RCMS and RC14001 Revisions - How ABS QE can assist with the transition

For detailed information on the updated guidelines, view the video archive of the RC Transition webinar.

The RCMS and RC14001 Technical Specifications have recently been revised in an effort to support continual improvement in the areas of environmental, health, safety, security, process safety, and product safety and stewardship. ACC has developed a transition process to facilitate the change over from the current (2008) to the new (2013) versions of the technical specifications. The transition period begins September 15, 2013 and ends on December 31, 2014.

As required by ACC, and in alignment with their process, ABS QE has developed the following system for transitioning QE Responsible Care clients to the 2013 versions of RCMS and/or RC14001.

For RCMS Option 1 (certification requiring surveillance) clients, the transition audit will require an additional half-day when the transition is associated with a surveillance audit. This additional time is necessary to address the additions/changes for all sections of the RCMS technical specification. No additional time is necessary when associated with a renewal audit since all sections are covered.

For RCMS Option 2 (no certification, no surveillance) clients, RCMS:2008 shall be used through December 31, 2013. After January 1, 2014, all audits will be conducted using RCMS:2013.

For RC 14001 clients, no additional time is required for the transition audit as the changes in this technical specification are minimal.

After January 1, 2014, all audits will be performed to the 2013 versions of the RCMS / RC14001 Technical Specifications.

The Process Safety Code will also be included in audits beginning January 1, 2014. Audits in 2014 will include verification of a Process Safety Code Implementation plan, which shall include, at a minimum:

Information on how the code applies to the organization’s activities at the HQ and site level;
Timelines/Milestones for implementing the Code’s practices;
Organizational accountabilities and responsibilities for implementing the Code;
Evidence of senior leadership’s participation (in the development) and/or approval of the plan

In 2015, audits will include a check for evidence of progress against the plan. The Process Safety Code practices will be sampled as part of the normal audit process beginning in 2016.

Patti Macon
EHS Program Manager
281-673-2838
pmacon@abs-qe.com

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