To become the first auto salvage yard certified in RIOS is quite a feat. As with many certifications, it takes time and dedication. The certification process is long and time consuming, but well worth it at the end of the road. Being the first auto salvage company to attain this certification not many people are fully aware what RIOS is and what challenges certification entails.
RIOS is an acronym that stands for Recycling Industry Operating Standards. RIOS is an integrated quality, environment, health and safety management system for the recycling industry. RIOS is functionally equivalent to the standards of ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), and OHSAS 18001 (Health & Safety). The difference between RIOS, ISO and OHSAS is RIOS is specifically relevant to scrap recycling operations whereas the ISO and OHSAS standards are not. RIOS provides a powerful framework for scrap recyclers of all sizes and scrap materials to improve their bottom line.
Understanding what exactly RIOS is is the first step, but it is also important to understand what the real purpose of RIOS is. The real purpose is based on a Plan-Do-Check-Act management system for continuous improvement. It uses a small step method for planning, setting, achieving and tracking company goals. One constant requirement is for a company to maintain realistic goals for themselves. RIOS understands that a business can’t be perfect. Every company is flawed and has weaknesses but what RIOS does is encourage businesses to continue to improve. It is important that a business doesn’t become content with where they are but must continue to strive for more. RIOS is a tool that does not focus on perfection but it focuses on realistic tactics for continuous growth and improvement.
Initially, to be certified a company must undergo a four day audit process. During this process a registrar will come and audit the company’s management system to insure documents and procedures are in tune with actual operations. Employee interviews are conducted to answer questions given by the auditor. After this process is complete the company will be left to audit themselves with an internal audit team for the remainder of the year. After a year the registrar will come back and audit the system once again. They will be looking to be sure the company is continually improving from the last audit.
Becoming RIOS certified is an exciting achievement. Metro Auto Recyclers is the first auto salvage company to become certified. The process is long, extensive and never ending, but clearly worth the process. As a company, continued improvement is our goal and becoming RIOS certified is just one of the many benefits that come along with creating a healthy workplace.
