Compliance Audits

A compliance audit is a technique used to gather sufficient facts and information, including statistical information, to verify compliance with standards. Employers must select a trained individual or assemble a trained team to audit the process safety management system and program. Only one knowledgeable person may conduct an audit at a small process or plant.

The compliance audit includes an evaluation of the design and effectiveness of the process safety management system, and a field inspection of safety conditions and practices to verify that the employer's systems are effectively implemented. A person knowledgeable in audit techniques who is impartial toward the facility or area being audited must conduct or lead the audit. The essential elements of a compliance audit program include the following:

• Planning the audit
• Staffing the audit team
• Conducting the audit
• Evaluating hazards and deficiencies and taking corrective action
• Performing a follow-up and documenting the actions taken to correct problems

To be certain that their process safety management is effective, employers must certify that they have evaluated compliance with the provisions of the PSM program at least every three years. This will verify that the procedures and practices developed under the Cal/OSHA process safety standard are adequate and are being followed. Additionally, employers must keep the two most recent compliance audit reports on file.

To learn more about Process Safety Management visit our Cal/OSHA Process Safety Management Online Training web page.