Toronto, Ontario— The Canadian Standards Assn., which is involved in standards development and application, produced the new 2000 edition of the ISO 9000 Essentials handbook. The handbook presents ISO 9000 standards in a user-friendly format to be easily understood.

This new guide defines the merger of the 1994 editions of ISO 9001, 9002, and 9003 into a single document, ISO 9001:2000. This makes the handbook useful to those learning about the Quality Management System, according to SCA, as well as the experienced practitioner. The handbook is helpful in understanding as well as implementing quality management principles.

The handbook includes the full text of ISO 9000:2000, revised help statements and a checklist. Some of the key topics covered include a conceptual overview of how ISO 9000:2000 quality management principles can be implemented for enhancing sustained organizational success. "The new edition provides users with essential information on the latest edition of ISO 9001: 2000," said David Zimmerman, project manager with CSA and handbook contributor. "For anyone applying, or considering applying, a quality management system based on this standard, it will help them better understand the requirements and intent of the standard as well as guidance on how to get registered."

CSA also offers a handbook detailing the ISO 14000 standards on environmental management.