PECB ISO-14001-Lead-Auditor Exam - Topic 2 Question 4 Discussion

Actual exam question for PECB's ISO-14001-Lead-Auditor exam

Question #: 4
Topic #: 2

Showitoff is an organisation specialising in the design and production of wall decorating materials for the domestic market. During an ISO 14001 certification audit of the site, the auditor comes across an open, walled area just outside the maintenance department. It contains various scraps of wood and metal as well as several rusty components. They are lying on an oily floor. When asked about it, the EMS Manager states that he presumes that the materials come from maintenance work.

The auditor interviews the Maintenance Manager in his department. He notes that shelves containing various spares are well labelled and neatly stacked. He asked about the "dump" outside and is told that it contains some excess materials that the Manager likes to keep in case they come in handy at some stage. The auditor points out that the "dump" might be classed under regulations as a landfill site, which requires an operating licence. The Maintenance Manager is not aware of such a licence.

Which three statements represent good audit practice?

AThe auditor should check whether the organisation has permission to operate a landfill site.

BThe auditor should ask the Maintenance Manager to clean up the 'dump'.

CThe auditor should advise the organisation to get rid of all the 'dumps'.

DThe auditor should check the information given by the Maintenance Manager with the EMS Manager.

EThe auditor should refer the organisation to the relevant authorities.

FThe auditor should consider surveying more areas of the site for other 'dumps'.

GThe auditor should raise a nonconformity against ISO 14001.

HThe auditor should congratulate the Maintenance Manager on having a neat and tidy spares store.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: A, D, F

by Tambra at Jul 07, 2025, 09:07 AM

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Alita

5 months ago

Checking with both managers is a smart move for clarity.

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Tresa

5 months ago

Cleaning up the dump should be a priority, no doubt!

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Leonora

5 months ago

Wait, they just keep that stuff lying around? Seems risky.

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Laurene

6 months ago

The auditor should definitely check for that landfill license.

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Dorothy

6 months ago

Agree, that "dump" looks like a big issue!

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Delmy

6 months ago

Referring the organisation to the relevant authorities might be necessary, but I wonder if that’s the auditor's role in this situation.

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Goldie

6 months ago

I remember a similar practice question where the auditor had to verify information between different managers. So, checking with the EMS Manager sounds like a good idea.

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Lettie

7 months ago

I'm not sure if asking the Maintenance Manager to clean up the 'dump' is the right approach. It feels a bit too direct for an audit.

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Eric

7 months ago

I think the auditor should definitely check if they have permission to operate a landfill site. That seems really important for compliance.

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Delisa

7 months ago

This is a great opportunity to demonstrate my audit skills. I'll be thorough in my investigation and provide clear, actionable recommendations to the organization.

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Brittani

7 months ago

Okay, I think I've got a good handle on this. I'll start by checking if the organization has the proper license, then follow up on any issues I identify.

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Mari

7 months ago

Hmm, I'm a bit unsure about this one. I'll need to weigh the options carefully and make sure I don't miss anything important.

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Merissa

7 months ago

The key here is determining whether the "dump" area is actually a landfill site that requires a license. I'll need to dig deeper into the regulations to make that assessment.

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Lasandra

8 months ago

This seems like a tricky one. I'll need to carefully review the details and think through the different options to identify the best audit practices.

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Franklyn

9 months ago

Haha, the auditor should just roll up their sleeves and start cleaning up the 'dump' themselves. Get their hands dirty for a change!

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Mendy

9 months ago

H? Really? Congratulating the Maintenance Manager on his neat spares store when there's a potential environmental hazard outside? Priorities, people!

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Antonio

8 months ago

E) The auditor should refer the organisation to the relevant authorities.

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Garry

8 months ago

A) The auditor should check whether the organisation has permission to operate a landfill site.

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Sabrina

10 months ago

I don't know, I'd just tell the Maintenance Manager to 'tidy up his man-cave' and be done with it. What's the big deal?

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Marvel

8 months ago

E) The auditor should refer the organisation to the relevant authorities.

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Doug

8 months ago

E) The auditor should refer the organisation to the relevant authorities.

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Maynard

8 months ago

B) The auditor should ask the Maintenance Manager to clean up the 'dump'.

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Trevor

8 months ago

A) The auditor should check whether the organisation has permission to operate a landfill site.

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Fairy

8 months ago

B) The auditor should ask the Maintenance Manager to clean up the 'dump'.

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Isreal

9 months ago

A) The auditor should check whether the organisation has permission to operate a landfill site.

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Pauline

10 months ago

The auditor should also refer the organisation to the relevant authorities.

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Reid

10 months ago

I agree with that. It's important to ensure compliance with regulations.

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Janessa

11 months ago

F is a good idea too. The auditor should check for any other similar 'dumps' around the site. Better to be thorough.

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German

11 months ago

I think the auditor should check whether the organisation has permission to operate a landfill site.

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Mose

11 months ago

A, D, and E seem like the most appropriate actions. We need to ensure the organization is complying with regulations and address any potential issues.

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