FLW QUALITY MANUAL

APPROVAL SIGNATURES




Prepared by: __________________________________________________ Date: ____________

Lyell Kinney, Sales Manager


Approved: __________________________________________________ Date: ____________

Steve Saffell, Service Manager


Approved: __________________________________________________ Date: ____________

Lyell Kinney, Sales Manager


Approved: __________________________________________________ Date: ____________

Paul Peek, QA Manager, acting

Document Change Record


Revision

Section
DCF ID Number
Description of Change
5.0ALLN/A Manual rewritten to meet the requirements in ISO 9002
5.1Various00001 Renumbered level two documents, changed references
6.0Various00011 Upgrade to ISO 9002 1994 revisions
7.0Various00028 Changes made to correct or clarify in compliance with NQA audit number 96/92626/M01 - 1)added 'suitability & effectiveness to 2nd para. In 4.1.1; 2)added management rep. To fig 1; 3) added supplier quality statement to 4.2.2; 4) revised 4.2.3 to reinforce planning; 5) added 4.5.2-external documents; 6) removed para. Citing 'customer data' from 4.1.b; 7) added policy statement on accuracy to 4.11.2; 8) removed reference to customer-owned material from 4.13; 9) removed 'if at all possible' from 4.17;10) changed 4.0 to reflect quality reviewing for 'suitability and effectiveness; 11) rewrote 4.19 to reflect intent of standard.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

page
1.0Scope...................................................................................................................
4
2.0References............................................................................................................
4
3.0Definitions...........................................................................................................
4
4.0Quality-System Requirements...............................................................................
5
4.1Management Responsibility...................................................................................
5
4.2Quality System.....................................................................................................
8
4.3Contract Review...................................................................................................
9
4.4Design Control......................................................................................................
11
4.5Document and Data Control.................................................................................
11
4.6Purchasing...........................................................................................................
13
4.7Control of Customer-Supplied Product.................................................................
15
4.8Product Identification and Traceability.................................................................
15
4.9Process Control....................................................................................................
15
4.10Inspection and Testing..........................................................................................
17
4.11Control of Inspection, Measuring and Test Equipment...........................................
19
4.12Inspection and Test Status....................................................................................
21
4.13Control of Nonconforming Product.......................................................................
21
4.14Corrective and Preventive Action..........................................................................
22
4.15Handling, Storage, Packaging, Preservation and Delivery......................................
23
4.16Control of Quality Records...................................................................................
25
4.17Internal Quality Audits.........................................................................................
26
4.18Training................................................................................................................
27
4.19Servicing...............................................................................................................
27
4.20Statistical Techniques............................................................................................
28

Appendix A - Cross Reference to Standards and FLW Quality & Process Documents........... 29

1.0 SCOPE

This Quality Manual outlines the policies, procedures and requirements of the FLW Quality System. FLW's Quality System is structured to comply with the conditions set forth in the International Standard ISO 9002:1994 (ISO 9002) and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 (Z540-1).

2.0 REFERENCES

2.1 International Standard ISO 8402:1994, Quality Management and Quality Assurance - Vocabulary.

2.2 International Standard ISO 9002:1994, Quality Systems - Model for Quality Assurance in Production, Installation and Servicing.

2.3 ISO 10012-1:1993-03-15, Quality Assurance Requirements for Measuring Equipment - Part 1.

2.4 ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994, Calibration Laboratories and Measuring and Test Equipment - General Requirements.

3.0 DEFINITIONS

3.1 This section is for definitions not referenced in ISO 8402.

3.1.1 Customer-owned property - Any type of instrumentation, accessories, manuals, or shipping containers that belong to a customer.

3.1.2 Customer-supplied product - Any type of service material supplied to FLW to be utilized in modification or repair of customer-owned property.

3.1.3 Distribution Material - Distribution material is product which is FLW (company) owned and is used for resale.

3.1.4 Local Service Procedures - These are procedures written by FLW for calibration and repair on instrumentation which do not have written manufacture procedures or for clarification on existing written procedures.

  1. Service Material - Service material is product (parts, components, assemblies, etc.) that is used to repair or modify distribution material or customer-owned property.
  1. Material supplied by companies for whom FLW acts as Representative - Material that is delivered directly to the customer from the original manufacturer and is not stocked, handled, stored, or processed by FLW is considered to be outside the FLW Quality System.

