Case Studies - Environment

Waste Per Se Integrated Management System

Waste Per Se Ltd acquired the White Rose Environmental (WRE) Services cattle incineration site at Sleap, Shropshire, in October 2003 as part of its continued growth in the environmental services sector.

The waste management sector is very heavily regulated and operators are required to employ management systems which can be demonstrated to the appropriate regulatory bodies. Waste Per Se engaged Pro Enviro for assistance in the implementation of robust management systems for the Sleap site.

Project Aims

During the initial consultation about the scope of the project and Waste Per Se's requirements, Pro Enviro recommended an Integrated Management Systems (IMS) approach. The advantage of integrated management systems is their ability to address a wide range of risk and provide a seamless safety net on which to operate. Running an IMS as opposed to multiple systems brings clarity and consistency across all business activities. This, combined with common business management controls, created an IMS that provides Waste Per Se with a springboard for continual improvement and the ability to control the key aspects of quality, the environment and health and safety.

“To be able to meet the challenges of the modern business environment there is a requirement for well-defined management systems. This helps ensure that scarce resources are effectively and efficiently utilised for the benefit of our customers,” said Waste Per Se Managing Director, Ian Bryan.

By keeping the IMS simple Pro Enviro enabled Waste Per Se to concentrate on the benefits of the system rather than its administration. Plant Manager, Derek Chandler, explains “While the system provides a number of benefits, the challenge is ensuring that it is simple to use and allows users to become comfortable enough to get into the habit of using it on a regular basis”.

Using a web-based knowledge management system designed by Pro Enviro, Waste Per Se were able have access to a single source of reference for policies, procedures and training material for its entire staff. Potential and existing customers also have access to the systems; this allows them to fully understand the high level of controls that Waste Per Se apply to business.

Outcomes - The Benefits of an Integrated Management System

The system has provided Waste Per Se with many benefits, such as:

Eliminated duplication
Reduced bureaucracy
Decreased risk of conflict
Increased efficiency

Integrating the requirements of ISO 9001:2000 (quality), OHSAS 18001 (health and safety) and ISO 14001 (environmental) to complete an integrated management system gives the advantage of measurable savings in:

Time

The system development time is nearly halved for an integrated management system, as compared to developing them separately.
Surveillance times are reduced, keeping process interruptions to the bare minimum.

Cost

Maintenance and surveillance costs, through combined audits, will be reduced. Lower cost of on-going accreditation and certification.

Manpower

Multitasking is possible, avoiding duplication of manpower for each area of interest.
It is possible for one management representative to look after total system control for all three interests, leaving the technical details of checking to the competent specialists.

Paperwork

Substantial reduction in documentation will be achieved, be it procedures, records, and in particular, in system control.

In the long run there will be increased efficiency throughout the business, less chance of loss through operational risks and the maximisation of business performance. In addition to this operational costs will be reduced, leading to better business profits.