Competence is covered in which clause?

The concept of competence is specifically covered in clause 7.2 of management system standards, such as ISO 14001. This clause emphasizes the importance of organizations ensuring that their personnel are competent based on appropriate education, training, or experience. It outlines the need to identify the required competencies for personnel whose work affects the environmental outcomes of the organization.

Additionally, the organization is required to provide the necessary training or take other actions to acquire the required competence, along with maintaining records to demonstrate this competence. This approach is integral for ensuring that all individuals involved are well-equipped to contribute positively to the environmental management system, enhancing its overall effectiveness in achieving set objectives.

In contrast, the other clauses address different aspects of the management system: clause 7.1 typically focuses on resources and establishing a suitable framework, while clause 7.3 may deal with awareness and communication regarding the system's requirements. Therefore, clause 7.2 is the most relevant for the topic of competence, making it the correct choice.