New norms may make ISO certification mandatory for some Omani companies
Date
9/14/2015 2:04:43 AM
(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) New environmental standards by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) being unveiled on Tuesday may have effect on some of Oman's biggest companies especially in the oil and gas sector.
The Geneva-based ISO 14001 targets organisations whose operations directly or indirectly have an effect on the environment. The ISO certification is not compulsory but contractual and regulatory norms mean it may be essential for companies according to Martin Baxter chief policy advisor at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) in the UK.
He was conducting a workshop on Sunday at the Nama Institute for Competency Development on the new protocol with representatives from major companies including PDO and Orpic in attendance. "It's optional to a certain extent but in many organisations it's a contractual requirement' he said.
Companies in the chemicals oil and gas fertilisers construction banking and academic sectors may be involved with the standard. ISO 14001 standards include greenhouse gas emissions water and air pollution and natural habitats according to Baxter. Companies have three years from Tuesday September 15 to qualify for certification on the standards.
Baxter further said that training and knowledge-building of the standards will be important for companies attempting certification. ISO 14001 2015 is an update of the first ISO 14001 which was issued in 1996 and then revised in 2004.
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