IRCA OHSMS Lead Auditor
A CQI IRCA-Approved Program Developing Skills to Effectively Audit and Manage ISO 45001 OHSMS.
Course Overview
This CQI IRCA-approved Lead Auditor program is designed to develop the competence required to plan, conduct, report, and follow up Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS) audits in accordance with ISO 45001, ISO 19011, and ISO/IEC 17021 standards.
The course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of OHS management principles, risk-based thinking, audit methodologies, and certification processes. Through intensive practical auditing exercises and case-based learning, participants gain the skills necessary to perform first-, second-, and third-party audits effectively and professionally.
Successful completion of this course satisfies the formal training requirement for individuals seeking registration as an OHSMS Lead Auditor with CQI IRCA (subject to experience requirements).
Course Objectives
By the End of the Course, Participants will be able to:
- Explain the purpose and structure of an Occupational Health & Safety Management System (ISO 45001)
- Interpret ISO 45001 requirements within an audit context
- Understand the principles of management system auditing (ISO 19011)
- Apply ISO/IEC 17021 requirements for third-party certification audits
- Plan and conduct Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits
- Identify nonconformities and prepare effective audit reports
- Conduct audit follow-up and verify corrective actions
- Lead an audit team professionally and ethically
Course Audience
This course is designed for:
- OHSMS Implementation Team Members
- Health & Safety Managers and Engineers
- Internal and External Auditors
- Operations and Site Personnel involved in OHSMS implementation
- Professionals seeking IRCA Lead Auditor qualification
Course Methodology
Course Outline
Day One: OHSMS Fundamentals & ISO 45001 Requirements
- Introduction to Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems
- OHS management principles and risk-based thinking
- Structure and clauses of ISO 45001
- PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act) methodology
- Documentation requirements: documents and records
- Terms and definitions used in ISO 45001 and auditing
Day Two: Audit Principles & Planning
- Principles of auditing (ISO 19011)
- Audit types: first, second, and third party
- Accreditation and certification processes
- Benefits of accreditation
- Roles and responsibilities in audits
- Auditor characteristics and competencies
- Audit objectives, scope, and criteria
- Audit planning and preparation
Day Three: Conducting the Audit
- Stage 1 audit (document review)
- Stage 2 audit (implementation verification)
- Audit team selection and formation
- Audit duration and resource planning
- Process auditing techniques
- Interviewing skills and evidence collection
- Practical audit simulation exercises
Day Four: Reporting & Nonconformity Management
- Identifying and classifying nonconformities
- Writing effective nonconformity (NC) reports
- Audit reporting structure and best practices
- Conducting closing meetings
- Audit follow-up and verification of corrective actions
- Case study and reporting workshop
Day Five: Certification Process & Practical Assessment
- Auditing OHSMS processes
- Integration with other management systems
- Certification cycle and surveillance audits
- Practical audit role-play exercise
- Final examination and course review
Certificates