Preparing an environmental risk assessment

Answer:
To prepare an environmental risk assessment I consider the definition of risk, the effect of uncertainty that can promote a deviation from intended results. This definition should focus out attention upon intended and unintended results. Then, considering clause 6.1.1 I look into environmental aspects and impacts and determine what possible positive or negative deviations can occur. For example, your organization can control and monitor wastewater quality. What can go wrong with that control or monitoring operation? Look also into compliance obligations, what can go wrong that impair your organization’s capability of complying with water quality discharge permit requirements? Look also into what comes out of context analysis, clauses 4.1 and 4.2. For example, can your organization take advantage of technological developments to improve raw materials consumption? Or consider trends in legislation that can increase environmental performance in a near future.

The follo wing material will provide you information about handling of environmental risks:
- Should you use a risk register for the ISO 14001 EMS? - https://advisera.com/14001academy/blog/2016/10/17/should-you-use-a-risk-register-for-the-iso-14001-ems/
- Risks and opportunities in ISO 14001:2015 – What they are and why they are importante - https://advisera.com/14001academy/blog/2016/03/07/risks-and-opportunities-in-iso-140012015-what-they-are-and-why-they-are-important/
- ISO 14001 risks and opportunities vs. environmental aspects - https://advisera.com/14001academy/blog/2016/06/06/iso-14001-risks-and-opportunities-vs-environmental-aspects/
- free online training ISO 14001:2015 Foundations Course - https://advisera.com/training/iso-14001-internal-auditor-course/
- book - THE ISO 14001:2015 COMPANION – A A Straightforward Guide to Implementing an EMS in a Small Business - https://advisera.com/books/the-iso-14001-2015-companion/