Posted By Robert K Lewis
My strange auditors mind suggests that he is verifying that management system procedures set down are in fact implemented. In a roundabout way lack of following one process may indicate that others are also short circuited - It is actually a pretty good indicator and always can suggest a closer look.

Bob

Posted By Robert K Lewis
If you think about it - if you have labels for PAT testing with a next test date on and these are overrun then it suggests that general management is either weak or inefficient - both of which could cause an issue in environmental control or management. It is not a matter of whether there is a safety system or not. If managers set in place a process they should monitor compliance with the requirements, if not then it is pointless having the control.

Bob

Posted By Booney
Seems a bit extreme to me but I take your point Bob - you weren't a detective in a previous existence were you? :}

Many thanks for the postings

Posted By Merv Newman
I do lots of safety auditing. But I can't take time to look into all the details of every safety management system. So I "skim" most and go into the details of some. Looking at the dates of FE tests and checking the records will tell me a lot about routine equipment checks. A sideways question will give information on FE training and evacuation exercises.

Going ever further sideways and you can get into rescue and recovery. (with or without PTS counselling)If you need to.

Now relate that back to the Environment. How often are retention tanks or trays checked ? Is there a procedure for emptying and cleaning them ? Is it followed ? Are they really leak proof ? Still ?

Going general again : If one procedure is respected to the letter then that indicates that other procedures will probably also be well respected. If not, then not.

Back to the top : "skim some, do some" I usually pick a "critical" procedure; lock-out, hot work, confined spaces or other and chase it all the way down the line. back-of-the-hand stuff. If I end up with that warm, cuddly feeling then the place is probably pretty good. Otherwise, they need help.

Merv