Nonconformity and corrective action
Plain-language summary
When something goes wrong environmentally, controlling the immediate problem, finding the real cause, fixing it so it does not recur, and proving the fix worked.
What the clause is really asking
Problems will happen; what matters is how you respond. When a nonconformity occurs — including an environmental incident or a compliance breach — you must react to control and correct it and deal with the consequences, then evaluate the need to eliminate the cause so it does not recur, implement corrective action, review effectiveness, and update risks if needed. The intent is true root-cause correction, not a quick patch that lets the same spill or breach happen again.
What auditors look for
Auditors take a sample of incidents, complaints and nonconformities and trace each through: immediate containment, root-cause analysis, corrective action, effectiveness check, and records. They are sceptical of root causes like 'human error' with no deeper analysis, and of actions closed without verifying they worked. They check that recurring problems were actually stopped.
Typical evidence
Nonconformity and incident register; containment and correction records; root-cause analysis; corrective action plans with owners; effectiveness verification; records retained.
How to comply — recommendations
Use one process for environmental nonconformities, incidents and complaints: contain first, then investigate the real cause with a method like 5-Whys, not just 'operator error'. Define corrective actions with owners and dates, then verify they actually worked before closing. Update your aspects or risk register if the event revealed something new. Keep the records so trends can be spotted and recurrence prevented.
Common nonconformities
Only the symptom corrected, root cause not addressed; weak root-cause analysis; corrective actions closed without verifying effectiveness; recurring incidents; nonconformities and complaints not recorded.
Related clauses
ISO 9001 10.2; ISO 45001 10.2; ISO 14001 9.1.2
Qlause provides interpretive guidance only and is not a substitute for the standard. Refer to your licensed copy of the relevant standard for the authoritative text.