ABSTRACT
The frequency with which audits should be conducted in a given facility needs to be based on speci˜ed criteria. This applies to both basic and complex audits. Where basic audits might be driven by ongoing operational requirements, complex audits will require the evaluation of a number of variables to determine whether the audit should be conducted once each year, once every two years, once every three years, or on a more infrequent basis. In general, the following issues will need to be considered when determining the frequency of complex audits:
• Complexity of the operation • Organizational risk of loss of the facility • Facility performance in the area being audited
The complexity of the facility will be necessary to consider due to the potential exposure of the sheer volume of product, equipment, building construction, and spectrum of operational activity. The size of the facility might naturally present issues, such as in the area of safety. A large facility could present complex issues that include:
• Handling chemicals • Working from heights • Operating forklifts • Entering permit-required con˜ned spaces • Welding • Working on powered equipment • Managing the storage of combustible product
The volume of this type of activity that occurs at a large facility could dictate that an audit occur on an annual basis. However, the risk might not be as great at a smaller facility, where less of this activity and exposure occurs, requiring it to be audited once every two or three years.
