GB/T 24004-96 Environment Management System Principles, System and Supporting Technology General Guidance
Introduction
The GB/T 24004-96 Environment Management System is a set of principles and guidelines developed by the General Administration of Quality Supervision and Quarantine of the Peoples Republic of China. The document is intended to guide organizations in establishing and maintaining effective environment management systems (EMS). Summarized below are the main aspects of the document and its statutory requirements.
Principles of Environment Management System
As specified in the document, an effective EMS follows the principles of systematic, participative, results-oriented, and documented. This includes having consistent processes throughout the organization, involving all relevant stakeholders in designing, implementing, and maintaining the system, monitoring progress and making changes as needed, and having all documents referring to the operation of the EMS updated and accessible for stakeholders. Additionally, all management processes and responsibilities related to the system should be clearly defined and communicated within the organization to ensure proper functioning.
Requirements of Environment Management System
The document is divided into two main sections. The first is the requirements for an Environment Management System, which includes a general description of the system, quality objectives, describe roles and responsibilities, control of documents and records, and internal communication.
The second section contains the general requirements that should be followed when setting up and managing an EMS. These requirements include having a designated leadership team, selecting personnel to manage various aspects of the system, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and adequate training of employees to ensure proper operation.
Conclusion
The GB/T 24004-96 Environment Management System provides organizations with a comprehensive set of principles, requirements, and general guidance for effective environment management. It is a useful resource for organizations to use when setting up and maintaining their EMS, thus ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and standards. By following the documents requirements, organizations can be assured of environmental protection and, ultimately, sustainability.