3.1.6 Special Process Procedures - Procedures written by the customer for calibration of their instrumentation that FLW is asked to calibrate.

4.0 QUALITY-SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Management Responsibility

4.1.1 Quality Policy

FLW's Quality Policy is for management to provide the training and leadership to all employees in the art of continuous improvement and to constantly seek improved quality at reduced costs that still exceed the expectations of our customers and/or industry standards.

This policy will be evaluated at least once a year by management to confirm the suitability and effectiveness of this policy is being met. It is management's responsibility to ensure this policy is understood, implemented and maintained by all personnel of the organization.

4.1.2 Organization

4.1.2.1 Responsibility and authority

Personnel listed below have the responsibility and authority to manage and verify the work affecting quality. They have the freedom and authority to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of any nonconformity relating to the product, process and quality system; they have the responsibility to identify and record any problems relating to the quality process, initiate solutions and verify the implementation of these solutions. Further, they can control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product until any deficiency has been corrected.

The organization of FLW Sales and Service Corporation is illustrated in Figure 1.

Note: The QA Manager is the Management Representative

Figure 1

The President is responsible for the organizational structure, allocation of resources and the development of policies to ensure the implementation of FLW's quality system and its conformance to ISO 9002:1994 and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 requirements.

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for developing, directing and monitoring the quality system's goals, procedures and policies. The QA Manager is responsible for the coordination of all quality activities of the FLW organization. The QA Manager reports directly to the president.

The Sales Manager is responsible for directing and monitoring the quality system goals, procedures and policies for distribution and representative sales, and their associated purchasing, shipping, and receiving functions. The Sales Manager reports directly to the president.

The Service Manager is responsible for directing and monitoring the quality system goals, procedures and policies for calibration/verification and repair, purchasing required materials, and shipping, and receiving in the Laboratory and Service areas. The Service Manager is responsible for maintaining the Laboratory's compliance with ANSI/ANCL Z 540-1 and ISO 9002:1994(E). The Service Manager reports directly to the president.

  1. Resources

The personnel listed above shall identify resource requirements and provide adequate resources, including the assignment of trained personnel for the management, performance of work and verification activities including internal quality audits.

4.1.2.3 Management Representative

The QA Manager is designated as Management Representative with defined authority for:

a) ensuring that a quality system is established, implemented and maintained in

accordance with ISO 9002 and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1 and

b) reporting on the performance of the quality system to FLW management for

review and as a basis for improvement of the quality system.

c) The QA Manager is appointed FLW's ISO representative.

4.1.3 Management Review

Management will make periodic reviews at all operational levels to assess the quality system's continuing suitability and effectiveness in meeting the requirements of ISO 9002 and Z540-1. These reviews will be held on a quarterly basis or at closer intervals when necessitated.

References:

FQD 100 - Management Review

4.2 Quality System

4.2.1 General

FLW shall establish, document and maintain a Quality System to ensure a quality program that supports its effort to provide customers with quality products and services. FLW's quality system consist of two main areas:

4.2.1.1 Sales

To provide efficient sales service to meet the needs of the customer's requirements, stated or implied.

4.2.1.2 Service

To provide expedient repair and calibration services, which meet customer's requirements and/or the industry standards.

4.2.2 Quality System Procedures

Quality System Procedures are documented to establish and maintain continuity of each activity or function affecting quality. Quality procedures will be readily available to personal for reference and implementation. The quality document structure is illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 2

4.2.3 Quality Planning

The requirements for quality will be met by documenting specific quality practices and activities for all processes including meeting contractual requirements, understanding and meeting customer needs and with emphasis on problem prevention. Changes to the quality system will be made as conditions or services change or mature. Written quality and audit plans will be prepared for these changes which will be consistent with all other requirements of the company's quality management system. Quality and audit plans should include:

  1. the preparation of the quality and audit plan. (This plan may be in the form of a reference to the appropriate documented procedures that form an integral part of customer's quality system.)
  2. acquiring appropriate Measurement and Test Equipment, processes, fixtures, resources and skills that may be needed to achieve the required quality results;
  3. making sure that the process, servicing, installation, inspection and test procedures and documentation are appropriate;
  4. changing quality control and inspection and test procedures as required;
  5. identification of necessary measurement requirements, test equipment and required traceability;
  6. identification of in-process and final inspections &/or verification at appropriate intervals;
  7. ensuring that appropriate standards are met to assure required product performance;
  8. preparation of quality records and test procedures.

