An audit team leader who has been contracted to perform a full Occupational Health and...

A pre-audit documented-information review provides intelligence needed to prepare an effective, risk-based audit. It can identify higher-risk areas requiring greater audit attention, verify the defined OHSMS scope, help confirm whether the planned audit team ' s size and collective competence are adequate, and develop a clearer understanding of the auditee ' s processes and activities. These are direct planning benefits. The review does not automatically justify shortening the total audit duration or reducing interviews; sufficient audit time and evidence must still be obtained. Nor is the purpose to retain auditee-controlled emergency documentation after the audit. ISO 19011 ' s documented-information-review guidance emphasizes understanding the auditee ' s operations, preparing audit activities, identifying possible areas of concern and taking account of scope, organisational size, complexity, risks and opportunities.