Documentation Structure For ISO 14001 EMS

ISO 14001 Standard does not require an Environmental Manual. Despite this, almost all companies I worked with developed and used EMS Manuals. Many of our clients use a four-level structures, including records, as shown below:
Manual – level 1
Procedures – level 2
Instructions – level 3
EMS Records – level 4
While auditing EMS systems like the one above, I often asked clients about the position of their Environmental policy in this structure. If you start from an Environmental Manual, how would you know what standard this manual should cover? The Environmental policy defines it and therefore it may be included into the structure:
Policy – level 1
EMS Manual – level 2
ISO 14001 Procedures – level 3
Work Instructions – level 4
EMS Records – level 5

Documentation Structure For ISO 14001 EMS

ISO 14001 Standard does not require an Environmental Manual. Despite this, almost all companies I worked with developed and used EMS Manuals. Many of our clients use a four-level structures, including records, as shown below:
Manual – level 1
Procedures – level 2
Instructions – level 3
EMS Records – level 4
While auditing EMS systems like the one above, I often asked clients about the position of their Environmental policy in this structure. If you start from an Environmental Manual, how would you know what standard this manual should cover? The Environmental policy defines it and therefore it may be included into the structure:
Policy – level 1
EMS Manual – level 2
ISO 14001 Procedures – level 3
Work Instructions – level 4
EMS Records – level 5