Features of Responsible Care

1. A formal commitment on behalf of each company to a set of Guiding Principles signed, in the majority of cases, by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO);
2. A series of codes, guidance notes and checklists to assist companies to implement te commitment;
3. The progressive development of indicators against which improvements in performance can be measured;
   · An ongoing process of communication on Health, Safety and Environment matters with interested parties inside and outside the industry;
4. Provision of forums in which companies can share experiences on implementation of the commitment;
5. Adoption of a title and a logo which clearly identify national programmes as being consistent with and part of the concept of Responsible Care;
6. Consideration of how best to encourage all member companies to commit to and participate in Responsible Care;
7. Systematic procedures to verify the implementation of the measurable (or practical) elements of Responsible Care by the member companies.

Implementation of Responsible Care in Austria
Issues related to Responsible Care are continuously discussed by the Association, authorities and other interested parties. Thus, the RC programme of FCIO is under continuous development and is adjusted to practical needs. The broad discussion ensures that Responsible Care is recognised in public. Many events and consultation services of FCIO aim at the objectives of Responsible Care. It is a crucial issue in the public relations work of FCIO.

Within the Association, the Working Group Health, Safety, Environment - Responsible Care (GSU-RC) meets four times a year to present specific know-how to RC-certified companies and to offer a forum for the exchange of information and experience. For companies, there are several reasons for participating in Responsible Care.

Benefits of Responsible Care
The most immediate benefit of an RC audits is a better knowledge of the operational processes inside the company. The main causes for plant interruptions are not technical defects but flaws in the organisation or wrong behaviour. Safety improvements in the operation of a plant, working conditions of the staff and transport of dangerous goods enhance the economic performance of a company.

The performance evaluation of a company by independent auditors according to Responsible Care criteria increase the acceptance by third parties such as authorities or customers. The auditors can share their experience from other audits with the company and thus can also act as consultants.

Responsible Care largely covers EMAS and ISO 14001 requirements and includes in addition health and safety aspects. Therefore, the Responsible Care questionnaire also helps to obtain these certifications.