Our ASQ section does auditing for companies as a way of providing experience. We mix in new and experienced auditors to ensure a valid audit. The first time I audited them, I was assigned the process control standards. Since I had a chemical engineering degree and understood continuous process operations, they were very happy with my audit. The next time that I went, they specifically requested that I do certain areas because of my process knowledge even though I have never worked in the painting industry.
What they liked was the unique thinking and auditing appproach required. Unlike parts manufacturing, you cannot see the product since it is in equipment and piping. You observe the process by looking at the flows, temperatures etc. that are on the computer screens. People who have never seen this type of process before struggle when they audit.
That is my concern about auditing in the oil and gas industry. It is a continuous operation where the product is never seen. In addition, a continuous operation means that lab tests are done on samples but the product continues to be made even if it is non-conforming. The audit needs to focus on what process parameters are monitored to prevent making a lot of bad product while waiting for the next set of lab results.
Bill Pflanz