ISO 9001 Procedure Writing Tips

MichelleD

Involved In Discussions
#11
Re: ISO Procedure Writing Tips

dcount,

I also have a suggestion. We've always heard that you shouldn't right a book but you also don't want to be too vague. What I mean is that I just recently ran across one of our procedures that said for everyone to use "common sense" concerning safety. I can tell you right now that my level of common sense is different from alot of other peoples. :notme: -Which means that my husband tells me I have none. Seriously though, that statement told me nothing. If safety is a major concern then there should have been a few more specifics to it. It also said to never lift anything heavier that you can lift. Hmmm, not sure what that means either.
 
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BradM

Staff member
Admin
#12
Re: ISO Procedure Writing Tips

Hello! Welcome to the Cove!:bigwave:

I'm sure you already know this, but write the procedure to the audience that is going to be reading it. Use the correct words, and always try to lean on using simpler, more clear words than a larger, possibly more ambiguous unclear word.

While ISO is a standard to adhere to, these procedures are yours. Write them to benefit you and the organization. Write them where they will be used.

Finally, starting now, create a culture and environment where these will be construed as dynamic documents. They are to be followed, but can be revised and improved if need be.
 

Jen Kirley

Quality and Auditing Expert
Staff member
Admin
#13
Re: ISO Procedure Writing Tips

Welcome to The Cove! :bigwave: I would like to add to these great suggestions:

Establish a numerical or letter structure to deal with things consistently required by the Standard, such as:

1. Required records, forms, SOPs etc. This section could just refer to each of the forms as separate appendices, but don't forget a reference to the place describing record retention.
2. Required specific personnel training or a reference to what defines the plans. Our process specs have OJT checklists as attachments.
3. References to customer specific requirements, if any.
4. Others as directed by "shalls" in the standard(s).

I favor having a consistent structure that addresses these things instead of burying the information in the text or addendums.

An overall process flow chart would be nice, but is not required.

One last thing. If there will be specifics like listing part numbers of required measurement tools, I would avoid putting such details in more than one place. Either in process steps or in the attachments, but not both please because it's too easy to forget to update one when changing the other.

I hope this makes sense.
 

Bev D

Heretical Statistician
Staff member
Super Moderator
#14
Re: ISO Procedure Writing Tips

Flowcharts. You can have a standard table that lists inputs, outputs, training requirements, qualification requirements, etc. as the second page.
I have found this approach to be amazingly helpful. for ine things most people won't read the novels we typically right. secondly, it is very easy to see if the flow makes sense or if you've forgotten something or if it's just plain too complicated. I love them.
 
A

Alex Kobzar

#16
Re: ISO Procedure Writing Tips

My question, does anyone have an example of "Tips" on how to write ISO Procedures, such as "don't use names, use titles or functions", etc.
Instead "writing" Quality Procedures I've been mostly using "copy/paste" to create them:
- in the Quality Manual I have copied/pasted all the text of standards (those listed in the Scope of the QMS);
- for each specific requirement the standard(s) I had listed number(s) of procedure(s), where responsibilities for fulfilment of the requirements are further assigned;
- in the procedures I have copied/pasted the specific requirements of the standard(s) (the applicability of the requirements to specific procedures has been assigned in the Quality Manual) along with a responsibility for inplementation of the requirent(s))
assigned to specific position holder(s).
- a small flow-chart I've added (if applicable) at the end of the procedures to outline core actions and (if applicable) records involved in fulfillment of the requirements.
...and not so much of a writing! :spam1:
 
Last edited:
D

dcount

#17
Re: ISO Procedure Writing Tips

Jennifer,

Thanks for the input.
I am currently starting to get procedures/WI's and forms.

You stated "Establish a numerical or letter structure to deal with things consistently required by the Standard,"

That was my next task, to come up with a "QSP" numbering structure to get them all organized, based on the requirements of the standard.

Is there a good reference document available that would help with the format/numbering scheme?

Thanks in advance for your help!:thanx:
 

Jen Kirley

Quality and Auditing Expert
Staff member
Admin
#18
Re: ISO Procedure Writing Tips

Hey no problem, dcount.

I thought this source looked helpful although it doesn't answer everything you asked.

Here are a few formatting examples.

Unfortunately, all 3 links were all DEAD and removed.

I hope this helps!
 
Last edited by a moderator:

waterdog

Starting to get Involved
#20
Re: ISO Procedure Writing Tips

When referencing other documents or forms, don't reference their revision. For example, don't say "see OP 150 rev C" because as soon as OP 150 becomes rev D, you have an invalid reference.
 
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