SN 9001 is a standard that establishes the requirements for the implementation of a quality management system (QMS) for the professional snow and ice management industry. This standard is based on the fundamentals and principles of ISO 9001, but tailored specifically for organizations that deal with snow and ice management.
SN 9001 is a relatively new standard created by the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA) in November 2012. This standard was developed to help snow and ice management contractors successfully implement a QMS that will ensure their compliance with all aspects of the ANSI/ASCA Industry Standards. These standards, officially titled ANSI/ASCA A1000-2014: System Requirements for Snow and Ice Management Services were developed to protect organizations from unfounded and frivolous slip-and-fall lawsuits.
SN 9001 is a risk management focused QMS. SN 9001 sets the guidelines for a QMS that not only limits exposure to slip-and-fall litigation, but focuses on end customer satisfaction, as well as quality services delivered.
This standard examines industry standards unique to snow and ice management, including contracts, education, training, preseason site inspections, in-event documentation, post-event processes, and weather service reporting. SN 9001 requires both a pre-season inspection and an in-event assessment to ensure conformity to the standard. Proper implementation of SN 9001 will most certainly result in meeting and exceeding customer expectations.
All organizations in the snow and ice management industry, such as companies that provide snowplowing, salting, deicing, sidewalk cleaning, or snow disposal services to clients can implement SN 9001. Organizations that become SN 9001 compliant will benefit from an improvement in their process and procedures, leading to an increase in their operation’s efficiency. Adherence to SN 9001 processes and procedures of the QMS will:
- Improve the risk management services provided.
- Protect clients from slip and fall claims.
- Supply proof that they follow written industry standards.
- Potentially reduced insurance premiums.
- Reduce waste involved with slip-and-fall litigation.
- Increase end-user safety and satisfaction.
- Enhance supplier-customer satisfaction.
- Implement more efficient use of labor.
- Increase sales and strengthen business relationships.
Organizations that successfully implement SN 9001 can ensure their clients that a thorough and accurate documentation will be kept; documentation that will be essential to protect them from any slip-and-fall claims. Organizations that decide to be certified can earn certification through an independent, third-party audit that focuses on processes and procedures that adhere to service quality, as well as the implementation of the Industry Standards for the professional snow and ice management industry.
ISO Terms Explained
To the novice quality manager, ISO jargon can be extremely overwhelming. What is an NCR? What do you mean by OFI? Are we certified or accredited? But before you go and pull out your hair, let’s take a moment to go over some of the most frequently used terms and their definitions with regards to ISO and Management System Certification.