Appendix F: Glossary

A-I

Abnormal situations

Reasonably foreseeable situations which depart from normal operating circumstances, e.g. start-up and shut-down conditions, plant failures that should be anticipated.

BS EN ISO 9001

The full reference for ISO 9001 'Quality management systems' in the UK.

BS EN ISO 14001

The full reference for ISO 14001 'Environmental management systems' in the UK.

Continual improvement

Year on year planned improvements to an organisation's environmental performance.

Controlled document

A document that must be authorised before issue, is given issue/revision status, is issued to named recipients who are automatically sent revisions and reissues and who acknowledge receipt of the document.

Corrective action

Short term action taken to overcome a nonconformity and bring the situation under control.

Emergency

A major environmental uncontrolled event often involving the emergency services.

EMS

Abbreviation for a documented 'Environmental Management System'.

Environment

Surroundings in which an organisation operates, including air, water, land, natural resources, flora, fauna, humans and their interrelation.

Environmental aspect

Element of an organisation's activities, products or services that can interact with the environment. Note: A significant environmental aspect is an environmental aspect that has or can have a significant environmental impact.

Environmental management manual

A description of the EMS and how it conforms to the requirements of ISO 14001.

Environmental management system (EMS)

That part of the overall management system that controls environmental activities including organisation, planning, responsibilities, procedures and the related documentation.

Environmental management system audit

A systematic and documented verification process of objectively obtaining and evaluating evidence...