AS/NZS 4581:1999

Describes the components of a generic management system which are applicable to all sizes and types of organizations. Each component describes what needs to be done but leaves the 'how' up to each organization. A major advantage of such a system is that it can apply to all aspects of an organization's activities such as quality management, environmental management, occupational health and safety management and human resource management. The specific requirements for such activities can be added. The advantage of the generic managment system approach is the potential for improving effectiveness and efficiency as well as overall improvement of business operations.

This Standard provides the framework and guidance for an overall management system in which the common requirements of individual systems are integrated to avoid duplication and provide a uniform basis for the unique characteristics of each of the individual systems.The guidance can be applied to all organizations (private, public, not-for-profit and charities) and to all sizes of organizations.It also provides identification of the relationship between the Clauses of + AS/NZS ISO 9001:1994, Quality systems Model for assurance in design, development, production, installation and servicing.+ AS/NZS ISO 14001:1996, Environmental management systems Specification with guidance for use.+ AS/NZS 4804:1997, Occupational health and safety management systems-General guidelines on principles, systems and supporting techniques.The guidance can also be applied to other activities of the organization.

First published as AS/NZS 4581:1999.