Successful auditing of BP's logistics operations requires a high level of understanding of the key parties, transportation modes, hazard classes of dangerous goods moved and applicable requirements/specifications, so that the audit scope includes those aspects of the operations that present the highest risks. Key parties include suppliers, customers and logistics service providers such as carriers and terminals. Principal transportation modes include pipeline, marine, rail and road. Principal hazard classes include flammable gases, flammable liquids and combustible liquids and to a much lesser extent toxic, corrosive and explosive materials. Mandatory, mutually-agreed and voluntary requirements/specifications include regulations, industry association codes of practice, company standards, and manufacturer's recommendations. Detailed knowledge of the applicable requirements within the audit scope is required for effective testing. This is particularly challenging when covering logistics operations that span multiple countries with differing legal jurisdictions. Additional complexity can be introduced via commercial agreements which specify variable points of custody and risk transfer for the goods and hence influence when various requirements become applicable to the parties involved in the logistics movement.
With an emphasis on process safety related aspects of logistics operations, audit planning approaches utilized to map out the complexity of logistics operations and to identify the higher risk operations will be discussed. Further, audit approaches used to identify management system gaps and specific deviations against requirements will be presented. Lessons learned in auditing practice with respect to logistics operations will be shared.