Audits

Audits and management of change (MOC) refer to systems used by industry to identify whether any potential changes to a system present safety or production hazards. Sometimes the addition of new procedures or changes to existing procedures are tracked and managed in these systems (Sutton, 1995).

Procedure writers are typically required by the organization to be directed by or consult with upper management as part of the management of change process (CCPS, 1996).

Since this process is idiosyncratic to each organization, it is not feasible to provide specific guidance in this writer’s guide.

General guidelines for management of change are that the process should be (Sutton, 1995):

• Flexible/adaptable - process should not be rigid but have different requirements for different types or magnitudes of change to procedures
• Inclusive - concerns and suggestions regarding the procedures or change process should be encouraged and acted upon
• Efficient - changes deemed necessary should be made as quickly as reasonably practicable