ISO 18001:2007 Internal Audit Checklist: Against
ISO 18001:2007 Internal Audit Checklist: Against
ISO 18001:2007 Internal Audit Checklist: Against
Table of Content
from the auditor’s toolbox. The checklist ensures each audit
concisely compares the requirements of ISO 18001:2007 and
your EQMS against actual business practice.
ISO 18001:2007
Internal Audit
Checklist
System & Process Compliance Auditing
Double click here to insert
your organization’s name
OHSAS 18001:2007 Internal Audit Checklist
or logo. System & Process Compliance Auditing
GUIDANCE.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
Guidance
About this Checklist
The audit checklist is just one of the many tools which are available from the auditor’s toolbox that help ensure your audits address the necessary
requirements. It stands as a reference point before, during and after the audit process and if developed for a specific audit and used correctly will provide the
following benefits:
The audit findings ‘traffic lights’ are intended to visually communicate the risk posed by the audit finding of any system or processes being audited. The rating
system is stratified from ‘compliant’ to ‘major non-conformance’ to convey a concise and consistent method for scoring each audit finding. At the end of the
audit, you can transfer the findings into an Excel spreadsheet to create charts, summary tables and trend data to paste into your audit report or management
review documentation.
This methodology should be uniformly applied to all types of internal audit (gap analysis, system audits and process audits) that your organization will likely
undertake.
COMPLIAN Compliant means adherence with the requirements of the standard and the EQMS. The
process is implemented and documented and records exist to verify this. Continue to monitor trends/indicators.
T
A low risk issue that offers an opportunity to improve current practice. Processes may Review and implement actions to improve the process(s).
OFI cumbersome or overly complex but meet their targets and objectives. Unresolved OFIs may Monitor trends/indicators to determine if improvement was
degrade over time to become non-compliant. achieved.
A medium risk, minor non-conformance resulting in deviation from process practice not
likely to result in the failure of the management system or process that will not result in the Investigate root cause(s) and implement corrective action by
MINOR N/C
delivery of non-conforming products nor reduce the effectiveness of the EQMS. next reporting period or next scheduled audit.
A high risk, major non-conformance which directly impacts upon customer requirements, Implement immediate containment action, investigate root
MAJOR N/C likely to result in the customer receiving non-conforming products or services, or which may cause(s) and apply corrective action. Re-audit in 4 weeks to
reduce the effectiveness of the EQMS. verify correction.
Principles of Auditing
Auditing relies on a number of principles whose intent is to make the audit become an effective and reliable tool that supports your company’s management
policies and procedures whilst providing suitable objective information that your company can act upon to continually improve its performance. Adherence to
the following principles are considered to be a prerequisite for ensuring that the conclusions derived from the audit are accurate, objective and sufficient. It
also allows auditors working independently from one another to reach similar conclusions when auditing in similar circumstances. The following principles
relate to auditors.
1. Ethical conduct: Trust, integrity, confidentiality and discretion are essential to auditing;
2. Fair presentation: Audit findings, conclusions and reports reflect truthfully and accurately the audit activities ;
3. Professional care: Auditors must exercise care in accordance with the importance of the task they perform;
4. Independence: Auditors must be independent of the activity being audited and be objective;
5. Evidence-based approach: Evidence must be verifiable and be based on samples of the information available.
Audit Methodology
Introduction 4. Are links between other processes established?
The adoption of the ‘process approach’ is mandated by OHSAS 18001:2007 5. Are processes and their links monitored?
and is one of the most important concepts relating to quality management 6. Are records maintained?
systems. Process auditing is about auditing your organization’s processes
As part of the process approach, the process audits must be scheduled
and their interactions, which together comprise the quality management
according to the processes defined by your management system. The
system.
audit schedule should not be based on the clauses of the standard, but it
The process approach is one of the core quality management principles, should instead be based upon the importance and criticality of the process
which is defined as a ‘consistent and predictable results are achieved more itself. The process approach to auditing should cover three vital stages:
effectively and efficiently when activities are understood and managed as
1. Preparing for the audit; (desk review)
interrelated processes that function as a coherent system’.
