As we start 2013, it is clear that we will shortly be getting a very different version of ISO 14001 – as well as revisions to ISO 9001.  OHSAS 18001 may be revised as well – or transformed into an ISO standard.

What is happening with ISO 14001?

The revision of the 2004 edition of ISO 14001 is now well underway. 

The impact of Annex SL of the ISO/IEC Directives (a.k.a. Guide 83 High Level Structure) is becoming evident.  It is clear that using the new required common approach, with its mandatory definitions and identical core text, will result in significant structural and substantive changes to the standard.

Whether these changes are wise, or not, seems to depend on who you ask.

A committee draft (CD) of the revised ISO 14001 standard will be out for comment later this year and the plan is to have the new version ready for final publication in early 2015.

What about OHSAS 18001?

The revision status of OSHAS 18001 is less clear.

BSI has indicated that it plans to again request that ISO develop an OHSMS standard to replace OHSAS 18001.  Any revision of OHSAS 18001 is on hold pending the outcome of this action.

What about ISO 9001?

Annex SL applies to ISO 9001 as well, so the next revision of the quality management system will need to deal with many of the same issues associated with Annex SL that are currently being debated in the revision of ISO 14001.

Work has started on this revision of ISO 9001 with a projected completion date of late 2015.

It appears 2013 will be a busy year for standards writers!