There is a wide variety of protocols depending upon the type of organization and environmental characteristics. The simplest form of an audit uses fill-in forms based on reports which will be produced as an audit guide. This type of protocol is commently used, providing a detailed listing of all issues to be covered. Questionnaires are frequently used as an auditing protocol and the list of questionnaires shall be completely replied by the auditor. In general an auditor prepares a standarlized format for conducting an audit compiling the final report.
Guideline protocols are the most common type of protocol.
They provide specific instruction and guidelines to be used by the auditor, and aspects which should be investigated. Implementation of an environmental audit will depend on the type of audit being carried out, the type of organization or activity and the practices of the auditor. Pre-audit activity forms an essential part of the environmental auditing procedure. Careful planning at this stage will help to ensure success of both the initial audit and any subsequent audits. Information required at this stage includes detailed information regarding activities carried at the site, the legal status of the facility, management structure and the scope of the organization or activity to be audited.