How are Policies Classified, Implemented and Maintained?

[ichigo]

hi,

2.7.2 Types of document used in quality management systems are as follows:
1. Quality Manuals
2. Specifications
3. Guidelines
4. Work Instructions
5. Records

i would like to ask what type should policies be classified? am i right in placing them in quality manuals?

in our company, we use inter-office memo to pass information regarding a new policy. after which it should be transferred to the quality manual it is related to. are we doing it right?

thanks and regards,
ichigo

[atitheya]

Include them where-ever they are best understood and followed. However,

I think you have taken the above clause from ISO 9000 where it describes the type of documentation. If you look at the requirements, ISO 9001:2000, clause 4.2 Documentation Requirements

"4.2.1 General

The quality management system documentation shall include

a) Documented statements of Quality Policy and Objectives
b)....
...."

Generally a company would have one Quality Policy and one Quality Manualfor the entire organisation. Should various divisions / process or even departments may have seperate (Quality) manuals, you may include the policy(ies) to relevant manuals.

Follow whatever is best for the effectiveness and efficiency of your organisation.

[Ajit Basrur]

In Reply to Parent Post by ichigo

hi,

2.7.2 Types of document used in quality management systems are as follows:
1. Quality Manuals
2. Specifications
3. Guidelines
4. Work Instructions
5. Records

i would like to ask what type should policies be classified? am i right in placing them in quality manuals?

in our company, we use inter-office memo to pass information regarding a new policy. after which it should be transferred to the quality manual it is related to. are we doing it right?

thanks and regards,
ichigo

Hi ichigo,

I suggest you go through the various forums like ISO 9001 and other ISO forums. There is lot information out there to guide and help you.

In case, you have further questions, pl do not hesitate to come back to the forum with your specific queries.

[Coury Ferguson]

In Reply to Parent Post by ichigo

hi,

2.7.2 Types of document used in quality management systems are as follows:
1. Quality Manuals
2. Specifications
3. Guidelines
4. Work Instructions
5. Records

i would like to ask what type should policies be classified? am i right in placing them in quality manuals?

in our company, we use inter-office memo to pass information regarding a new policy. after which it should be transferred to the quality manual it is related to. are we doing it right?

thanks and regards,
ichigo

In my opinion, the Policies are part of the documentation. If the organization chooses to identify it as such, then you are going in the right direction.

As stated, the identified documents in the Standard are only some types/can be considered, documentation.

Your Internal Memos are also documentation, if you define them within your Quality/Business Management System.