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;