About EBSA16 - Course A. Auditing: a comprehensive and practical introduction

Instructors:

Helmut Bachmayer, Biosafety & Biosecurity Consultant, Maria Enzersdorf/A<
Gary Burns, Biosafety & Biosecurity Consultant, Congleton/UK

This two day practical course provides a comprehensive and sound practical introduction to auditing. The course takes participants through the principles, recognized best practices and essential techniques of (HSE / biosafety) auditing. It provides them with guidance on planning and performing of an audit in line with international standards. The course will combine elements previously covered in the one day EBSA pre-conference courses "Biosafety audits and inspections - a basic course" and "Auditing - beyond the basics". Newly introduced feature will include the opportunity for delegates to take part in a "mock audit" of a laboratory facility.

The course will be of interest to those with no or limited auditing experience and / or formal training. It will set out the principles of effective (bio)safety, health and environmental auditing and compare and contrast this with inspection approaches. The trainers will explain how to prepare, structure and conduct an audit by sharing with the participants their extensive auditing experience in the areas of HSE / biosafety. They will point out potential pitfalls as well as good practices including communication and interviewing skills, and drafting of audit reports. The course will be highly interactive and practical with focus on syndicate work in break-out sessions and exercises including simulation of audit opening and closing sessions, interviewing as part of desk-top reviews and facility walk-throughs, and drafting of an audit report.

At the end of the two day training course participants will understand the elements of an audit system and programme, they will know the essential tools and realize behavioural implications. The course should enable participants to plan and carry out audits of small facilities within the context of their own work experience, and to contribute to the planning of as well as participate as a team member in HSE / biosafety audits of a more complex nature lead by an experienced auditor.

 The class size is limited to 12 participants to ensure productive interactions (syndicate work in break-out sessions and plenary discussions).