What is the purpose of a familiarization tour?

The purpose of a familiarization tour is primarily to give the auditor an overview of the worksite. This allows the auditor to gain a comprehensive understanding of the physical layout, processes, and potential hazards present in the environment being audited. During this tour, auditors can observe operations, identify areas of concern, and determine the appropriate focus for the audit.

The familiarization tour is critical in establishing the context and scope of the audit, as it provides firsthand insight into the daily activities and safety practices of the organization. This understanding enables the auditor to assess compliance with regulations and internal policies more effectively.

While instructing employees on safety measures, finalizing audit documentation, and training new hires are all important activities in an organization, they serve different functions and are not the main objective of a familiarization tour as it pertains to auditing processes.