References:

FQD 180 - Servicing; FPD 370 - Calibration

4.3 Contract Review

4.3.1 General

Procedures shall be established and maintained for contract review. The Sales Department Manager and the Service Department Manager are responsible for coordinating and supervising contract review to make sure that the needs of the customer are well understood and documented, that any differences with the original quote, if any, are resolved, and that all requirements can be met. They will also maintain written procedures controlling their review processes. While responsibility rests with the departmental managers, trained Product Specialists implement the customer/company interface.

4.3.2 Reviewing

4.3.2.1 Sales

Customer contracts and purchase orders are reviewed to ensure that all stated requirements are understood and can be adhered to. Options, such as product modification and compliance to Industrial or Government Standards, will be reviewed for compliance to the customer requirements. Any discrepancy or deviation in previously agreed terms for payment, delivery and/or technical requirements must be remedied prior to acceptance.

4.3.2.2 Service

Customer contracts, part orders and job orders are reviewed to ensure that all the stated requirements are understood and can be adhered to. Customer's requests for service which are not listed in the Manufacture's or FLW's Price Lists, will be brought to the Service Manager for review and approval. Any deviation in terms for payment, delivery and/or technical specifications must be remedied prior to acceptance.

4.3.3 Amendments

Amendments to any order or contract may be submitted in writing or negotiated by telephone, FAX or E-mail. If negotiated by telephone, a written record will be made and placed with the original purchase order or contract. These records may be eliminated after the order is placed on the electronic file. All changes must be reviewed and approved by designated personal prior to implementation. Ultimate responsibility in each department is the department manager.

4.3.4 Records

Customer contracts, purchase orders, parts orders, and job orders will be maintained while active and archived as stated in section 4.16.

References: FQD 130 - Contract Review

4.4 Design Control

The scope of this International Standard does not include quality-system requirements for design control. This subclause is included to align the clause numbering with ISO 9000.

4.5 Document and Data Controls

  1. Internal Documents
  1. General

FLW will establish and maintain documented procedures to control all documents and data that relate to the requirements of ISO 9002 and Z540-1. Internal documents are controlled with current revisions identified in the Master Document Index. This index is maintained by the QA Manager.

  1. Document and data approval, issue, and control authority

All new or revised internal documents shall be approved by a central authority. This central authority will then track the status, revision number, and location of all documentation under their control The central authority will ensure that pertinent issues of appropriate documents are available at all locations where operations essential to the effective functioning of the quality system are performed; that invalid and/or obsolete documents are promptly removed from all points of issue or use and obsolete documents, if retained for legal and/or knowledge-preservation purposes, are suitable identified.

The central (control ) authority for each type of document is as follows:

*QA Manual and documents related to testing and inspection - QA Manager

*Engineering drawings, customer specification, and similar documents - Service Manager.

*Purchase orders, customer contact forms, and similar documents - Product Specialists

*Sales related documents - Sales Manager

*Other documents - Office Manager

  1. Document and data changes

Each authority will assure that:

documents under their responsibility are up to date, available where needed, signed and dated with revision numbers, and reissued when appropriate and that obsolete documents are replaced;

changes to documents and data shall be reviewed and approved by the same functions/organizations that performed the original review and approval, unless specifically designated otherwise;

a master list of document locations and revisions has been created, maintained, and audited at least once a year for effectiveness and that a copy of this master list is in their possession;

an internal audit of the document control procedures for documents under their control is made at least once each year or whenever there is any question of the system's proper operation;

This policy meets the requirements of Section 4.5 of IS0 9002 and Section 5.0 of

ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994.

  1. External documents
  1. Sales Department

Documents of External Origin are not controlled.

