The Implementation of an Integrated Environment, Quality, Health and Safety Management System in the Brazilian Oil Industry

Abstract

Abstract The implementation of an integrated Environment, Quality, Health and Safety Management Systems (EQHS) in an organisation is a rational and efficient manner of increasing performance and optimising resources in the management of these functions. In Brazil, the subject is new and has aroused controversy, and only a few enterprises are adopting integrated management systems. In this paper are presented some examples of integrated EQHS management systems that are being implemented in the Exploration and Production (E&P), Transportation, Refining and Distribution sectors of the operational units of Petrobras, the State-Owned Brazilian Oil Company. Corporate actions about the integration of EQHS management systems being adopted by the Company, including policies, guidelines, manuals and audits, are discussed. In our Company, the certification process will for the time being continue independent, with separate certifications, until ISO adopts a single integrated management system standard that is well accepted world-wide. Finally, our intention in this paper is to encourage the use of integrated environment, quality, health and safety management systems by companies inside and outside the oil business.