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Clause 6.1.2StrengthenedMedium impact typical effort 4-8 hours

Emergency situations separated from abnormal operations

What changed in the 2026 revision

The 2026 revision separates emergency situations from abnormal operations — previously grouped together. Emergency situations must now be identified through the risk and opportunity assessment (Clause 6.1.4), not only through environmental aspects. The language changes from 'reasonably foreseeable emergency situations' to 'all potential emergency situations'.

What auditors will look for

Review your emergency preparedness approach. The 2026 revision: (1) separates emergency situations from abnormal operations; (2) requires identification of ALL potential emergency situations (not just 'reasonably foreseeable'); (3) links emergency identification to both aspects AND the risk assessment. Consider climate-related emergencies (flooding, extreme weather).

How to close the gap

  1. 1Separate your emergency scenarios from abnormal operating conditions
  2. 2Identify potential emergencies through BOTH aspects and risk assessment
  3. 3Expand beyond 'reasonably foreseeable' to 'all potential' emergencies
  4. 4Include climate-related scenarios (flooding, heatwaves, storms)
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More changes in Clause 6

6.1.4 — Risks and opportunities — restructured into d…6.1.2 — Environmental aspects — lifecycle perspective…6.3 — Planning and managing of changes (NEW clause)6.1.5 — Planning actions — renumbered and outcome-foc…6.2 — Environmental objectives and planning to achi…6.1.3 — Compliance obligations — determined, accessib…

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