To support member and Partner company management system implementation efforts, ACC has created a number of guidance documents including:
RCMS® Technical Specification (RC101.03, March 2008)
This document the requirements that companies must meet in order to attain RCMS certification, a glossary of terms, and several interpretative notes on specific sections of the management system.
RCMS Certification – Supplemental Tools
Information collected from a series of implementation conference calls are summarized in evergreen fashion and posted for reference. In addition, Useful Supplemental Tools are identified and then posted on our member page. Click the title above and you will be directly connected to our member area.
RC14001 Auditor Guidance – June 2005
RC 152.03 Guidance for implementing organizations and auditors. *Please note that this document is under revision.*
Responsible Care Implementation Modules
The RCMS implementation modules originally developed by ACC, SOCMA and Kestrel Management were last updated in 2005. The modules listed below are consistent with the 2005 versions of RCMS and RC14001. ACC is currently in the process of updating these modules to align them with the updated (2008) versions of RCMS and RC14001. Companies using these modules should also make use of the comparison matrices posted under the “MS Certification/Procedures Documents” section to track changes between the 2005 and 2008 versions. The tools included in these modules are still useful for companies implementing their management system. Each module focuses on a specific component of the RCMS. The series combines a step-by-step approach with additional information on linking a company's system to RC14001, ISO 14001, ISO 9000 and OHSAS 18001. These tools are intended to assist small-scale companies in the implementation process and include information that is useful for companies of all sizes.
Module 1: Getting started (.doc, July 2005)
Module 2: Hazard and risk identification and legal requirements (.pdf, July 2005)
Module 3: Developing objectives, targets and programs (.doc, July 2005)
Module 4: Training, operational control and emergency response (.pdf, July 2005)
Module 5: Monitoring, measuring and corrective action issues (.pdf, July 2005)
Module 6: Internal audits and the management review process (.pdf, July 2005)
Module 7: Pollution prevention, product stewardship and OSHA requirements as they relate to the RCMS (.pdf, November 2004)
Module 8: "readiness review" checklist, or gap analysis tool (.pdf, November 2004)
Responsible Care Super Matrix
ACC has developed a series of document comparing the RCMS and RC14001 Technical Specifications with other management systems. These documents provide details on how the requirements of the two Technical Specifications align with those of other management systems models.
Management Systems Comparison Matrix – Known as the “Super Spreadsheet,” this first document compares the technical specifications with seven management systems models including ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001 and OSHA VPP. This matrix allows companies to identify linkages between systems that may already be in place and the RCMS and/or RC14001 Technical Specifications.
Super Spreadsheet Tool (.doc, June 2009)
RCMS/RC14001-OHSAS 18001 Matrices – These two documents provide detailed comparisons of the two technical specifications with the OHSAS 18001 Occupational Safety and Health management system model. While not a formal ISO standard, OHSAS 18001 has gained international recognition from both government and industry. ACC has developed separate documents for both RCMS and RC14001. Both include information on gaps between the ACC requirements and those of OHSAS 18001.
RCMS – OHSAS 18001 Matrix (.doc, March 2009)
RC14001 – OHSAS 18001 Matrix (.doc, March 2009)
RCMS/RC14001 – AIHA/ANSI Z-10 Matrices – These two documents provide detailed comparisons of the two technical specifications with the AIHA/ANSI Z-10 Occupational Safety and Health management system model. Z-10 is a consensus-based US Occupational Safety and Health standard. ACC has developed separate documents for both RCMS and RC14001. Both include information on gaps between the ACC requirements and those of Z-10.
RCMS – ANSI Z10 Matrix (.doc, March 2009)
RC14001 – ANSI Z10 Matrix (.doc, March 2009)
RCMS/RC14001 – OSHA VPP Matrix – This document compares the requirements of the RCMS and RC14001 Technical Specifications with those of the OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (“Star”). The document includes information from both the OSHA management system model and questions from the Inspectors field questionnaire (“Annex E”). Included in the document is information on the overlaps and gaps between the systems.
RCMS/RC14001 Management Systems – VPP Comparison (.doc, June 2009)
International Member Implementation Guide/Gap Analysis – Developed for use by ACC member companies that meet the “international” membership category. Companies in this category do not have production facilities in the United States, but may have administrative offices that coordinate the importation of product to the US. Other US-based activities may include coordinating storage and transport of product within the US by commercial partners. The guide provides practical examples on how companies which fall into the international member category can demonstrate conformance to certain RCMS requirements that may not be part of their ACC membership operations (these activities may be based overseas or handled by a third-party).
