Is Not Displaying the OHSAS 18001:2007 Certificate a Non-Conformity or Just a Suggestion?

Dear All, Our company is obtaining OHSAS 18001:2007. Now my question is, a recent internal audit was carried out at one of our site locations, and that site has not displayed the OHSAS 18001:2007 certificate, although all the compliance is in place as per requirements. The auditor has classified it as a Non-Conformity (NC). Whether it is an NC or a suggestion only, kindly guide.

Thanks,
Sanket

Is your organization certified for 18001 or in the process of obtaining the certificate? In response to your query, the standard does not require the display of the certificate; it only requires compliance with the standard's requirements. This does not constitute a Non-conformity. Please specify under which clause the NC was identified and request the auditor to show where it is stated in the standard.

Regards,
Narayan

Please clarify whether you have obtained or are obtaining the certificate. If you have obtained it, you do not need to display the certificate anywhere on your premises as it is not mandatory. However, you are required to display the policy in a clear and concise manner.

Certificate Display Decision

The certificate is for the company's reference, and it is the management's decision whether to display it or not. If your manual states that the certificate will be displayed, then you should post it. Otherwise, there is no need to do so.

If the certificate states that you have to display it, then do so. If not, you are not obliged to do so, and it is not a violation.

Regards,
NBAton

No, it can neither be an NC nor an observation. As an auditee, you have the right to ask against which clause you have been given an NC. For all NCs or observations, there has to be a reference clause provided. Certificates may be displayed in the MR office, but it is not mandatory. However, the policy must be displayed or communicated to all. Kindly provide details regarding the clause for which the auditor has given you an NC.

Internal Auditor Qualifications

Another question - have the internal auditors been qualified? Are they certified Lead Auditors or certified Internal Auditors for ISO 18001?

Inquiry on OHSAS 18001:2007 Standard Revisions

Is there any change or revision in the OHSAS 18001:2007 standard after 2007?

Regards,
K. Ganesan
Mahindra Water Co
Tamil Nadu
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

I believe that if an auditor raises any non-conformity (NC) against this, then he is not an appropriate auditor. The standard requirement is to ensure your compliance rather than to simply display the certificate.

Regards,
Kunal