Accredited Management Process System

A. Purpose:

General Information about Revolutionary Consultants Management System Certification Process

B. Scope:

Awareness about Revolutionary Consultants Management System Certification Process

C. Responsibilities:

Nominated Representative / Head Office – Revolutionary Consultants

D. Description:

Revolutionary Consultants provides independent certification services for various management systems.

1. Management Systems Certification Scheme:

1.1 The scheme covers assessment by Revolutionary Consultants for            certification of various management system/s in accordance with the International Standards viz. ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 22000 and ISO/IEC 27001.

1.2 Certificates are issued as per the following accreditations / certification schemes:

• QMS under accreditation (as of now Revolutionary Consultants will provide Revolutionary Consultants accredited certificate after getting accreditation, accredited certificate will be provide).

1.3 Scope of Accreditation: The accreditation covers the quality system of the certifying body as well as specified certification scope in working areas described under different EGAC code, or which the certification body is authorized to carry out assessment and issue of certificates of approval.

For other information and list of clients; visit www.pqcert.in

• Revolutionary Consultants has made all the information on the website: www.pqcert.in in which is informed to all clients during contract period and is made Policy on Impartiality i.e., information describing its audit processes and certification processes for granting, refusing, maintaining, renewing, suspending, restoring or withdrawing certification or expanding or reducing the scope of certification, and about the certification activities, types of management systems and geographical areas in which it operates. Also include on website, use of Revolutionary Consultants’s name and certification mark or logo including information available for handling request for information, complaints and appeals.

1.4 Scope of Assessment These are the various activities carried out by the industry / organization, within the scope of the standard which appears in the certificate of approval issued to the organization by Revolutionary Consultants after satisfactory assessment.

2. Management Systems as per international Standards Certifications of following Management Systems Standards /Specifications are offered by Revolutionary Consultants

2.1 Quality Management System (QMS) – ISO 9001 The International Standards specify requirements for quality management systems where an organization needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable regulatory requirements and aim to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable regulatory requirements.

2.2 Environmental Management System (EMS) – ISO 14001 The requirement for an environmental management system is to enable an organization identify its significant aspects and their impact, to develop and implement policy and objectives, which take into account legal and other requirements to which an organization subscribes, and take decision to inform about significant environmental aspects to all the interested parties. It applies to those environmental aspects that the organization can control, that it can influence. It does not itself state specific environmental performance criteria. The extent of application depends on factors such as the environmental policy of the organization, the nature of its activities, products, services, location and the conditions in which it functions.

2.3 Occupational Health and Safety management Systems (OH & SMS) – OHSAS 18001 This standard gives requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH & S) management system, to enable an organization to control its OH&S risks and improve its performance. This standard is intended to address occupational health and safety of personnel and processes, rather than product and services safety. The standard is applicable to any organization that wishes to

a) Establish an OH&S management system to eliminate and minimize risk to employees and other interested parties who may be exposed to OH&S risks associated with its activities.

b) Implement, maintain and continually improve the OH&S management system

c) Assure itself of its conformance with its stated OH&S policy

d) Compliance to legal and other requirements

2.4 Food Safety Management System (FSMS) – ISO 22000 Certification of an organization’s FSMS is one of the means of providing assurance that the certified organization has implemented a system for the food safety management of its processes, activities, products and services in line with the organization’s food safety policy and the requirements of ISO 22000. It is applicable to all organizations, regardless of size, which are involved in any aspect of the food chain and want to implement systems that consistently provide safe products.

2.5 Information Security Management System (ISMS) – ISO 27001 An Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information so that it remains secure. It encompasses people, processes and IT systems. Certification of an organization’s ISMS ensures that the organization has a model for establishing, implementing, operating, reviewing, maintaining and improving the security of information including those of customer, held by the organization. The implemented ISMS ensure handling of overall business risks by implementation of security controls customized to the needs of the organization thus increasing the productivity of the people and enhancing corporate image.

3. Certification (Registration) of Management Systems

3.1 Application Organization, intending to obtain management system certification from Revolutionary Consultants, to fill up the questionnaire, indicating the scope of assessment (refer para 1.4) along with other details. An offer is made to the organization based on required man days calculated as per the details provided in the application form and after ensuring that the declared scope of assessment is within the authorization of Revolutionary Consultants scope (refer para 1.3) accreditation.

