PECB Updated ISO-45001-Lead-Auditor Exam Questions and Answers by elwood

The correct answers are D and F.

In audit interviewing practice, open questions are mainly used to get explanation, description, and insight, while closed questions are used to confirm specific facts or verify that the auditor’s understanding is correct. Guidance on audit interviews says auditors should rely mainly on open questions for expanded responses and use closed questions to confirm answers. (The Auditor)

That is why D. To confirm conformity or a non-conformity finding is correct. Once the auditor has gathered evidence, a closed question can be used to verify a precise point, confirm whether a requirement has or has not been met, or make sure the factual basis of a conformity/nonconformity is accurate before recording the finding. ISO 19011 also states that nonconformities and supporting audit evidence should be reviewed with the auditee so the evidence is accurate and understood. (Synersia Foundation)

F. To check that your understanding of a situation is correct is also correct. Closed questions are especially useful at the end of a discussion to confirm the auditor’s interpretation of what was said or observed. This is a standard interview technique in auditing. (Designing Buildings)

Why the other options are not correct:

A. To obtain an overview of how a task is performed is better done with open questions, because the auditor needs explanation and sequence. (The Auditor)

B. To establish communication with the auditee with a view to building trust is usually done through general conversation and open dialogue, not mainly through closed questioning. (The Auditor)

C. To gain greater insight into the operation of a process also requires open questions. (The Auditor)

E. To follow your audit trail generally needs probing and exploratory questions, which are typically open rather than closed. (The Auditor)

Analysis of Options:

A. Integrated Management System:Correct. An Integrated Management System (IMS) combines multiple standards like ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001, addressing environment management as part of the integration.

B. ISO 14501:Incorrect. ISO 14501 pertains to milk and milk products, not environmental management.

C. ISO 45001:Incorrect. ISO 45001 focuses on Occupational Health and Safety, not environmental management.

D. ISO 14001:Correct. ISO 14001 is the primary standard for Environmental Management Systems.

ISO References:

ISO 14001: Environment Management Systems.

Integrated Management Systems: Combines standards like ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

ISO 45001 Clause 8.1.3 Management of change states that the organization must establish processes for the implementation and control of planned temporary and permanent changes that impact OH and S performance. It also says this includes new products, services and processes, and changes to existing products, services and processes. That makes A true. It also supports B, because the clause is specifically about changes that impact the organization’s OH and S performance.

Statement E is also true. If the organization decides, after an emergency preparedness and response exercise, that it needs to change part of the OHSMS to improve OH and S performance, then that change has to be implemented in a controlled way under the organization’s management-of-change process. ISO 45001 links emergency preparedness with improvement and requires changes impacting OH and S performance to be controlled.

Why the others are false:

C is false because ISO 45001 does not limit management of change to planned changes only. It says the organization must also review the consequences of unintended changes and take action to mitigate adverse effects.

D is false because Clause 8.1.3 does not require retaining documented information of all changes. The clause requires establishing processes for implementation and control, but it does not state a blanket requirement to retain documented information for every change.

F is false because developments in knowledge and technology are explicitly included in management of change, not excluded.

G is false because changes are not limited to those identified by the organization itself; the clause also includes changes in legal and other requirements, and changes in knowledge or information about hazards and risks.

H is false because ISO 45001 explicitly says management of change applies to temporary and permanent planned changes.

ISO 45001 emphasizes worker participation and engagement at all levels of the organization to support continuous improvement (Clause 5.4 and Clause 10.3). Continuous improvement requires input from everyone, including workers who identify hazards, report incidents, and contribute to safety enhancements.

Analysis of Options:

A. Everyone, at all levels of the company:Correct. Clause 5.4 explicitly includes all levels of the organization in consultation and participation, fostering continuous improvement.

B. Top management and senior officers only:Incorrect. While top management plays a crucial role in leadership, ISO 45001 extends the responsibility for participation to all levels.

C. Top management, senior officers, and designated safety representatives only:Incorrect. Limiting participation to designated representatives excludes a significant portion of the workforce from the improvement process.

D. Top management only:Incorrect. While top management must lead and commit to continuous improvement, their involvement alone is insufficient under ISO 45001.

ISO References:

Clause 5.4: Worker consultation and participation.

Clause 10.3: Continual improvement.