Responsible Care® - RC14001® and RCMS®

Responsible Care® was launched in 1988 as the American Chemistry Council's (ACC) comprehensive Environmental, Health, Safety and Security (EHS&S) performance improvement initiative. It incorporates progressive principles and flexible management practices which allow members and partners to tailor the initiative to most effectively meet their needs.

The need for a structured process to implement and manage Responsible Care® management principles resulted in the Responsible Care Management System® (RCMS®) technical standard and RC14001® technical standard.

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) has established a framework for chemical manufacturing companies to adopt and implement global Responsible Care® core principles. National chemical industry associations are working with the ICCA to ensure the continuous improvement of EHS&S in their countries.

European associations have pledged to adopt this framework and some have drafted a national specification already, and certain of these insist on their members seeking third-party verification of their management systems.  Over the coming years it is expected that the remaining national associations in Europe and Asia will follow suit.

An RCMS® is based on benchmarked best practices of leading private sector companies, initiatives developed through the Global Environmental Management Initiative, International Standards Organization and other bodies, and requirements of national regulatory authorities.

Who is it relevant to?

RC14001® incorporates all of the requirements of ISO 14001 as well as the requirements of the Responsible Care® code. It is the ideal standard for chemical manufacturing companies who want a certified system based on an international standard that is accepted by all types of organizations worldwide.

RC14001® aims for continual improvement and demonstrated product stewardship. The third-party verification further provides credibility, ensuring continuing conformance to all requirements and expected EHS&S performance.

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Depending on your national chemical industry association’s interpretation of the Responsible Care® core principles, your company might be required to verify or certify to either the RCMS® technical standard or the RC14001® technical standard.

Benefits of certification to RC14001® and RCMS®:

• Establishes your company’s health and safety, security and environmental credentials with a certificate based on an international standard and accepted by a broad spectrum of organizations worldwide
• Demonstrates you comply with the relevant regulations
• Demonstrates innovation and a forward thinking approach to customers and employees
• Increases your access to new customers and business partners
• Improves your health, safety, security and environmental risk management
• Potentially reduces your public liability insurance costs
• Encourages you to continually improve your management system using regular third-party audits to drive new initiatives

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We offer a comprehensive range of services to help businesses understand and implement the internationally recognized RC14001® and RCMS® specifications.

Initially you should read either the RC14001® or RCMS ® specification, available from your local country chemical industry association (a list of which can be found on the ICCA website).

Alternatively, you can talk to us direct so that we can provide you with information and support in finding the right solution for your company.

There are also some common tools that you can use and a common process that you can follow during your implementation and route towards certification:

1. Develop your environmental, health, safety and security policy

Your environmental policy will state your commitment to compliance with legal and regulatory demands, continual improvement and the prevention of pollution, accidents and incidents. You should make this policy available to your market and the public.

2. Review and produce objectives

At this stage you should identify the elements of your business that impact on the environment, health, safety and security and establish access to relevant legislation and regulations and produce objectives and targets for improvement and a management program to achieve them.

3. Training

Once you have assembled a team and agreed on your strategy, it’s crucial to get understanding and involvement from the top down. We offer a comprehensive program of training courses for each key step, which can be tailored to a company’s size and needs.

4. Implementation and assessment

Our RAB-QSA/BEAC accredited Client Managers can check in with you at key stages to ensure your implementation is running smoothly and to identify any gaps or areas for improvement.

The initial certification to RC14001® involves a two stage assessment process, including a site visit with document review. Following the two stage initial assessment, the assessor will determine whether you should be recommended for registration.

You will then be visited for surveillance assessments on a semi-annual, annual or sampling basis. RCMS® may be done in a single visit.  You may choose to have surveillance audits thereafter, or have a full reassessment every three years.

You should arrange the initial assessment with your Client Manager.  With either approach, it's often a good idea to include a pre-assessment designed to act as a practice assessment.

5. Certification and beyond

Once the assessment has been successfully completed, we’ll issue a certificate of registration, clearly explaining the scope of your management system. The certificate is valid for three years, and your assessor will visit you regularly to help you make sure you remain compliant, and support you in the continual improvement of your systems.

Request a quote, find out more about training courses or contact us for more details.