Documented Information
Control of documents and records has always been key to a successful quality management system. Clause 7.5 of this updated standard addresses “documented Information”. It is required that “documented information” be either maintained – in the case of procedures, or retained – in the case of records. Procedures and records are therefore a vital part of a organisations quality system and good documentation practices are necessary when creating and maintaining documented information. The following 5 general points are relevant to documented information created or completed:- documented information must be accurate
- documented information must be written in a manner that ensures consistency
- records must be filled out in indelible ink for long term legibility
- handwritten entries must be made at the time tasks are performed
- handwritten entries and should be legible
Avoiding Errors
Ideally errors should be avoided, but if an error dose occur, it is important how it is then handled. Amendments should always be made in a compliant manner;- place a single line through the error so that the original entry remains legible
- record the correction close to the error
- provide a brief comment with signature and date
- in the event an entry was previously omitted, provide rationale for the delay
- all fields on a record should have an entry even if it is ‘NI A’ thus indicating that not completing a field is deliberate
- comments must be signed and dated where appropriate