3.2. Submission of Documents Organization submits the Application Form (Revolutionary Consultants-F003) indicating the scope of assessment (refer para 1.4) duly signed, for review by Revolutionary Consultants. For Public Sector Unit i.e. PSU, which usually form a client base involved in tendering process, the issuance of Work Order / Purchase Order by these PSU’s are considered equivalent document for Order Acceptance & deemed acceptance of the Terms & Conditions specified in Clause 4 of this document. In such cases details of certification requirements shall be provided through the document Accredited Management System Process.

3.3. Assessment of Documents The assessment of the documents may be done prior to the scheduled Stage I audit or during the Stage I audit. It is preferable to receive and review the documents at least 4 days prior to Stage I audit to provide a better focus on the scope of audit. The adequacy of the management system documentation with respect to implementation is reviewed during the assessment and if found deficient appropriate comments are communicated to the auditee through Stage I report. The details of audit schedule are planned and these are submitted to the Organization.

3.4. Certification (registration) Assessment for the Management Systems is carried out in 2 stages.

a) Stage I

b) Stage II

The activities of each are described as below:

a) Stage I – The stage 1 audit shall be performed on-site to

• Audit the client’s management system documentation;

• Evaluate the client’s location and site-specific conditions and to undertake discussions with the client’s personnel to determine the preparedness for the stage 2 audit;

• Review the client’s status and understanding regarding requirements of the standard, in particular with respect to the identification of key performance or significant aspects, processes, objectives and operation of the management system;

• Collect necessary information regarding the scope of the management system, processes and location(s) of the client, and related statutory and regulatory aspects and compliance (e.g. quality, environmental, legal aspects of the client’s operation, associated risks, etc.);

• Review the allocation of resources for stage 2 audit and agree with the client on the details of the stage 2 audit;

• Provide a focus for planning the stage 2 audit by gaining a sufficient understanding of the client’s management system and site operations in the context of possible significant aspects;

• Evaluate if the internal audits and management review are being planned and performed, and that the level of implementation of the management system substantiates that the client is ready for the stage 2 audit. Stage 1 audit shall be carried out at the client’s premises in order to achieve the objectives stated above.

• Stage 1 audit findings shall be documented and communicated to the client, including identification of any areas of concern that could be classified as nonconformity during the stage 2 audit.

• In determining the interval between stage 1 and stage 2 audits, consideration shall be given to the needs of the client to resolve areas of concern identified during the stage 1 audit. Revolutionary Consultants may also need to revise its arrangements for stage 2.

b) Stage II – Audit The purpose of the stage 2 audit is to evaluate the implementation, including effectiveness, of the client’s management system. The stage 2 audit shall take place at the site(s) of the client. It shall include at least the following:

• Information and evidence about conformity to all requirements of the applicable management system standard or other normative document;

• Performance monitoring, measuring, reporting and reviewing against key performance objectives and targets (consistent with the expectations in the applicable management system standard or other normative document);

• The client’s management system and performance as regards legal compliance;

• Operational control of the client’s processes;

• Internal auditing and management review;

• Management responsibility for the client’s policies;

• Links between the normative requirements, policy, performance objectives and targets (consistent with the expectations in the applicable management system standard or other normative document), any applicable legal requirements, responsibilities, competence of personnel, operations, procedures, performance data and internal audit findings and conclusions. Stage II activity shall be scheduled within 90 days from the completion of the Stage I activity.

3.5. Outcome of certification audit (Initial/ Renewal): The outcome of a certification audit or renewal audit is decided based on the audit findings including nature of non-conformities noted during the audit. There are four possible outcomes:

1. Recommendation for certification

2. Recommendation for certification subject to corrective actions being implemented satisfactorily and / or effectively

3. Limited re-audit or follow-up visit at a later date

4. No recommendation for certification, which usually means that a complete re-audit is necessary. For (iii) and (iv) above, additional fee and expenses will be charged. Note: The certificate cannot be recommended in case of any unresolved non-conformities identified during the audit.

