Back to: SRI Online Training on E-Waste Management
In this module, we’ll be focusing on the Elements of a conformity assessment scheme, Conformity assessment procedure, Types of conformity assessments and the Particularities in e-waste management.
Why WEEE conformity assessments?
| Process | Documents |
|---|---|
| Conformity assessment | Handbook/Guidance document: Supports the audit process |
| Conformity Assessment Body: Organizational regulations | |
| Audit protocol: Basis document for the audit | |
| Special forms: e.g., for downstream monitoring, mass flow reporting etc. | |
| Assessment of conformity: When is conformity with N&S given? | |
| Appeal procedures | |
| Auditors | Auditor profile: Education, experience… |
| Code of conduct: Impartiality, confidentiality…. | |
| Training curriculum: Content, duration, examination… | |
| Certification and re-certification: Procedure, expiration of certificate…. | |
| Contract: Content, duration, expiration | |
| Recyclers | Requirements: Types of company which can apply for the certificate |
| Certification and re-certification: Procedure, expiration of certificate…. | |
| Contract: Content, duration, expiration |
Translation of the standard requirements into a handy and easy-to-understand conformity assessment procedure.
The order of the aspects to be checked should follow the natural process of the conformity assessment
Assessment of whether compliance is given or if it results in a critical or minor deviation as regards to the N&S.
Non-compliance has direct or indirect consequences for safety, human health or the environment
The situation encountered does not comply with the standard, but is not directly or indirectly related to operational or environmental risks.
Questions in the protocol are directed towards the auditor who must reformulate the question in some cases.
Is a procedure in place to verify that informal workers engaged in dismantling are registered on any required database?
How do you ensure that the informal workers you work with are legal?
How is this documented?
The final result of the audit is a clear number of critical and minor deviations. This will help the company to improve their business performance and the compliance with the N&S.
– Level 1: Conform; no critical and maximum 10 minor deviations
– Level 2: Close to conform; 1-3 critical deviations or more than 10 minor deviations.
– Level 3: On the way; 3-6 critical deviations
– Level 4: Not conform: more than 6 critical deviations.
| Step | Content |
|---|---|
| Scope |
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| Planning |
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| Pre-audit meeting / Second pre-audit meeting |
|
| Step | Content |
|---|---|
| Opening meeting |
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| Questioning, document review and evidence gathering |
|
| Site tour |
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| Exit meeting |
|
The management of WEEE involves specific practices and technologies aimed at maximising the recovery of secondary materials, while minimising environmental and health impacts.
Sound management includes implementation of conformity assessment mechanisms ensuring compliance with established standards and regulations.
The effective management of WEEE relies on both voluntary technical standards and mandatory regulations. These standards help ensure efficiency in the treatment processes and protect human health and the environment from the toxic substances found in e-waste.
This process involves demonstrating that WEEE recycling facilities meet the requirements set by national and international standards. It includes activities such as testing, inspection, and certification, which are essential for verifying compliance.
Independent entities conduct the certification process to confirm that companies, products, or services comply with specific standards. This independence is crucial for maintaining impartiality and credibility in the assessment process.
To maintain conformity over time, ongoing surveillance activities are necessary. This ensures that facilities continue to meet the required standards throughout their operation.
The proposed conformity assessment mechanism aims to build trust among all stakeholders in the WEEE value chain, including consumers, retailers, and regulatory authorities, by ensuring equitable adoption of standards and compliance with regulations.
Need for conformity assessment mechanisms to be tailored to the specific realities of the country, in this case, Peru, to effectively address local challenges in e-waste management.
For additional context, we have included an optional PDF with further reading.