GENERAL POLICY
Comprehensive, planned and documented quality audits are performed one time per calendar year. Audits are scheduled based on the status and importance of the activity. Personnel independent of those having direct responsibility for the audited activity shall conduct the audit. Identified nonconforming conditions are brought to the attention of the responsible managers and a corrective action is requested when appropriate.

INTERNAL AUDIT SCHEDULES
Executive Management shall establish the internal audit plan and schedule. Every activity and area shall be audited at least one time per calendar year. Audits shall cover all shifts in operations at a given site. Selected activities are audited more frequently, depending on their importance and quality performance history.

Auditors prepare for audits by reviewing applicable standards and procedures, analyzing quality records and establishing a questionnaire checklist. This Quality Systems Manual shall be used to prepare the checklist.

Conducting the audit, the auditor shall seek objective evidence indicating conformance to the documented quality system. Evidence is collected by observing activities, interviewing personnel and examining quality records.

CORRECTIVE ACTION & FOLLOW UP
When nonconforming conditions are identified during the audit, the manager under whose responsibility such conditions occur is to propose and implement corrective actions. Implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions are verified.

The auditor shall perform a follow up verification on all internal audits where a nonconformance was issued. Follow up verification may vary between divisions due to various corrective action implementation timing. All follow up audits shall be performed within a timely manner and documented. The auditor shall verify that corrective actions are implemented and have been proven effective.

PREVIOUS SECTION
NEXT SECTION
INDEX