3.6. Non – Conformity Non- conformities shall be categorized by the auditors into Major and Minor. Characteristics of a major nonconformity are:

The absence of a documented procedure to address a requirement of the applicable audit criteria, when required.

An extensive breakdown or the absence of evidence of effective implementation of a process and/or documented procedure required by the applicable audit criteria.

An inability to demonstrate compliance with a technical claim relative to matters affecting product/service quality.

The absence of, or total systemic breakdown of, a management system element specified in the applicable audit criteria; or any nonconformity where the effect is judged to be detrimental to the integrity of the product, processes, or service.

The absence of, or failure to implement and maintain, one or more management system requirements; or a situation which would, on the basis of objective evidence, raise significant doubt as to the capability of the management system to achieve its policy and objectives.

A number of minor nonconformities against any one requirement of the audit criteria represents a total breakdown of a system and therefore could collectively represent a major noncompliance. (Note: This condition usually represents 4 or more nonconformities.)

Characteristics of a minor nonconformity are:

i. A failure to fully satisfy a requirement of the audit criteria with a documented procedure, when required.

ii. A breakdown in the effective implementation of a documented procedure in isolated incidents.

iii. Timelines for NC Submission and closure60 days 90 days Follow up visit 60 days — Verification & Closure On site visit Subsequent Visit NC during Recertification Before Certificate expiry date Extension of NC period 30 days

3.7. Surveillance Audit:3.7.1 Surveillance activities shall include on-site audits assessing the certified client’s management system’s fulfillment of specified requirements with respect to the standard to which the certification is granted. Other surveillance activities may include

1. enquiries from the certification body to the certified client on aspects of Certification,

2. reviewing any client’s statements with respect to its operations (e.g. promotional material, website),

3. requests to the client to provide documents and records (on paper or electronic media), and

4. other means of monitoring the certified client’s performance.

3.7.2 Surveillance audits are on-site audits, but are not necessarily full system audits, and shall be planned together with the other surveillance activities so that the certification body can maintain confidence that the certified management system continues to fulfill requirements between recertification audits. The surveillance audit programme shall include, at least

1. Internal audits and management review

2. A review of actions taken on nonconformities identified during the previous audit, treatment of complaints

3. Effectiveness of the management system with regard to achieving the certified client’s objectives, progress of planned activities aimed at continual improvement,

4. Continuing operational control,

5. Review of any changes, and

6. Use of marks and/or any other reference to certification.

3.7.3 Surveillance audits shall be conducted at least once a year. The date of the first surveillance audit following initial certification shall not be more than 12 months from the last day of the stage 2 audit. The date of the second surveillance audit shall not be more than 24 months from the last day of the stage 2 audit.

3.8. Recertification Audit: A recertification audit shall be planned and conducted on-site to evaluate the continued fulfillment of all of the requirements of the relevant management system standard or other normative document. The purpose of the recertification audit is to confirm the continued conformity and effectiveness of the management system as a whole, and its continued relevance and applicability for the scope of certification.

3.8.1 The recertification audit shall consider the performance of the management system over the period of certification, and include the review of previous surveillance audit reports.

3.8.2 Recertification audit activities may need to have a stage 1 audit in situations where there have been significant changes to the management system, the client, or the context in which the management system is operating (e.g. changes to legislation).

3.8.3 In the case of multiple sites or certification to multiple management system standards being provided by Revolutionary Consultants, the planning for the audit shall ensure adequate on-site audit coverage to provide confidence in the certification.

The recertification audit shall include an on-site audit that addresses the following:

1. the effectiveness of the management system in its entirety in the light of internal and external changes and its continued relevance and applicability to the scope of certification;

2. demonstrated commitment to maintain the effectiveness and improvement of the management system in order to enhance overall performance;

3. whether the operation of the certified management system contributes to the achievement of the organization’s policy and objectives.

When, during a recertification audit, instances of nonconformity or lack of evidence of conformity are identified, the Revolutionary Consultants shall define time limits for correction and corrective actions to be implemented prior to the expiration of certification.

