Use current, locally approved handling guidance

This page helps colleagues find and clarify a reference; it is not a handling procedure. Follow the applicable approved local source. If it is unavailable, unclear, or conflicting, ask the designated trained role before proceeding.

Find the governing reference before acting

Start with the approved source designated for your location, department, and role. Check that it covers the product and situation in question. A general example, an old copy, or a reference for another location does not establish what applies locally.

If you cannot find an applicable source, or two sources appear to disagree, do not resolve the conflict by guessing. Ask the designated trained local role to identify the governing reference and clarify the next handoff.

Coordinate an unanswered reference question

  1. 1

    Describe the question

    Name the product or situation and the detail the approved reference needs to address.

  2. 2

    Consult the local approved source

    Use the reference designated for your location and role; check its scope and whether it addresses the current question.

  3. 3

    Escalate a gap or conflict

    Take an unavailable, unclear, or conflicting reference to the designated trained role. Follow the clarification through the organization's established process.