  1. Service Department

Documents of External Origin that apply to calibration, test, modification, upgrade, service and repair of all Measurement and Test Equipment are indexed and placed in the Service Department library. Changes to these documents supplied by the Original Equipment Manufacturer are incorporated. Changes made to these documents will be noted on the document in an appropriate location. The Service Manager has responsibility for control, issue, and approval of external documents in the department.

Documents that do not pertain to the calibration and/or service process ( sales literature, technical information of general purpose, sketches and notes made to assist in departmental work, technical magazines, and literature and manuals of uncontrolled equipment such as computers and other 'tools' are uncontrolled.

References:

FQD 110 - Document Control

FQD 111 - Data Control

FPD 121 - Internal Audits

4.6 Purchasing

4.6.1 General

FLW Product Specialists are responsible for assuring that products purchased by FLW

comply with stated requirements. Qualified suppliers are utilized for the purchase of

replacement parts, distribution products, repair and calibration services. Suppliers

must be monitored for maintaining required quality standards. Suppliers not meeting

requirements will be "deselected".

4.6.2 Evaluation of Subcontractors

Subcontractors will be evaluated and selected on their ability to meet contract requirements, including the quality system and any specific quality assurance requirements. The QA Manager is responsible for the approved suppliers list, performing supplier audits, and maintaining audit records.

The supplier/subcontractor approval process is handled with documented procedures. This system allows for qualifying suppliers to different levels of relationships. Extra surveillance, normal control, and reduced control designations may be noted on the approved suppliers list. Records will be maintained in accordance with section 4.16.

4.6.3 Purchasing Data

Purchasing documents shall contain data clearly describing the product or service being ordered. Product Specialists will review and approve purchasing documents for adequacy of the specified requirements prior to release.

4.6.4 Verification of purchased product

4.6.4.1 Supplier verification at subcontractor's premises

Supplier shall specify verification arrangements and the method of product release in the purchasing documents if he proposes to verify purchased product at the subcontractor/s premises.

4.6.4.2 Customer verification of subcontracted product

Supplier shall be afforded the right to verify at the subcontractor's premises and the supplier's premises that subcontracted product conforms to specified requirements. Such verification shall not be used by the supplier as evidence of effective control of quality by the subcontractor.

4.6.5 Material that is ordered by a customer directly from a manufacturer (or via FLW) where the material is not received, handled, stored, modified or shipped by FLW is considered to be outside the FLW Quality System.

References:

FQD 160 - Purchasing; FPD 370 Calibration System

4.7 Control of Customer-Supplied Product

The Product Specialists are responsible for the control of customer supplied products while they are at FLW.

When customer-supplied product is received it is inspected for correct quantity, proper identification and possible shipping damage. Accompanying paper work is checked for clearness of instructions. The material is then placed in unique areas for identification and storage. Care is taken to preclude physical damage while at FLW by these unique storage areas. Material to be calibrated/verified or repaired is noted on an electronic log for traceability. Procedures for control of customer supplied material are referenced below.

(Reference: FQD 150 - Warehousing; FQD 140 - Material Identification and Traceability; FPD 370 - Calibration System )


4.8 Product Identification and Traceability

The Product Specialists are responsible for product identification and traceability of product at all stages of production and delivery. All distribution material and customer owned material is recorded at receipt on electronic data bases. All material is then stored in unique locations for both protection, identification and traceability.

Distribution material is recorded only by part number and quantity. Customer owned Measurement and Test Equipment is recorded by manufacturer, by manufacturer's serial number, by a unique FLW tracking number, customers' name and, if possible, by customer's purchase order or other customer tracking number.

References:

FQD 140 - Material Identification and Traceability; FQD 150 - Warehouse Control;

FQD 160 - Purchasing; FPD 370 - Calibration System

4.9 Process Control

FLW will identify and plan process controls for all processes which directly affect quality. Such process controls shall include written work instructions with examples of workmanship standards, where possible, conformance to standards and codes that apply to our industry, the continuous monitoring of the process, and approval of all processes and new machinery. Special processes will be continuously monitored to assure conformance to requirements.

Processes should be carried out under controlled conditions. Controlled conditions include the following:

1) documented procedures defining processes where the absence of such procedures could adversely affect quality;

2) use of suitable equipment, and a suitable working environment;

3) compliance with reference standards/codes, quality plans, and/or documented procedures;

4) monitoring and control of process parameters and product characteristics, when required;

5) the approval of processes and equipment;

6) criteria for workmanship;

7) maintenance of equipment to ensure continuing process capability.

