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The next step in EMS implementation is operational control, in Clause 4.3.6. The basic requirement is to identify and plan the activities and operations "associated with the identified significant environmental aspects in line with its policy, objectives, and targets." These are defined in the setting of policies, objectives, and targets, and range from Research and Development and product design, through production, marketing, service, and final product disposal. The purpose of controls is to ensure that environmental performance meets the objectives and targets. Organizations can achieve operational control by:
Preparing documented procedures for the activities and operations to ensure that they do not deviate from policies, objectives, and targets. Specifying operating criteria. Establishing and communicating relevant procedures to suppliers and contractors that relate to the significant environmental aspects of goods and services used by the organization.
Documented procedures are not necessary for every operation and every circumstances only to cover situations where their absence could lead to deviations from the environmental policy and the objectives and targets.
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