2. Auditing the process and its linkages;
The process audit provides assurance that the processes have been
implemented as planned and provides information on the ability of the 3. Preparing the summary and audit report;
process to produce a quality output. Done properly, a process audit is An audit of customer related processes should be conducted at planned
much more than verification that processes are being followed. Although intervals in order to determine whether the processes conform to planned
preparation can take a day or two, actual audit time is about two hours per arrangements in order to determine whether the process is properly
shift. implemented and maintained and to provide process performance
A process is a set of interrelated activities that transform inputs, such as information to top management.
materials, customer requirements and labor, via a series of activities into Effective process auditing requires the auditor to identify and record audit
outputs, such as a finished product or service. Various stages of the trails that will make a difference to your organization. The audit should
process must meet various applicable clauses of the standard. There are six begin with the process owner in order to understand how the process
characteristics to look out for when auditing a process: interacts with the other process inputs, outputs, suppliers and/or
1. Does the process have an owner? customers.
2. Is the process defined? The auditor should be able to determine whether the outputs are complete
3. Is the process documented? and that process measurements demonstrate whether all of the outputs
are consistently fit for purpose and are efficiently managed. Do the Gather together all the relevant documented information that relates to
customers agree with the outputs and the measures? Audit of customer the process you will be auditing. Look at process metrics, work instructions,
processes at planned intervals to: turtle diagrams, process maps and flowcharts, etc. If applicable, collect and
review any control plans and failure mode effects analysis work sheets too.
1. Determine whether the process conforms to planned
arrangements; Review these thoroughly and highlight the aspects that you plan to audit.
Using the documented information in this way ensures they become audit
2. Determine whether the process is properly implemented and
records.
maintained;
3. Provide information on process performance to top management. Your organization’s documented information may not cover all of the
requirements that may be relevant to the process. If certain information is
Consider these points during the process audit:
not available, it may become your first audit finding, not bad for the pre-
1. Is there continuity between the various support processes? audit review! Certain information and linkages should be audited. Some
2. Is the task done consistently on a person-to-person or day-to-day are required and some are simply good audit practice. Putting these
basis? sections into a worksheet format gives auditors a guide to follow, to
3. Do the interfaces between the departments operate smoothly? ensure the relevant links are audited.
6. Does it meet the requirements of the standard or specification? reviewed. The audit scope, audit objectives, audit criteria are required and
this information be defined and documented. Usually, this is just basic
7. Is it helping your organization effectively?
formality, document it and move on.
Preparation
1. The audit scope defines what is included and excluded from the
Before the audit, prepare thoroughly! Spending an hour or three in audit, what will be audited.
preparation will make you a better auditor and you will be much more
2. The audit objectives define the purpose and what the audit should
effective during the audit. Auditors should not skip this step as it provides achieve.
much needed value to the audit. Taking the time to prepare and organize
3. The audit criteria define what systems, standards and documented
actually saves time during the audit.
information will be audited.
Review all the relevant steps of the assigned process. Evaluate how the should include interactions with relevant supporting processes, such as
process flows through the steps. Are the process steps effective? Do you training, quality, maintenance, calibration, record and document control,
see roadblocks or issues? Notate and follow audit trails you find with the etc.
relevant personnel. Observe their work. Look for things that are not as they
Often a process will work pretty well by itself but it does not always sit well
should be.
with other processes at the hand over points. These must be audited as to
Review Competencies how they perform and interact with the main process. Note: don’t audit
Training, skills and competencies are always a potential area for each linked process at this time, only audit the pieces that interact with the
improvement. Training and competency is vital and you should always assigned process. The full processes will get audited as a separate process
review whether training could be improved. Pay particular attention to audit.
newer employees or people who do not demonstrate good skills or Review the Process
competencies. Put people at ease, so they are not nervous. If there are
The first task for the auditor is to establish what the process is intended to
people who do not seem to be ‘up on their game’ note their names and
achieve. For example, the Sales Department’s primary function is to
review this with the training process owner.
provide an effective interface between your organization and its customers
Links to skills, competencies and training needed for each process must be and to input clear and accurate customer data onto the computer system
documented. Review skill lists for the assigned process. Are there clear lists in a timely manner. If these are the most important objectives of that
of skills for each position? Do they show enough detail? This is often a process, then the audit must concentrate on verifying whether or not they
finding, where lists are generic with inadequate detail. Training is a key are being achieved.
process of any system. Are there specific people or new hires you wish to
Performance is often best proven by looking at how well the output of
review? Are there particular skills you want to evaluate? Collect names to
Process A satisfies the input requirements of Process B. For example: how
review later.