Instructions, requirements and acceptance criteria for each process affecting quality are documented in Quality Documents, Process Documents, Special Process Procedures, Manufacturers Specifications, Industry Standards, or Local Service Instructions.

Department Managers are required to train personnel on each process and equipment category they are assigned to. Training requirements are defined in section 4.18.

( Reference FPD 370 - Calibration System ; FQD 105 - Training Requirements )

4.9.1 Sales

Sales has controlled processes that insure timeliness of delivery. These controls apply to purchasing, invoicing, modifications, storage, shipping, and receiving.

( Reference FQD 106 - Customer Complaints; FQD 140 - Material Identification and Traceability; FQD 150 - Warehouse Control; FQD 160 - Purchasing )

4.9.2 Service

Service has controlled processes that insure the accuracy of repair and calibration. These controls apply to purchasing, equipment repair & calibration, workmanship, calibration standards, storage, invoicing, shipping and receiving. Maintenance of inspection, measuring and test equipment is critical to the Service Department and is addressed in section 4.11 and FPD 370 - Calibration System.

( See references in 4.9.1 above and FPD 370 Calibration System )

4.10 Inspection and Testing

4.10.1 General

Documented procedures will be established and maintained for the inspection and testing of distribution materials, customer-owned property and service materials. Records for inspection and testing will be detailed in documented procedures.

4.10.2 Receiving Inspection and Testing

4.10.2.1 Sales

Distribution material is inspected for the correct part number and quantity received using FLW Purchase Orders and the packing slips received with the incoming shipment. Product Specialists are responsible for receiving inspection and testing for all products under their control.

FLW will determine the amount and nature of receiving inspection, with consideration to the amount of control exercised at the subcontractors premises and the recorded evidence of conformance provided.

4.10.2.2 Service

Service material will be inspected for the correct part number and quantity received. Service materials used in repairs and calibrations are tested when they are installed in the instrument, the instrument is then tested to insure it meets specifications.

Customer-owned property is inspected to insure all items received match those listed on the customer's paperwork and that there is no evidence of shipping damage. Product Specialists are responsible for all material under their control. The Service Manager has overall responsibility for all test and inspection in the Laboratory and holding areas.


4.10.3 In-process Inspection

In-process inspection is normally a process of the FLW Laboratory. Customer Measurement and Test Equipment returned for verification or calibration is inspected for physical damage or obvious defects prior to test. Part of the calibration process is often an in-process verification to measure changes from previous calibrations. These verifications may cause a change in the instruments' calibration cycle. These in-process inspections/verifications are the responsibility of the calibration technician. Results of the verifications are usually documented and reported only if the change is greater than allowed by the specification to which the instrument is being tested. Changes of a significant nature may be reported to the customer if it is deemed that the change may affect his quality system.

4.10.4 Final Inspection and Testing

4.10.4.1 Service Department

Customer-owned property is calibrated and/or performance tested to ensure it meets specification. A final inspection of paperwork, equipment labels and cleanliness, and matching of accessories is completed prior to shipping/delivery. This inspection is usually a part of the calibration process and may be recorded by the calibration technician's signature, or stamp, on the Calibration Report.

4.10.4.2 Sales Department

Any modified or reworked distribution material will be calibrated and/or performance tested to ensure it meets specification.

Distribution materials are inspected to verify the customer name, ship-to address, part number and quantity are correct prior to shipment.


4.10.5 Inspection and Test Records

Records will be established and maintained which provide evidence customer-owned property has been inspected and/or tested. Any failure will be handled as nonconforming product in accordance with section 4.13.

References:

FQD 141 - Inspection & Test; FPD 370 - Calibration System

4.11 Control of Inspection, Measuring and Test Equipment

4.11.1 General

Documented procedures will be established and maintained for the control, calibration and maintenance of inspection & measuring and test equipment (including test software) which is used to demonstrate the conformance of distribution material and customer-owned property to the specified requirements. Records of these inspections will be maintained for audit purposes. This process is the responsibility of the Service Manager.

