Risk Auditing and Quality Management System (QMS) in the Oil & Gas Industry

About the Course

This 5-day intensive Risk Auditing and Quality Management System (QMS) in the Oil & Gas Industry training course provides oil & gas professionals with a comprehensive understanding of risk-based auditing principles and quality management system (QMS) best practices aligned with internationally recognised standards. Delegates will gain a working knowledge of ISO 9001, API Spec Q1/Q2, IOGP Report 456, and other guidelines. Through interactive lectures, simulated audits, group discussions, and real-world case studies, they will learn how to perform optimised internal audits that focus on critical risk areas and drive continuous improvement. Key topics include risk assessment methods to identify high-priority audit areas; developing risk-based audit plans that align objectives, scope, resources, and schedules; audit execution including checklists, interviews, documentation review, and nonconformity classification; reporting findings and corrective actions to management; and monitoring key performance indicators for a robust QMS.

Delegates will understand how proactive auditing based on impact and likelihood analysis promotes operational excellence, reduces nonconformities, and prevents major HSE and reliability incidents in exploration, production, refining, storage, and transportation. They can implement risk-based assurance initiatives that enhance asset integrity, ensure compliance, and champion a visible quality culture in their organisations. Upon completion, they will be equipped with in-demand skills to lead and continually enhance risk-based auditing programs focused on high-risk activities, high-priority assets, and high-consequence processes to enable organisational excellence in the oil & gas industry.

Core Objectives

The delegates will achieve the following objectives: 

• Describe the principles and benefits of risk-based auditing in oil & gas operations
• Explain ISO 9001, API Q1/Q2, and IOGP QMS standards for the industry
• Conduct a quality risk analysis to prioritise audit areas in an asset
• Develop a risk-based audit plan for a specific oil & gas operation
• Observe simulated audit interviews and document review to identify non-conformities
• Classify audit findings, draft audit reports, and make recommendations to management
• Discuss auditor competencies, ethics, and generating management commitment
• Track corrective actions and report key performance indicators for continuous improvement

Training Approach

This training course will utilise an interactive approach focused on delegate collaboration and practical exercises; rather than traditional long lectures, key concepts will be presented through short discussions and engagement. Most of the time will then be allocated for small group discussions, hands-on use of sample audit tools like preformatted checklists and action plans, and case study discussions where groups analyse actual audit findings and report recommendations to the class. To apply newly acquired skills, it will feature a simulated audit activity where groups conduct interviews, review documents, identify nonconformities, and present summaries—all based on a sample scenario without computer aid.

The Attendees

This training course is intended for professionals in technical, operational, HSE, and quality roles across exploration, production, refining, storage, and transportation operations in the oil and gas industry. They are responsible for ensuring conformance to standards, driving continuous improvement, and championing robust quality culture in their organisations through effective auditing based on risk analysis. This course would enable them to develop the expertise to execute, manage, and govern assurance initiatives focused on high-risk areas.

Likewise, it will be valuable to the professionals but not limited to the following: 

• HSE Managers
• Operations Managers
• Audit Managers
• Quality Managers
• Compliance Officers
• Senior Engineers
• Asset Integrity Engineers
• Inspectors
• Technical Authorities
• Regulatory Specialists

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: INTRODUCTION TO RISK-BASED AUDITING AND QMS

• Principles of Risk-Based Auditing
• Overview of ISO 9001 and API Q1/Q2
• Benefits of QMS in the Oil & Gas Industry
• Audit Roles and Responsibilities
• Risk Assessment Methodologies
• Types of Audits: Internal, External, and Third-Party
• Audit Competencies and Ethics

DAY TWO: PLANNING RISK-BASED AUDITS

• Gathering Information to Plan Audits
• Identifying Quality Risks and Priorities
• Developing Risk Ranking Criteria
• Creating Risk Heat Maps
• Determining Audit Scope and Resources
• Scheduling and Announcing Audits
• Preparing Checklists and Guides

DAY THREE: CONDUCTING ON-SITE ASSESSMENTS

• Holding Opening Meetings
• Interviewing Site Personnel
• Observing Operations
• Reviewing Documentation
• Identifying Nonconformities
• Categorising Audit Findings
• Developing Immediate Action Plans
• Conducting Close-out Meetings 

DAY FOUR: DOCUMENTING AND REPORTING AUDIT FINDINGS

• Documenting Objective Evidence
• Classifying Types of Nonconformities
• Describing Quality Impacts
• Drafting Audit Reports
• Developing Recommendations
• Tracking Corrective Actions
• Reporting Key Indicators to Management
• Facilitating Progress Reviews

DAY FIVE: CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT PROCESS

• Implementing Corrective Actions
• Verifying Effectiveness
• Updating Risk Profiles
• Improving Audit Tools and Competencies
• Planning Next Audit Cycles
• Keeping Management Informed
• Promoting Quality Culture