ISO 19011

ISO 19011 is the new guideline for auditing quality and/or environmental management systems. It replaced the previous 10012 guides in 2002.

ISO 19011 provides guidance on the principles of auditing, managing audit programs, conducting Quality Management System (QMS) audits and Environmental Management System (EMS) audits, as well as guidance on the competence of quality and environmental management system auditors.

Application

It applies to all organizations wanting to perform internal or external audits of quality and/or environmental management systems or to manage an audit program. The application of the Standard to other types of audits is possible in principle, provided that special consideration is given to identifying the competence needed by the audit team members.

The most significant change brought about with ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 19011:2002 is the concept of auditing for process and system effectiveness. The previous two editions of the standard and their audit guidelines focused on compliance to the clauses/sections in the standards.

An organization must still comply with the standard's requirements otherwise there would be very little point to having a standard. However, the primary focus of the audit is on meeting customer requirements through controlled and effective processes, meeting the objectives for the process and continually improving the processes.

Click on a link below for a discussion of ISO 19011 contents.

What exactly is a "management system audit"?

• It is a continual improvement activity
  
• It is a friendly process
  
• It is a planned activity
  
• It is conducted by a competent auditor

Management system audits are used to detect any weaknesses or potential weaknesses in the company that could effect customers. In the case of environmental management system audits, they are conducted as a pollution prevention activity.

    Section 1. ISO 19011 Scope reference and definitions

    Section 2. ISO 19011 Principles of auditing

    Section 3. ISO 19011 Managing an audit program

    Section 4. ISO 19011 Audit program implementation

    Section 5. ISO 19011 Audit activities

    Section 6. ISO 19011 Preparing for onsite activities

    Section 7. ISO 19011 Conducting onsite activities

    Section 8. ISO 19011 What the auditor is looking for

    Section 9  ISO 19011 Audit reporting

    Section 10. ISO 19011 Audit techniques

    Section 11. ISO 19011 Audit path

    Section 12. ISO 19011 Effective communications

    Section 13. ISO 19011 Sampling

    Section 14. ISO 19011 Audit completion and follow-up

    Section 15. ISO 19011 Competence and evaluation of auditors

This represents a summary of the section in ISO 19011:2002. It's suggested that you obtain an copy of "ISO 19011 Explanations and Definitions".