PAS 99 is a Publicly Available Specification for integrating common management systems and it has been developed to enable organizations to align their processes and procedures into one holistic structure in order to operate more effectively.
British Standards Institution (BSI) published in 2006 the first version of the specification PAS 99. This specification was developed in response to the need for a reference document for the implementation of a real and effective integrated management system. Prior to the publication of PAS 99, there was confusion in the market about what should be considered an integrated management system as organizations were only able to merge the reference documentation (manuals, procedures, etc). This approach was far from a real integrated management system and insufficient for many organizations.
PAS 99:2006 was created to enable organizations to integrate common management system requirements into one framework. The newest version of this specification has been published as PAS 99:2012. This revised PAS 99 is based upon the structure of ISO Guide 83 and now sets a common structure to be followed by all management system standards moving forward. The structure is:
- Context of the organization;
- Leadership;
- Planning;
- Support;
- Operation;
- Performance evaluation;
- Improvement.
Each standard management system has its own specific requirements, but these seven elements are present in all of them and should be used as the basis for integration.
PAS 99 is designed to be used by organizations that have a management system standard or are implementing various management system standards. It applies to organizations of all sizes and industries. It is intended to be used in combination with other management system standards/specifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 22000, ISO/IEC 20000, ISO 22301 and OHSAS 18001. PAS 99 can also be used with other national and international management system standards/specifications. It is not intended for organizations that have based their management system upon a single standard/specification except as preparation for the adoption of additional systems or standards.
PAS 99 gives guidance on planning, implementing, and operating an integrated management framework, as well as monitoring and improving performance. Those organizations that decide to use PAS 99 will benefit by:
- Coordinating requirements of specific standards
- Streamlining workloads
- Reducing duplication and bureaucracy
- Increasing effectiveness of systems for internal audits, document control, training and administration
- Ensuring a more holistic approach to management
- Improving communications across the organization
- Facilitating the implementation of new management systems that an organization can adopt
Compliance with this specification does not in itself ensure conformity with any other management system standards or specifications. The particular requirements of each management system standard will still need to be addressed to achieve certification. Organizations that wish to certify compliance with PAS 99, however, can do so to demonstrate that an effective integrated management system is in place.
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