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We are starting from scratch here, but I have written similar documents (though not for ISO 9001:2000 or similar) at other companies for the sake of having documented procedures to insure continuity and quality.
My main concern was, or is, how vague can we be, or are allowed to be?
You see, I read a procedure for "Production" for another organization a couple of days ago, and it really didn't say anything more specific than "the necessary steps will be executed", "the operators are trained", "inspection is carried out", "specifications are reviewed", etc. This single procedure covered a number of processes, there were no other documents to substantiate any of the statements, and yes, they were certified about a year ago. I was flabbergasted!
I tend to be more vague when it comes to the actual work instructions. Even though we have detailed, excellent multi-media instructions for many of the tasks performed throughout the plant, we do not have them all yet. Within the procedures, I simply reference the related work instructions that are available "to be used when necessary." Since the operators are trained anyway, they normally do not need the instructions at all.
Thaks for your comments - they put mind a bit more at ease.
Alex
My main concern was, or is, how vague can we be, or are allowed to be?
You see, I read a procedure for "Production" for another organization a couple of days ago, and it really didn't say anything more specific than "the necessary steps will be executed", "the operators are trained", "inspection is carried out", "specifications are reviewed", etc. This single procedure covered a number of processes, there were no other documents to substantiate any of the statements, and yes, they were certified about a year ago. I was flabbergasted!
I tend to be more vague when it comes to the actual work instructions. Even though we have detailed, excellent multi-media instructions for many of the tasks performed throughout the plant, we do not have them all yet. Within the procedures, I simply reference the related work instructions that are available "to be used when necessary." Since the operators are trained anyway, they normally do not need the instructions at all.
Thaks for your comments - they put mind a bit more at ease.
Alex
