How to fail a QA (Quality) Audit?

[spazman]

I have just become a supervisor in an electronics factory and have a QA (ISO 9001) audit coming up.

I'm still within my 3 month probabtion period and the boss has threatened me with instant death should my department fail the audit, obviously something I'd like to prevent!!

I know all the things I should be doing...what *shouldn't* I be doing?

So...what are the best ways of failing an ISO 9001 QA audit? What are the most common reasons for failure? What gets up auditor's noses?

etc...

[Whickerman]

If your documentation (SOPS, WIs, Written Records, Process Records, CAPA Reports and that sort) are complete, and your processes are per the documentation, current and per the ISO 9000:2000 standard you'll be fine.

If not, you'll be issued with a series of non-conformance reports.

If this means nothing to you, I would suggest that you enrol on an ISO course asap, as you have no chance without it.

[Whickerman]

One way to get on the wrong side of an auditor is to try fool them - you'll be found out if they're half way trained.

Also - be honest, open and don't try cover up!

[BenDToy]

I am guessing about your department function, but in a manufacturing operation, the most common causes of "non conformances" are; instrument calibration, control of non-conforming product (reject material), document control (issue numbers etc, and uncontrolled documents eg instructions). If you need some quick help, try to get one of your company internal auditors to do a preliminary audit (or even some unofficial advice). I am sure they would be happy to help. Good luck, and as Whickerman says, be honest.