Activity
2.1
This
Activity helps you clarify the difference between "aspects"
and "impacts" as defined in ISO 14001. Similarly you will then
clarify the difference between "direct" and "indirect" impacts.
This is a crucial starting point. You need to be clear about
this language, as much hinges upon these words.
Task 1 gets you to look round yourself at work and to start
to recognise the main impacts you may create at work. While
every workplace is different, every workplace will have a direct
impact on the land, air and water, not forgetting health. E.g.
every workplace takes up space on the land, or puts waste into
the sewage system that goes into water. "Aspects" of work are
those that may give rise to such "direct" impacts. |
Task 2 helps you sort out the
trickier issue of "indirect" impacts. There are many "functions"
of work that create "indirect" impacts. Here the impact is
transferred to another workplace, whose "aspects" create direct
impacts. e.g. the direct impact of turning on a light is that
the air is clearer, whereas the indirect impact of this function
of energy use is seen at the power station where an "aspect"
of the work there creates air pollution. Most impacts are
now indirect as production lines become worldwide. The impacts
are transferred from the local scene to the other side of
the world or even into the stratosphere.
Environmental management systems tend to concentrate on direct
impacts as they are I more direct control. Here you will also
look at indirect impacts in terms of the functions of an organisation.
While it is recognised you have less control over these functions,
you will be asked to list several indirect impacts.
|