4.11.2 Control Procedure

Documented procedures shall:

1) determine the measurements to be made and the accuracy required, and select the appropriate inspection, measuring and test equipment that is capable of the necessary accuracy and precision.

2) provide traceability to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and/or to other nationally or international recognized standards. Procedures will include standards that are on loan, leased or rented to FLW;

3) identify all inspection, measuring and test equipment that affect quality and define calibration and adjustment intervals;

4) define the process used for the calibration of inspection, measuring and test equipment, including details of equipment type, unique identification, location, frequency of checks, check method, acceptance criteria and the action to be taken when the results are unsatisfactory;

5) identify inspection, measuring and test equipment with a suitable indicator or approved identification record to show the calibration status;

6) maintain calibration records for inspection, measuring and test equipment;

7) assess and document the validity of previous inspection and test results when, inspection, measuring and test equipment is found to be out of calibration;

8) ensure that the environmental conditions are suitable for the calibrations, inspections, measurements and tests being carried out;

9) ensure that the handling, preservation and storage of inspection, measuring and test equipment is such that the accuracy and fitness for the use are maintained (sec. 4.15);

10) protect inspection, measuring test hardware and test software from adjustments which would invalidate the calibration setting.

References:

FPD 370 - Calibration System




4.12 Inspection and Test Status

FLW will identify the inspection and test status of distribution material and customer-owned property by indicating conformance or nonconformance by using stamps, labels, and/or physical locations. The identification of inspection and test status will be maintained to give evidence that only conforming product is released to the customer. Responsibility for Inspection and Test is that of the Product Specialists, the Sales Manager and the Service Manager.

Reference:

FQD 142 - Test Status

4.13 Control of Non-Conforming Material

4.13.1 General

Documented procedures will be established and maintained to ensure that distribution material and service material which do not conform to specified requirements is prevented from being used, shipped or installed. Control of Non-Conforming Material is the responsibility of the Product Specialists and the Service Manager.

Measurement standards, inspection, measuring and test equipment found to be in non-conformance relative to their intended use, are labeled and removed from the work areas to prevent usage.

4.13.2 Review and Disposition of Non-Conforming Product

Product Specialists are responsible for determining the disposition of non-conforming material. Non-conforming material will be reviewed in accordance with documented procedures. Non-conforming material may be handled by the following methods:

References:

FQD 103 - Control of Non-Conforming Material

4.14 Corrective and Preventive Action

4.14.1 General

Documented procedures shall be established and maintained for implementing corrective and preventive action. Corrective or preventive actions taken to eliminate causes of actual or potential nonconformity's shall be to a degree appropriate to the magnitude of the problem and comparable to the risks encountered. Product Specialists, the Service Manager and the Sales Manager are responsible for the control of non-conforming material.

Changes to documented procedures resulting from corrective and preventive action will be implemented and recorded.

4.14.2 Corrective Action

Documented procedures for corrective action will include:

1) effective handling of customer complaints and reports of nonconformities;

2) investigation of the cause of nonconformities relating to product, process and quality system, and recording the results of the investigation;

3) determination of the corrective action needed to eliminate the cause of nonconformities;

4) application of controls to ensure that corrective action is taken and that it is effective.

4.14.3 Preventive Action

Documented procedures for preventive action will include:

1) the use of appropriate sources of information such as, processes and work operations which affect product quality, concessions, audit results, quality records, service reports and customer complaints to detect, analyze and eliminate potential causes of nonconformities;

2) determination of the steps needed to deal with any problems requiring preventive action;

3) initiation of preventive action and application of controls to ensure that it is effective;

4) ensuring that relevant information on actions taken is submitted to management for review.

References: FQD 104 - QA Corrective Action Procedure, FQD 106 Customer Complaints

4.15 Handling, Storage, Packaging, Preservation and Delivery

4.15.1 General

Documented procedures will be established and maintained for the handling, storage, packaging, preservation and delivery of distribution material, customer-owned property and service materials. While all personnel are responsible for the correct handling, storage, packaging, preservation and delivery of products the end responsibility lies with the Produce Specialists, the Sales Manager and the Service Manager.

