Change: Minor re-wording
Procedure Required: NO
Record(s) Required: None
Comments:
This section requires the organization to preserve the conformity of
product during internal processing and delivery to the intended
destination. This preservation must include identification, handling,
packaging, storage and protection. Preservation must also apply to the
constituent parts of a product.
While this section of the standard is worded in very general terms, the
application of the concepts can vary significantly depending upon the
industry.
Guidance:
I suggest paraphrasing the wording of the standard in your Quality
Manual. If your organization provides only services, but not product,
then you may state this in your quality manual as an exclusion.
Because this section requires neither a documented procedure or
records, compliance with the intent of this section may be highly
subjective. If there are any legal or regulatory requirements for
labeling, handling, packaging, storage and protection, then these should
be viewed as related requirements.
As a good business practice, I recommend addressing preservation of
product in a documented procedure in accordance with applicable industry
practices.
