The correct answers are A, B, and C because CCPS defines audits as a critical RBPS activity used to evaluate system performance, ensure effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement .

Option A is correct because audits ultimately aim to reduce process safety risks by identifying weaknesses in management systems before incidents occur. While audits do not directly eliminate hazards, they highlight deficiencies that, when corrected, reduce risk exposure.

Option B is central to the purpose of auditing. CCPS emphasizes that audits are conducted to verify whether Risk-Based Process Safety (RBPS) systems are properly implemented and functioning as intended . This includes checking compliance with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices.

Option C is also correct because audits are a key tool for continuous improvement . They help organizations identify gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities to strengthen process safety programs.

Option D is incorrect because preparing emergency response plans is part of the Emergency Management element, not an audit objective. Option E is incorrect because audits may review procedures, but they do not “certify” every procedure as correct; rather, they assess whether systems exist to maintain and update them.

Thus, CCPS positions audits as assurance and improvement tools , not execution or certification mechanisms.