In 2024 we celebrate 10 years of our International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certifications, as one of the first within our industry to achieve certification to these standards.
In this blog we explain what ISO represents, how these International Standards are developed, what being ISO certified means, and discuss why we place such an importance on maintaining our certification.
ISO standards
ISO, first formed in 1947, is an international body, made up of over 171 national standards bodies around the world, that is ultimately responsible for developing and publishing a diverse range of standards.
Over the past 77 years, ISO worked in consultation with the national standards bodies to establish more than 25, 400 International Standards.
These standards provide organisations with globally developed uniform rule systems that can then be implemented into the day to day operations of a business.
In 2021 ISO launched its ISO Strategy 2030, providing a comprehensive insight into the body’s plans to continue to be at the forefront of positive change.
What does it mean to be ISO certified
ISO certification provides internal and external stakeholders with the assurance that a company, product or service meets best practice international standards.
The standards are categorised into six families:
- ISO 9000 family for Quality Management
- ISO 14000 family for Environmental Management
- ISO 45001 family for Occupational Health and Safety
- ISO 5001 family for Energy Management
- ISO 2200 family for Food Safety Management
- ISO/IEC 27000 family for Information Security Management
Each standard has its own comprehensive list of requirements against which an organisation must provide demonstrated compliance in order to achieve the certification.
For a business to maintain its certifications, auditors will conduct two types of audits to ensure the business is continuing to meet these best standard requirements:
- A recertification audit every three years where the business reapplies for the certification in full.
- An annual surveillance audit where the company is required to demonstrate compliance with specific areas within the certification.
The benefits of ISO certifications
Becoming ISO certified demonstrates a fundamental commitment to implementing best practice and continuous improvement across all areas of the business.
These certifications have numerous advantages for businesses including:
- Improved processes leading to increased efficiencies
- Increased client satisfaction
- Demonstration of transparent business operations
- Reduction of overall risks
- Higher competency and satisfaction amongst employees
- Reduced expenditure
- Improved environmentally sustainable operations
- Advantages over competitors
Some entities may also request that companies demonstrate proof of ISO certifications before they enter into business agreements.
Vital Chemical’s ISO certifications
At Vital Chemical, it is our vision to lead the way. By demonstrating our commitment to best practice and adhering to global standards, we continue to redefine our reputation as industry leaders.
Our comprehensive Integrated Management System focuses on preventative actions and continuous improvement. Our ISO certifications form part of this focus, demonstrating that our systems, processes, and procedures meet all the requirements for both standardisation and quality assurance.
Vital Chemical has held the following ISO certifications since 2014 and is committed to embracing a culture of continuous improvement throughout all areas of our business.
We set new benchmarks that continually redefine our reputation as industry leaders. Maintaining the quality of our products and services is paramount to our business. Our Quality Management Policy demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the integrity of our ISO 9001:2015 certification and the measures we take to continually improve our quality performance.
We are committed to safety first. Our Safety Policy Statement demonstrates how we ensure a safe and healthy workplace for all workers, contractors, volunteers, clients, visitors and members of the public. Our ISO 45001:2018 certification provides all our stakeholders with the assurance all hazards and risks to health and safety will be managed or eliminated as far as reasonably practicable.
We are committed to sustainability through environmental stewardship, social responsibility, cultural connection, and delivering economic benefits. Our ISO 14001:2015 certification demonstrates enhanced environmental performance throughout all areas of our business. We empower our employees, and wider community, to leave a sustainable legacy as demonstrated in our Environmental Management Policy.
Contact our team of technical experts to discuss how our commitment to continuous improvement can provide your project with the assurance of transparent business operations, regulatory compliance and environmentally sound solutions.
