Direct and Indirect Effects

It should be borne in mind that both direct and indirect effects need to be considered. Direct effects include issues such as the emissions of solid, liquid and particulate waste. Indirect effects relate to more distant effects such as the supply of raw materials by another organisation. (all effects over which you can reasonably be expected to have some influence)

• In the case of manufacturing organisations , effects should be considered throughout the life cycle of the product, starting with the design, research and development, application or use and ending with ultimate disposal.
• Any evaluation should also consider potential effects that may occur during abnormal operating conditions, and times of emergencies and accidents.

Issues which are generally viewed as significant include those which:

• currently lead to non-compliance, or may do so in the future
• may lead to future liability/civil action
• lead to unnecessary expenditure
• lead to unnecessary consumption, especially of non renewable resources
• are perceived as significant by customers/shareholders
• result from the poor management or resources, materials or wastes
• lead to the release of prescribed, noxious or persistent substances
• have the potential to effect the future validity of insurance
• put the company out of compliance with its environmental policy