MANAGEMENT & PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Frequency of Audits

Provisions
Regarding the frequency of audits, the EMAS Regulation states that: «The frequency with which each activity is audited varies according to the following factors:

• nature, size and complexity of the activities;
• significance of the associated environmental impacts;
• importance and urgency of the problems identified by previous audits;
• precedents regarding environmental problems.

Purposes The purpose of this provision is to ensure that the audit program provides the top management with the information necessary to verify the environmental performance and efficiency of the organization's environmental management system and to demonstrate the degree of control exercised. It will also provide the verifier with a useful starting point when it comes to establishing and agreeing with the organization the verification program, as well as determining the frequency of his visits to the organization.

Guidelines In defining their audit program, organizations should have more frequent checks on the activities, products and services they have or risk having a stronger impact on the environment than those with lesser impact. The organization should carry out audits at least annually, as this would help to demonstrate to both its management and the verifier that its most significant environmental aspects are under control.