The procedure describes the process for managing the
Internal Audit program of the QMS
2.0
Scope
The entire QMS is subject to the Auditing procedures
described herein
3.0
Definitions
·
QMS – Quality Management System
·
SNC – System Nonconformance
4.0
Procedure
The QMS Management Representative, or
designate, is appointed as the Lead Auditor.
The Lead Auditor is responsible for ensuring that these procedures are
followed accordingly, and specifically:
·
An
annual Internal Audit Schedule is created and maintained
·
Ensuring
an Internal Audit team is trained, competent and readily available to conduct
audits
·
Ensuring
that the General Manager is informed if additional internal auditing resources
are required
·
Overseeing
that system non-conformances are addressed and closed out in a timely manner by
the internal audit team
4.1 Audit Program
The Town of
An Audit
Schedule will be defined by the Lead Auditor to ensure that the entire QMS
is audited at least once every twelve months.
The development of a schedule should consider results of previous
audits. The audit schedule may also be
amended based on these results.
Only qualified Town of
An Audit scope consisting of a
description of the physical locations, organizational units, activities and
processes, as well as the time period covered will be developed for every
internal audit that will be performed.
4.2 Conducting the Audits
The Lead Auditor will strive to ensure that auditors
are scheduled to conduct audits in areas outside of the auditor’s day-to-day
responsibilities. If necessary, external
resources can be used to perform the audit.
The internal auditors shall gather all required
documents (procedures, work instructions, DWQMS, etc.) and background
information on the element being audited to become familiar with the
requirements
The Lead Auditor is responsible for coordinating and
scheduling personnel interviews
During interviews, internal auditors shall collect
information and any data serving as objective evidence that a requirement has
been met. The Internal Auditor takes
notes to supplement his/her findings.
4.3 Audit Results
Audit results will be determined by comparing audit
findings against the audit criteria defined within the standard.
System Nonconformances
When a systematic problem, gap or discrepancy is
identified through the internal audit process, the auditor will issue a System
Nonconformance, describing the problem and the personnel responsible for
addressing it.
All System Nonconformances shall be handled as per
the procedures described in Continuous Improvement. All SNC’s will be subject to formal root
cause analysis and corrective and preventive action.
Where the auditor finds a problem but the issue does
not represent a true system breakdown, an
Members of the Audit Team will compile the results of
the audit, summarizing System Non-Confomances, Opportunities for Improvement
and other notations, into a final Audit Report.
The completed Audit Report is subsequently submitted to the Lead Auditor
for review.
The Lead Auditor (with the internal auditor, where
required) will communicate and review the results outlined in the Audit Report
to the appropriate Supervisors, Managers and personnel of the audited
area(s). These results will also be
shared with related areas in order to ensure that identified issues are
addressed elsewhere, if appropriate.
A summary of Internal Audit findings will be provided
to Top Management at Management Review meetings to ensure awareness of the
internal audit process the status of recent audits, and the health of the
overall management system
The Lead Auditor, as per the requirements of the
Document and Records Control procedure, will maintain the audit
records/results.
5.0
Associated
SOPs
·
Not
Applicable
6.0
References
·
DWQMS
Element 19 Internal Audits
7.0
Records
·
System
Nonconformances
·
Audit
Reports
·
Audit
Schedule
8.0
History
of Changes
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