SECTION 17 INTERNAL QUALITY AUDITS
GENERAL POLICY
Comprehensive, planned, and documented quality audits are carried out at least once a year. Audits are scheduled on the basis of the status and importance of the activity. The audits are conducted by personnel independent of those having direct responsibility for the audited activity. Identified nonconforming conditions are brought to the attention of the responsible managers and, if appropriate, a corrective action is requested.
PROCEDURAL POLICIES
1. Planning and Scheduling
1.1 The QA Manager establishes the internal audit plan and schedule in accordance with General Process Specification G9024, Internal Quality Audits. Every activity and area is audited at least once a year. Selected activities are audited more frequently, depending on their importance and quality performance history.
2. Audit Team and Preparation for Audit
2.1 Only personnel independent of the audited activities are assigned to conduct the internal audits. Normally, the QA Manager leads the audit team except when QA activities are being audited. Audits of QA activities are conducted by the President, a designated authority, the Engineering manager or other appointed management representative.
2.2 Auditors prepare for audits by reviewing applicable standards and procedures, analyzing quality records, and establishing questionnaires and checklists. Selection of auditors and preparation for the audit are explained in General Process Specification G9024, Internal Quality Audits.
3. Conducting the Audit
3.1 Conducting the audit, auditors seek objective evidence whether the audited activities comply with the requirements of the documented quality system. The evidence is collected by observing the activities, interviewing personnel, and examining quality records.
3.2 Nonconforming conditions are documented and recorded using the Audit Noncompliance Report (ANR) form. A model of the form and instructions on how to use it are provided in General Process Specification G9024.
3.3 Audits are conducted in a way that minimize disruption of the audited activities.
4. Corrective Action and Follow-up
4.1 When nonconforming conditions are identified, the manager responsible for the affected area or activity is requested to propose and implement a corrective action. Corrective actions and their follow-up status are logged in a QA database. Implementation and effectiveness of the action is verified by a follow-up audit. The Audit Noncompliance Report (ANR) form is also used for monitoring and recording implementation of the corrective actions.
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