Auditing
Process safety and security management program audits are a useful tool to improve performance when done by experienced and knowledgeable leaders. An experienced auditor, or audit team, will use a systematic and structured approach to evaluating and improving management systems. Through these audits, organizations can identify, assess, and mitigate risks. They ensure compliance with safety and security standards, and continually improve safety performance and security while reducing the likelihood of accidents and incidents in their facilities.
All of AcuTech’s audits evaluate process safety, security, and crisis & emergency management programs from two perspectives:
The management systems review of design and effectiveness:
- Commitment, diligence, and comprehensiveness
- Appropriateness to the level of hazards/vulnerabilities of the process
- Employee involvement and knowledge
- Methods employed compared to state-of-the-art practice in similar industries
- Completeness and quality of documentation
The technical approaches employed including:
- Methods employed compared to state-of-the-art practice in similar industries
- Physical systems in place
- Appropriateness to the level of hazards/vulnerabilities of the process
- The completeness and quality of documentation
- Implementation of the element
Process Safety Audits
AcuTech has been a leading force in Process Safety Management (PSM) consulting and training since 1994, partnering with organizations to enhance process safety programs through audits, gap analyses, and best practice benchmarking. Our seasoned consultants have collectively conducted thousands of PSM audits, providing comprehensive support from planning and onsite execution to reporting. Whether leading or participating in audit teams, AcuTech’s experts adhere to audit protocols developed using guidance from OSHA, the EPA, and other relevant regulatory bodies. AcuTech consultants understand the questions to ask and how to interpret findings to the benefit of our partners.
When needed, AcuTech has the capability to add significant value to these protocols and develop and maintain “Continuous System Improvement” (CSI) criteria. For instance, a broader list of PSM audit criteria that can be used if an organization wishes to evaluate their PSM program on a deeper basis. This will allow recommendations beyond the basic compliance requirements. Additionally, AcuTech offers training in PSM audit planning, execution, and reporting as part of our comprehensive suite of PSM-related training services.
AcuTech also offers auditing services aligned with international and national standards in key risk management areas, providing a foundational framework for responsible companies. Our comprehensive approach encompasses consulting, training, and support in formal management system development and implementation. It includes self-verification of compliance, and certification pursuits, ensuring alignment with these standards to enhance organizational resilience.
Security Audits
AcuTech specializes in integrating security management systems to counter both external and internal threats across various domains. We conduct audits to evaluate the effectiveness and compliance of facility site security plans, assisting companies in sustaining robust security measures while addressing vulnerabilities identified through security risk assessments. From formal management system development to certification pursuits, we ensure alignment with international and national standards. Our comprehensive approach includes providing auditing services alongside consulting, training, and support.
Our seasoned consultants bring expertise in Operational Technology/Industrial Control Systems (OT/ICS) cybersecurity, with a focus on conducting thorough audits. In addition to strategic security planning and cost/benefit analyses, AcuTech tailors security measures to suit each client’s unique needs.
Moreover, AcuTech’s security auditing services encompass a thorough understanding of the CFATS cycle, ensuring clients receive critical support in managing security vulnerabilities and compliance. Leveraging our expertise, we aid in drafting comprehensive site security plans in compliance with the stringent mandates of the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), enhancing port and waterway safety.
Crisis & Emergency Management Audits
AcuTech offers specialized auditing services in crisis and emergency management systems, aiming to bolster organizational preparedness and response capabilities during unforeseen disasters or incidents. Our comprehensive approach includes conducting audits aligned with standards such as NFPA 1600 and ISO 22301. AcuTech ensures compliance and effectiveness in emergency management and business continuity programs.
With expertise in various management systems, AcuTech provides comprehensive support in auditing, reviewing, and certifying crisis and emergency management systems. Our services encompass business continuity management system development, business impact analysis, BCM planning, trainings, and compliance verification, aligning organizations with internationally recognized standards.
- PSM/RMP audits
- Process safety culture assessments
- Targeted gap analysis of PSM program elements
- Development of advanced audit protocols for continuous improvement
- Occupational health and safety audits
- Physical security audits
- Evaluate the effectiveness and compliance of facility site security plans
- Security management system audits
- CFATs and MTSA support
- Cyber security audits
- IT/OT audits
- Crisis and emergency management program audits
- Training
AcuTech’s consultants are well versed in codes and standards and will refer to these as well as each client’s local jurisdiction codes and standards. A sampling of the relevant codes and standards can be found below.
- CalARP
- CalOSHA PSM
- NJ TCPA
- DE EHA
- SAWS
- Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard (29 CFR 1910.119). Issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States, the PSM standard outlines the requirements for the management of highly hazardous chemicals. It includes provisions for process hazard analysis, employee training, and mechanical integrity.
- Risk Management Program (RMP) Rule (40 CFR Part 68). Also administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the RMP Rule complements the PSM standard by focusing on the prevention and mitigation of chemical accidents. It applies to facilities that use specific hazardous substances.
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61511. This international standard addresses functional safety in the process industry. It provides guidelines for the specification, design, installation, and operation of safety instrumented systems.
- American Petroleum Institute (API) Standards. API has various standards related to auditing and safety in the oil and gas industry. For example, API 510 covers pressure vessel inspection, API 570 addresses piping inspection, and API 653 focuses on aboveground storage tank inspection.
- ISO 45001. This international standard outlines requirements for occupational health and safety management systems. While not specific to the process industries, it provides a framework for organizations to manage risks and improve safety performance.
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards. NFPA has several standards relevant to process safety, including NFPA 654 for the prevention of fire and dust explosions from the manufacturing, processing, and handling of combustible particulate solids.
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Codes. ASME codes, such as ASME B31.3 for process piping and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, provide guidelines for the design, construction, inspection, and testing of equipment used in the process industries.
- European Process Safety Centre (EPSC) Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) Guidelines. These guidelines provide a framework for risk-based inspection in the European process industries, focusing on optimizing inspection efforts based on risk assessments.
Our consultants have contributed to the following standards, codes, and programs:
- AcuTech was the contractor selected to write the revision of the Center for Chemical Process Safety’s (CCPS) Guidelines for Auditing Process Safety Management Systems, which follows the CCPS Guidelines for Risk Based Process Safety. This guideline contains guidance for auditing voluntary consensus programs in process safety, such as Safety and Environmental Management Programs (SEMP), the ACC’s RCMS program, RC-14001, and others.
- Author of CCPS Guidelines for Essential Practices for Creating, Strengthening & Sustaining Process Safety Culture
- NFPA 652 Management System Audit Protocol