ISO Certification Benefits
Cryotech Deicing Technology is certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 standards. Customers often ask why these certifications are important enough to be made part of bid specifications. This document attempts to answer that question.
What is ISO?
The abbreviation "ISO" stands for International Organization for Standardization. ISO is a series of international standards introduced in 1987 that define and structure a company's management systems. These standards apply equally to all industries and require companies seeking certification to define how their systems meet the standards' rigorous requirements. Meeting the standards assures customers that all vendor company activities – design, manufacturing, production, purchasing, quality control, packaging, handling, storage, shipping, and customer service – are appropriately managed and controlled.
What is the difference between ISO 9000, 14000, and 45000?
ISO 9000 is concerned with "quality management." This means what the organization does to enhance customer satisfaction by meeting customer and applicable regulatory requirements and continually improving its performance in this regard.
ISO 14000 is primarily concerned with "environmental management." This means what the organization does to minimize harmful effects on the environment caused by its activities and continually improving its environmental performance.
ISO 45000 is primarily concerning with "occupational health and safety". This means what the organization does ot reduce workplace injuries, illnesses and incidents and continually improving and evolving to enhance long-term worker health and safety performance.
Can any vendor be ISO-certified?
Yes. There are approximately 250,000 companies worldwide registered to ISO standards. Any company willing to make the effort can be certified.
Why should I require vendors to be ISO-certified?
- ISO is direct evidence of a company's financial and ethical commitment to provide high quality, safe products.
- ISO certified companies maintain comprehensive internal audit programs that demonstrate to customers the effectiveness of their quality, environmental and OH&S efforts.
- ISO certified companies utilize systems that have been accepted for use by over 80 countries as effective means to achieve product quality, environmental stewardship and occupational health and safety.
- ISO certified companies document, review, and approve product designs that meet applicable safety, regulatory, and customer requirements.
- ISO certified companies prove their systems through audits by independent registrars. Registrars are governed by strict international codes that dictate operating practices, audit methods, and staff qualifications. Failure to maintain program requirements will lead to de-certification by the registrar.
- ISO certified company products reduce the need for the buyers to perform audits and reviews to determine if quality systems are in place and being maintained.
- A certificate of analysis from an ISO certified company will be supported by documented procedures and records that demonstrate its validity. This is particularly important should a customer ever have a reason to question product quality.