3.9 Special audits

i. Extensions to scope Revolutionary Consultants shall, in response to an application for extension to the scope of a certification already granted, undertake a review of the application and determine any audit activities necessary to decide whether or not the extension may be granted. This may be conducted in conjunction with a surveillance audit.

ii. Short-notice audits It may be necessary for the Revolutionary Consultants to conduct audits of certified clients at short notice to investigate complaints, or in response to changes, or as follow up on suspended clients. In such cases

• Revolutionary Consultants shall describe and make known in advance to the certified clients the conditions under which these short notice visits are to be conducted, and

• Revolutionary Consultants shall exercise additional care in the assignment of the audit team because of the lack of opportunity for the client to object to audit team members.

iii. Suspending, withdrawing or reducing the scope of certification

Revolutionary Consultants has a policy and documented procedure(s) for suspension, withdrawal or reduction of the scope of certification, and shall specify the subsequent actions by the certification body. Revolutionary Consultants shall suspend certification in cases when, for example,

1. The client’s certified management system has persistently or seriously failed to meet certification requirements, including requirements for the effectiveness of the management system,

2. The certified client does not allow surveillance or recertification audits to be conducted at the required frequencies, or

3. The certified client has voluntarily requested a suspension.

Under suspension, the client’s management system certification is temporarily invalid. In case of suspension the client refrains from further promotion of its certification. Revolutionary Consultants shall make the suspended status of the certification publicly accessible and shall take any other measures it deems appropriate.

Failure to resolve the issues that have resulted in the suspension in a time established by Revolutionary Consultants shall result in withdrawal or reduction of the scope of certification.

Note: In most cases the suspension would not exceed 6 months.

Revolutionary Consultants shall reduce the client’s scope of certification to exclude the parts not meeting the requirements, when the client has persistently or seriously failed to meet the certification requirements for those parts of the scope of certification. Any such reduction shall be in line with the requirements of the standard used for certification.

3.10 Documents Issued to the Organization:

Stage I Audit:

• Audit plan

• Stage I audit report including areas for concern and comments on manual

• Non-conformity Report

• Invoice

Stage II / Renewal / Surveillance Audit:

Audit plan

Audit report

Objective evidence report

Non-conformity report

Invoice

On recommendation for grant of certificate of Approval, it is issued from Head Office along with covering letter addressing excluded clauses and the logo artwork along with Usage of Logo guidelines.

4. General Terms and Conditions

4.1 Responsibility of Revolutionary Consultants It is the responsibility of Revolutionary Consultants to provide Assessment and Certification in accordance with the current issue of Revolutionary Consultants “Accredited Management System Process”. Please note that in meeting its Policy of continual improvement of service, Revolutionary Consultants reserves the right to modify the contents of “Accredited Management System Process”

4.2 Responsibility of Auditee Organization

• It is the responsibility of the organisation to provide Revolutionary Consultants with all documents, information, facilities and changes as and when it takes place as necessary to enable Revolutionary Consultants to provide the services under these terms and conditions.

• It is the responsibility of the organisation to provide accreditation bodies of Revolutionary Consultants with all documents, information and visits as necessary to enable verification of audits carried out by Revolutionary Consultants.

• It is the responsibility of Client Organization to visit Revolutionary Consultants website www.pqcert.in on the updation of the Accredited Management System Process.

4.3 Fees & Expenses

• For agreements under Tender Documents: All terms & conditions will be applicable as per agreed tender documents.

• The fees payable and terms of payment are as detailed in Revolutionary Consultants letter enclosing the quotation to the organisation. The basic charges for services requested are based on the assumption that the information supplied by the organisation was accurate and complete.

• Special Surveillance Visits Special Surveillance Visits will be charged as per prevalent fees applicable at that time.

• Travel and Incidental Expenses All fees are exclusive of travel and incidental expenses which will be charged extra at actuals.

• Statutory Taxes All fees and expenses quoted are exclusive of any statutory taxes which will be charged at the current rate, if applicable.

• Invoices Invoices will be submitted as soon as practicable, after the completion of any assessment visit(s).

• Payment All payments should be made in the name of “Revolutionary Consultants” preferably by local Cheque/demand draft within 7 days of receipt of the invoice. Amounts remaining unpaid for more than 30 days from invoice date will be liable to interest at the rate of 15{b55280a771cac5b3d6366fccba9524bc3ac41f4eb2d66f8bf3303f8bacaa4a43} per annum.

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