What is ISO 39001?
ISO 39001 is a road safety management standard: it sets out the requirements for a system through which an organization reduces the risk of road traffic crashes related to its activities.
The standard was created to have a significant impact on road traffic safety and to raise awareness of the state of speed, vehicles and drivers. It helps reduce deaths and serious injuries in traffic, during work on the transport network and in road crashes, as well as reducing vehicle costs.
ISO 39001:2012 follows the common structure of ISO management system standards, which makes it fully integrable with the requirements of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and other standards. In its public role, ISO 39001 makes roads safer for everyone who travels and works on them.
Which organizations is the standard intended for?
ISO 39001 applies to public and private organizations that interact with the road network — regardless of their size and activity.
- Use the road networkRoad hauliers, couriers, organizations with their own fleet for carrying passengers and goods, taxis, airport transfers and organizations whose employees travel on business.
- Maintain the infrastructureDesign organizations, road construction companies, and municipal and national traffic control and management services.
- Generate trafficEducational institutions, shopping centres, cultural and sports complexes and other institutions that affect the load on the road network.
- Commission workInstitutions that commission transport, construction, repair or maintenance of roads and want to select responsible contractors.
Organizations that maintain the transport infrastructure have responsibilities for roads, bridges, tunnels, railway facilities, road signs and markings, traffic lights, surveillance cameras, etc.
What does the 2019 Council of Ministers decision provide for?
Under a Council of Ministers decision of 17 January 2019, the standard is targeted at organizations that use the road network, maintain the transport infrastructure or affect how actively it is used.
- 17.01.2019
Council of Ministers decision on the application of the standard by the specified groups of organizations.
- by 01.01.2020
Institutions that issue permits and licences for the carriage of goods and passengers are to prepare legislative amendments introducing an implemented BDS ISO 39001:2014 system as a condition for carrying out the activity.
- after 01.01.2021
Contracting authorities in public procurement are to require candidates, where applicable, to have an implemented system according to BDS ISO 39001:2014 — for example in contracts for the carriage of goods or passengers, or for the construction, repair or maintenance of roads.
Check the conditions of the specific procedure or licence — whether and how an ISO 39001 system is required depends on the applicable legislation and the contracting authority’s documentation.
Which safety factors does the system cover?
The system covers the factors that the organization can control or influence in order to reduce risk on the road.
| Group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Exposure to risk | distance travelled, type of vehicles, traffic volume |
| Driver | appropriate licensing, fatigue, distraction, use of alcohol and drugs |
| Vehicle | technical condition, safety equipment, the right type of vehicle for the task |
| Speed and route | safe speed, journey planning, route selection |
| Personal protective equipment | use of seat belts, helmets and high-visibility vests |
| After a crash | incident response, first aid, cause analysis |
For each significant factor, the organization sets objectives, defines measures and responsible persons, and monitors the results. Incidents are investigated, and the lessons learned lead to corrective actions.
What are the benefits of ISO 39001 certification?
The main benefit is fewer road traffic crashes and injuries, but the effect is also economic and reputational.
- fewer deaths and serious injuries related to the organization’s activities;
- lower vehicle costs;
- a better working environment and greater employee satisfaction;
- fewer administrative procedures with insurers;
- an advantage in tenders and public procurement;
- a better image for the organization.
The ISO 39001 certificate is issued by CERTIND S.A. under accreditation by IAS (USA). If you are considering combining it with ISO 45001 or ISO 9001, see the article on certification to two or more standards.
Questions about ISO 39001
What is ISO 39001?
ISO 39001 is the international standard for road traffic safety management systems. The current edition is ISO 39001:2012, and the Bulgarian edition is BDS ISO 39001:2014.
Who is ISO 39001 suitable for?
For public and private organizations that use the road network, maintain the transport infrastructure or generate traffic — carriers, couriers, companies with vehicle fleets, road construction companies, municipalities, etc.
Is ISO 39001 required in public procurement?
A Council of Ministers decision of 17 January 2019 provides that, after 1 January 2021, contracting authorities are to require an implemented ISO 39001 system where applicable. The specific requirements are set out in the tender documentation.
Can ISO 39001 be combined with other standards?
Yes. The standard is fully integrable with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and other management system standards, and the audits can be conducted jointly.