often does Process B have problems with customer data entered on the
Review Linkages & Interactions system, how many customer complaints have arisen due to inaccurate or
Linkages and interactions with other processes are always important. As late information being entered? If there is a documented procedure in
you audit the assigned process, you will see how it connects and interacts place, it should define the process and the steps to be taken to ensure the
with other processes. As you audit, also audit the relevant links to related objectives are achieved.
processes and support processes. These would include the input hand over In the absence of any particular standard requirements, you may want to
from the previous process and the output hand over to the next process. It determine what customer driven requirements you might have. And audit
for effectiveness. The audit tool is there to check how the plan is When you have completed the audit, you will probably have findings.
functioning and if it delivers as expected. Consider these points: Some findings might be problems and some might be opportunities for
improvement. Review your notes and collect the findings into the audit
1. Is there continuity between the various processes within your
organization? report. Audit teams should review findings with the lead auditor and/or
management representative as it important to calibrate the findings and
2. Is the task done consistently on a person-to-person or day-to-day
serves as a learning process. If there is disagreement over some findings,
basis?
the Lead Auditor has the final vote.
3. Do the interfaces between the departments operate smoothly?
Prepare the Report
4. Does product information flow freely?
A good summary report is the output which is the value of the audit. It
5. Is the procedure right and does it meet the standard?
deserves an appropriate amount of attention and effort. As you moved
6. Is it helping your organization effectively? through the audit, you should have noted the issues and improvements
Review the Findings you saw. These should have been marked clearly so you are now able to
quickly review and capture them as you write the report.
Mark findings and issues as you go. When you finish auditing, you should
have a collection of various findings to review. Organize the notes you These findings and conclusions should be formally documented as part of
made, these findings need to be reported to management. As you moved the summary report. Too often, the audit report only recites back facts and
through the audit, you should have noted the issues and improvements data the managers already know. The value is in identifying issues and
you saw. These should have been marked clearly so you are now able to opportunities they do not know! This summary should be reviewed first
quickly review and capture them as you write the report. with the lead auditor, then the Process Owner and Management Team.
Make final revisions and file the audit report and all supporting audit
materials and notes.
Improvement (OFI)
Clause No.
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement
Has the organization established, documented,
implemented and maintained and continually improved
4.1 1
an H&S management system in accordance with the
requirements?
Has the organization determined how it will fulfil these
4.1 2
requirements?
Has the organization determined defined and
4.1 3
documented the scope of its H&S management system?
Has the organization established an appropriate health
4.1 4
and safety policy?
Has the organization identified the health and safety
hazards arising from its past, existing or planned activities,
4.1 5
products and services, in order to determine the health
and safety risks of significance?
Has the organization Identified applicable legal
4.1 6 requirements and other requirements to which it
subscribes?
Has the organization identified priorities and set
4.1 7
appropriate health and safety objectives and targets?
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement
Improvement (OFI)
Clause No.
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement
Part 3: Planning
Audit Findings Opportunities for
Audit Evidence
Question No.
Improvement (OFI)
Clause No.
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement
Improvement (OFI)
Clause No.
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement
Does the organization periodically review and, where
necessary, revise its emergency preparedness and
4.4.7 64
response procedures, in particular, after the occurrence
of accidents or emergency situations?
Does the organization also periodically test such
4.4.7 65
procedures where practicable?
In developing its procedures, has the organization
considered the nature of on-site hazards, e.g., flammable
4.4.7 66 liquids, storage tanks and compressed gases, and
measures to be taken in the event of spillages or
accidental releases?
In developing its procedures, has the organization
4.4.7 67 considered the most likely type and scale of an
emergency situation or accident?
In developing its procedures, has the organization
4.4.7 68 considered the most appropriate method(s) for
responding to an accident or emergency situation?
In developing its procedures, has the organization
4.4.7 69
considered internal and external communication plans?
In developing its procedures, has the organization
4.4.7 70 considered the action(s) required to minimize
environmental damage?
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement
Part 5: Checking
Audit Findings Opportunities for
Audit Evidence
Question No.
Improvement (OFI)
Clause No.
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement
Improvement (OFI)
Clause No.
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement
Audit Question
Minor N/C
Major N/C
Compliant
OFI
Provide reference to documented Provide suggestions for
information to justify the finding process improvement