The ANSI ASQ National Accreditation Board has accredited SGS Systems & Services Certification as the first certification body for the Recycling Industry Operating Standard.
Developed by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries and its members, RIOS is the industry's integrated management system standard for quality, environment, and health and safety. RIOS provides a systematic framework for any recycler to use, regardless of size, type, or scrap handled, to achieve measurable, continual improvement in QEH&S performance, without the need to spend time and money developing and implementing three different systems. Improved QEH&S performance shows up in a better bottom line.
RIOS certification requires passing an initial audit by an ANAB accredited RIOS CB SGS being the first maintaining RIOS certification via surveillance audits over a three year certification cycle, and passing a recertification audit to begin the next cycle.
To become certified, a RIOS member facility hires and works with a RIOS CB to develop an initial audit plan. The CB’s RIOS Audit Team, which includes qualified RIOS Auditors, audits the facility’s RIOS management system against the requirements of RIOS to determine its conformance to RIOS and works with the facility throughout the cycle.
Mr Stephen J Chippas VP of SGS said that "SGS is pleased to have worked closely with ISRI in the development of the RIOS and R2 standards. We are proud to work with the members of ISRI as they continue to demonstrate their commitments to environmentally sound and safe business practices."
ANAB has also accredited SGS as the first CB for the Responsible Recycling Practices. The R2 Practices is a consensus standard for electronics recycling developed by electronics recycling stakeholders, including ISRI, brought together by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The R2 Practices requires electronics recyclers to implement and use an environmental and health and safety management system and numerous specific practices for refurbishing and recycling electronics.
