
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