LDAR Audits: What I’ve Learned About Finding the Right Partner (and Dodging the Wrong Ones)

Let’s be honest…

The world of LDAR audits can be a bit of a jungle. You’ve got regulations to navigate, technologies to understand, and a whole lot of companies vying for your business. Over the years, I’ve seen it all – the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.

War Stories from the Trenches

The Golfer: I remember one audit where the “expert” spent more time trying to schmooze the HSSE manager with golf invitations than actually inspecting equipment. He spent what little time he was present at the plant parked behind a desk, zero time in the field, and then tried to push a ridiculously expensive proprietary solution. Thankfully, the client was savvy enough to see through the charade and get a second opinion.

The Fearmonger: Other times, I’ve witnessed auditors practically terrorize a client with worst-case scenarios and inflated risk assessments. They badmouth the existing LDAR contractor, claiming they were incompetent and putting the facility in jeopardy. A classic case of fear-mongering, designed to scare the client into switching providers.

Lessons Learned, Finding a True Partner: But it’s not all doom and gloom. I’ve also had the privilege of working with some truly exceptional people. Professionals who embody integrity, expertise, and a genuine commitment to helping their clients. These are the folks who take the time to understand your operations, explain the findings clearly, and offer practical, unbiased recommendations.

The Art of Listening: One critical quality often overlooked in LDAR audits is the ability to listen. An effective auditor isn’t necessarily the loudest voice in the room, nor are they the ones constantly sharing their opinions or showcasing their expertise. I’ve seen firsthand that the most valuable auditors are those who listen more than they speak. When they do speak, their words carry weight, clarity, and insight.

These professionals understand that auditing isn’t about being right—it’s about getting things right. They are humble enough to appreciate being proven wrong and genuinely grateful for opportunities to learn and grow. Their contributions, though sometimes fewer, are consistently meaningful and impactful.

Integrity Over Ego: The best auditors never approach an audit as a chance to impose their own preferences or opinions. Instead, they focus entirely on what’s correct, compliant, and beneficial for the client and the environment. They view each audit as an opportunity for collaboration, bringing clarity rather than confusion and solutions rather than complications.

Finding the right LDAR auditor can make all the difference. It’s about finding a partner you can trust, someone who will guide you through the complexities of regulations and technology and help you achieve true environmental responsibility. Don’t settle for anything less!

3 Simple Questions to Cut Through the Noise

Are you choosing an LDAR auditor? Don’t get caught in a whirlwind of jargon and sales pitches. Cut to the chase with these three simple questions:

1. “Can you explain your audit process in plain English?” A trustworthy auditor will gladly walk you through their methods, ensuring you understand what they’ll be doing and why.

2. “How will your audit help me improve, not just find problems?” The best auditors focus on solutions and continuous improvement, not just pointing fingers.

3. “Can you share examples of how you’ve helped other companies like mine?” Real-world success stories speak volumes. Don’t be shy to ask for references or case studies.