Can an Electrical Design Engineer audit the work of a Mechanical Design Engineer?

[dyeysi]

Hi..

Just want to clarify about this, we are only 8 in the company.. 1-GM, 1-HR/Accounts, 1-QA, 5-Design engrs (4-electrical, 1 mechanical).. During the internal audit at this organization size, is it possible to audit the mechanical design engr by an electrical design engineer? I understand that from the standard, auditors shall not audit their own work but at our organization size, is it possible to do so since they are in different discipline?

 

[Stijloor]

Re: Does Electrical Design engr could audit a Mechanical Design engr?

Hi..

Just want to clarify about this, we are only 8 in the company.. 1-GM, 1-HR/Accounts, 1-QA, 5-Design engrs (4-electrical, 1 mechanical).. During the internal audit at this organization size, is it possible to audit the mechanical design engr by an electrical design engineer? I understand that from the standard, auditors shall not audit their own work but at our organization size, is it possible to do so since they are in different discipline?

You explained it correctly. What you described should not be a problem.
You need this flexibility in a small company.

Stijloor.

 

[harry]

Certain processes may involve the work of many parties including the said electrical engineer. What can be done is to have a team of two - say the electrical engineer and the HR guy and when it comes to areas that he's involved, let the HR guy take care of it. What's important is to remember the element of conflict of interest at all times. As long as you don't audit your own work, it's alright.

 

[dyeysi]

Thanks for your replies..

As long as you don't audit your own work, it's alright.

I understand about this, but my main concern is that their process belong on 7.3 Design and Development subclause. Although they cover different discipline but still cover the same process.

 

[harry]

Certain processes may involve the work of many parties including the said electrical engineer. What can be done is to have a team of two - say the electrical engineer and the HR guy and when it comes to areas that he's involved, let the HR guy take care of it.

Thanks for your replies..

I understand about this, but my main concern is that their process belong on 7.3 Design and Development subclause. Although they cover different discipline but still cover the same process.

I understand where you are coming from. That's why I mentioned that certain processes may involved the work of many parties (especially inputs and parts of design). My suggestion is using a team as mentioned previously. While the electrical engineer cannot audit his own work he can provide clarifications, explanations, etc to the other auditor.

 

[Helmut Jilling]

Thanks for your replies..



I understand about this, but my main concern is that their process belong on 7.3 Design and Development subclause. Although they cover different discipline but still cover the same process.

The requirement that they do not audit their own work does not have to cover the whole 7.3 clause. In a small company, some flexibility might be required. It sounds like your scenario would meet the intent, because the electrical engineer is not auditing his work, but rather the work of his fellow engineer.

 

[db]

Two questions:

1) Is this work "their" work? In other words, is it work they are responsible for?

2) Can they audit objectively and impartially?

If the answer to BOTH are yes, then they can audit. If either answer is no, then they cannot.