Describing the context is a first step of the systematic approach for planning of inspections and a necessary input for identifying and analysing the risks. A full inventory of the context within which the authority has to operate is vital to define its activities and sets the scope of the inspection plan. This scope is normally identified by elements such as the general mission and objectives of the authority and in particular its statutory tasks and competences. It is important to keep in mind that the inspecting authority is also bound to national, regional or local policies, which are established by others. Furthermore an inspectorate may want to take into consideration particular opinions expressed by the general public, NGO’s, industry or other stakeholders. On a more detailed level, information about companies and installations that fall under the competence of the authority concerned can be gathered, including data on their environmental impact; permit situation, compliance behaviour etc. Part of this information is collected through the execution of inspection activities. This data is also assessed in the process of performance monitoring. The data that is gathered in this step is used for carrying out the risk assessment process as outlined in the step priorities.
Identifying the scope
This element is about identifying the areas and activities that should be looked at in the further stages of the planning process and sets the scope of the inspection plan. Together with the element “information gathering” (section 6.1.2) it provides the inputfor the risk assessment. The table in Factsheet 3.01 gives a list of all the relevant factors that the inspecting authority may have to consider when making the inventory.
Factsheet 3.01
Information gathering
This element is about identifying the areas and activities that should be looked at in the further stages of the planning process and sets the scope of the inspection plan. Together with the element “information gathering” (section 6.1.2) it provides the inputfor the risk assessment. The table in Factsheet 3.01 gives a list of all the relevant factors that the inspecting authority may have to consider when making the inventory.
Factsheet 3.01
Output: Data for the risk assessment