5.2 Nonconformities, correction, corrective and preventive action

A non-conformance can be defined as failure to fulfill a specific requirement.

The correction, corrective and preventive-action process is a means by which you can correct any deviations from the requirements.

The used terms in this process are defined as follows:

  • Nonconformity: non-fulfillment of a requirement;
  • Correction: action to eliminate a detected nonconformity;
  • Corrective action: action to eliminate the cause of a detected nonconformity;
  • Preventive action: action to eliminate the cause of a potential nonconformity.

This is how the correction, corrective and preventive-action process can be managed:

  • List each action by source-audits, inspections, evaluations of compliance, etc.;
  • Describe the nonconformity or potential nonconformity briefly;
  • Identify the locations at which the nonconformity arose;
  • Identify the persons responsible for the area concerned;
  • Identify the cause of the nonconformity;
  • Identify the person responsible completing the correction/corrective/preventive action;
  • Identify the agreed date to close the corrective action;