These are commonly used terms, but they have no official standing
So, where are they used, and what is their significance when you wish to be an Auditor certified to more than one ISO Management System Standard?
Use of the terms QHSE, HSEQ, SHEQ
These terms are equivalent and are most often used as part of a job title. Their use does not indicate that the holder of the position is a certified auditor for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. They neither claim nor infer a formal qualification.
Where does IMS fit in?
This term evolved in the Anglosphere about 20 years ago. Generally, it applies to ISO Auditors who are trained in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, i.e., all three standards. Combined Courses are typically offered at Lead Auditor and Internal Auditor. For example, see our Courses for IMS Lead Auditor and IMS Internal Auditor.
An IMS, however, is not confined to the traditional combination of standards. For example, an office-based business may get little value from certification to the environmental standard, ISO 14001. In such situations, an IMS based on ISO 9001, ISO 27001 (information security), and ISO 45001 may be a superior option. Nor are you limited to three standards for your IMS. We know of an American multinational company in Galway, Ireland, that successfully maintains an IMS with six standards. The makeup of your IMS should match your business needs and, of course, add value.
Having an IMS is not an easy option
While certain processes and procedures will be common to all standards (e.g., internal auditing or document control), your certification body will audit your system against each standard individually; i.e., all requirements of the individual standards will be audited. Therefore, for example, a traditional IMS will need to address business risks and opportunities separately from environmental aspects and impacts, and separately from OH&S hazards and controls. Your IMS, therefore, will need to be carefully and comprehensively assembled.
What if you're already a certified auditor to ISO 9001 or another standard?
You do not need to take an IMS Course or courses in the individual 'missing' standards. Instead of taking a Lead Auditor Course (typically, 36 hours), you can take a Lead Auditor Extension Course (typically, 24 hours) and save both time and money. These Courses are not easy to find, but we at deGRANDSON offer a wide range of ISO training course options.
What if you want to become a QHSE Consultant?
The challenge here is that, as with Lead Auditor Courses, auditing skills alone are not sufficient; you also need the knowledge and skills to implement and maintain an IMS. The answer is the QHSE Consultant Diploma Course. This course includes 3 sets of Implementation Handbooks (each 100+ pages), Sample Documentation, and Record Templates. Check it out – typically, 60 hours to complete and secure a Diploma Certificate with ISO 21001 accreditation.
To conclude…
QHSE, HSEQ, and SHEQ are widely used terms that do not imply a qualification, whereas IMS Auditor Certification is defined, but not limited to, a single combination of standards.
