When should the OHSMS certification audit be performed?

dpdelgado

Lust for learning
This is my first time to post; so, forgive me if I'm in the wrong forum.

When should the OHSMS certification audit be performed? I know it should not be conducted during plant shutdown. Should it be when the organization is at its "normal operating mode"? If so, how does one define "normal operating mode"? Thoughts?
 

Ajit Basrur

Leader
Admin
Welcome to the Cove :bigwave:

I have moved your question to this section as it relates to Occupational Health & Safety.

Just to clarify on your question - are you referring to the OHSAS 18001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems certification?
 

dpdelgado

Lust for learning
Welcome to the Cove :bigwave:

I have moved your question to this section as it relates to Occupational Health & Safety.

Just to clarify on your question - are you referring to the OHSAS 18001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems certification?
Thanks, Ajit.
Yes, I was referring to OHSAS 18001 certification.
 

dpdelgado

Lust for learning
Under normal operating conditions
Thanks, Randy.

What is the definition of "under normal operating conditions"? How about if the organization has two normal operating modes. For example, a company that operates a ski resort in winter, and, then, operates the resort as a mountain bike trail in summer. Will the company need to be audited in winter for its ski resort operation, and in summer for its mountain bike trail operation?
 
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somashekar

Leader
Admin
Thanks, Randy.

What is the definition of "under normal operating conditions"? How about if the organization has two normal operating modes. For example, a company that operates a ski resort in winter, and, then, operates the resort as a mountain bike trail in summer. Will the company need to be audited in winter for its ski resort operation, and in summer for its mountain bike trail operation?
Explain in your scope, as well as talk with your CB customer support., and leave it to the CB. Conduct your internal audit under both conditions. Certification process involves survelliance audits and the CB will decide if they have to cover both your normal operating conditions going further.
This is something unlike shift operations where the certification audit is scheduled across all shifts.
 

dpdelgado

Lust for learning
Thanks, Somashekar.

I am writing guidelines for the CB on "normal operating conditions" that is why I am asking the questions.
 

Randy

Super Moderator
You're over complicating a simple process. The answer is quite simple, when are you doing stuff with people working, that makes the company money, during what could be considered a normal business workday for your business?

Winter, Summer, day or night

Have you picked a certification body yet? If you have they will tell you, if you haven't then when you do they will tell you.

Focus on the important stuff and in this case it's the effective management of health & safety risk.
 

Sidney Vianna

Post Responsibly
Leader
Admin
Have you picked a certification body yet?
It looks like a CB picked him instead, as he wrote
I am writing guidelines for the CB on "normal operating conditions" that is why I am asking the questions.

As for the underlying question, normal operating conditions is when the organization is delivering it's "normal" intended output, and there are no unusual/unexpected extraordinary circumstances affecting it's ability to produce it's products or deliver it's services.

There will always be organizations that are affected by seasonal issues. The example you gave is one. A farm where harvesting only happens ever so often is another.

A CB must use common sense to determine when the to schedule an audit so the assessment is done during a time when the system is operational and the risks and processes put in place to manage such risks can be demonstrated effectively.

In the example you cited, if the first stage 2 audit is done during the winter, the scope of certification could be limited to winter related activities and, in the summer, the scope of certification could be expanded to include summer related activities.

Good luck.
 

dpdelgado

Lust for learning
It looks like a CB picked him instead, as he wrote


As for the underlying question, normal operating conditions is when the organization is delivering it's "normal" intended output, and there are no unusual/unexpected extraordinary circumstances affecting it's ability to produce it's products or deliver it's services.

There will always be organizations that are affected by seasonal issues. The example you gave is one. A farm where harvesting only happens ever so often is another.

A CB must use common sense to determine when the to schedule an audit so the assessment is done during a time when the system is operational and the risks and processes put in place to manage such risks can be demonstrated effectively.

In the example you cited, if the first stage 2 audit is done during the winter, the scope of certification could be limited to winter related activities and, in the summer, the scope of certification could be expanded to include summer related activities.

Good luck.
Thanks for the insights, Sidney!
 
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