Describe the observation; do not guess at the decision

Use the approved local reporting or escalation route.

State what you observed and where in neutral, specific terms. Consult the current controlled reference through its authorized source. If the applicable reference, revision, or next step is uncertain, hand the question to the responsible local quality role. This page does not define a reporting route or authorize a production decision.

Coordinate a quality question

Use your organization's approved local conventions and procedure.

  1. 1

    Describe what was observed

    Record the observation and location using the approved local route and terminology.

  2. 2

    Identify the work context

    Use locally approved conventions to identify the relevant product, process, or work area.

  3. 3

    Consult the controlled source

    Check the applicable reference in its authorized source; do not rely on an uncontrolled copy.

  4. 4

    Hand off what remains uncertain

    Ask the responsible quality role to clarify the reference question or coordinate the local handoff.

Separate a reference question from a process concern

Both situations call for the approved local route when the answer is uncertain. Neither is resolved by guessing or relying on an uncontrolled copy.

Question about a reference

Example: the revision shown in a local copy does not clearly match the authorized source.

  • Ask the authorized document-control or quality role which source applies.
  • Do not infer that a copy is current from its location or filename.

Concern about work or product

Example: an observation appears inconsistent with the reference being used.

  • Describe the observation through the approved local route.
  • Leave decisions about work and next actions to trained, authorized local roles.