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ISO 9004: dispatches from Tokyo
02 Jun 2009
Topics: Quality management, ISO 9001
In February 2009, the 26th meeting of ISO/TC 176 was held at the Tokyo International Forum in Tokyo, Japan.
On the agenda was the revision of ISO 9004, which provides guidance on how organizations can continually improve their quality management system. The standard, which is now titled Managing for the sustained success of an organization - A quality management approach, is nearing completion and many comments were reviewed during the meeting.
Work during the Tokyo meeting focused on creating supporting documents for ISO 9004, from a brochure on quality for senior managers to a guide on the use of the ISO 9004 Self-assessment tool. Publication of the revised standard is expected in October 2009.
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Sapphire earns a standards hat-trick
Sapphire Energy Recovery, the waste processing and resource recovery business owned by Lafarge Cement, has achieved certification to three management systems standards (ISO 9001 Quality management, ISO 14001 Environmental management and BS OHSAS 18001 Health and safety management) from BSI. Sapphire is the UK's leading processor of used tyres, and sources and manages the logistics of a range of waste-derived fuels and raw materials for the cement industry.
Until now, there has been no strict guidance in the UK relating to how audiovisual (AV) installations are carried out. This includes everything from computers and projectors to interactive whiteboards, plasma screens and loud speakers. For AV installation companies, processes can vary significantly.
As part of its evolving governance, risk and compliance strategy, BSI has acquired the Supply Chain Security Division of First Advantage Corporation.
BSI is planning an informal free lunchtime roundtable in central London on 10 December 2009 to explore how small businesses and their trade bodies can work more effectively with standards. Places are limited so to register your interest or request more information, please email bsi.survey@bsigroup.com or call +44 (0)20 8996 7750.
UK film industry pioneers sustainability standard developed by BSI
The British film industry, in conjunction with BSI, is taking the lead in the global entertainment market with the announcement at the Cannes Film Festival of a new British Standard that will improve the industry's environmental, social and economic impact. For example, in London alone, screen production accounted for 125,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2009, 40% of which came from studios and 28% from TV and film production.
Question: Are health and safety issues at risk of being lost in the current financial turmoil?
When business isn't going well - whether it's due to a recession or simply because a company is going through a slow patch - there is a temptation to cut costs by cutting corners. Instead of treating an issue like product and consumer safety as vital to a organization's growth and reputation, it can become just another expense or regulatory requirement.
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