( Reference: FQD 150- Warehouse Control )

4.15.2 Handling

Distribution material, customer-owned property and service material is handled carefully to minimize the chance of damage or alteration of performance. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) sensitive components or assemblies are to only be handled at static-safe work stations. Personnel will be trained in the ESD handling procedures (see section 4.18).

( Reference: FQD 102 - Procedure for Handling ESD Devices )

4.15.3 Storage

Storage areas will be designated for the storage of distribution material, customer-owned property, service material, and FLW assets. Designated areas will be assigned so damage and deterioration will be prevented. ESD sensitive devices will be stored in static safe containers or bags.

4.15.4 Packaging

Customer-owned property and distribution material will be shipped in cardboard boxes with protective packing material. The type and amount of protective packing material is determined by the size and weight of the shipment. ESD sensitive devices will be packaged in static safe containers or bags and marked with a static sensitive device warning label.

Any special packaging requirements specified on the customer's purchasing documents will be followed.




4.15.5 Preservation

FLW will establish and maintain a first-in, first-out system on all distribution material. Customer-owned property does not normally require special measures for insuring preservation. Any preservation requirements specified on the customer's purchasing documents will be followed.

4.15.6 Delivery

Delivery will be arranged to insure the protection of distribution material and customer-owned property. Deliveries are accomplished by one of the following methods:

References:

FQD 102 - Procedure for Handling ESD Devices

FQD 150 - Warehouse Control

4.16 Control of Quality Records

FLW shall establish and maintain documented procedures for identification, collection, indexing, access, filing, storage, maintenance, and disposition of quality records. Responsibility rests with the Sales and Service Managers and with the QA Manager.

Quality records will be maintained to show conformance and effective operation of the quality system. Quality records from subcontractors will be maintained.

All quality records will be legible. Records will be stored and retained so they are readily available. They will be stored to prevent damage, deterioration and/or loss. Records may be in the form of any type of media, such as hard copy or electronic media.

Quality record retention times will be established and recorded.

References:

FQD 112 - Record Control

4.17 Internal Quality Audits

Documented procedures will be established and maintained for planning and implementing internal quality audits. Quality audits will be used to verify whether quality activities and related results comply with planned expectations to determine the effectiveness of the quality system. The QA Manager has the responsibility for implementing internal quality audits. Reports of all internal quality audits will be recorded and copies routed to the Sales Manager, the Service Manager and the President. Records will preserved in accordance with FQD 112 - Record Control.

Quality audits will be scheduled on the basis of the importance of the activity to be audited. Special attention will be given to the Service Department (Laboratory), the Quality System, the Audit System and the Document System. Audits will be made in accordance with the requirements found in ISO 9002:1994(E) and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994. Audits will be performed by personnel independent of those having direct responsibility for the activity being audited and in accordance with guidelines set forth in ISO 10011-1:1990. Audit results will be brought to the attention of the person responsible for the area. Deficiencies found during the audit will require a corrective action report as per section 4.14.

Follow-up audits will be used to verify and record the implementation and effectiveness of the corrective action taken. Audit results and any resulting corrective action required will be reviewed in the regular Management Review meeting.

References: FQD 120 - Quality Audits

4.18 Training

FLW will establish and maintain documented procedures for identifying training needs and provide for the training of all personnel performing activities affecting quality. Personnel performing specific assigned tasks will be qualified on the basis of appropriate education, training and/or experience, as required The importance of training at FLW is reflected in paragraph 4.1.1 of this document - Quality Policy. The QA Manager is responsible for training and related documentation. Training records will be controlled and maintained as quality records in accordance with section 4.5.

References:

FQD 105 - Training Requirements

  1. Servicing

Many products depend on regular maintenance, and servicing is specified in the contract. In addition, after market modifications and updates may be required. These activities are normally contractual and the following should be considered:

References:

FQD 180 - Servicing; FPD 370 - Calibration System

4.20 Statistical Techniques

FLW does not have requirements for statistical techniques at this time as existing standards, such as MIL-STD 45662A and IEEE-498(1985) encourage the use of arbitrary test uncertainty ratios (TURS ) as a means for controlling the penalties associated with inaccurate measurements. In these standards, a TUR of 4:1 is declared to be good enough for the purposes of those invoking the standard.

(A TUR of 4:1 means that the specification limits of the parameter tested must be a least four times greater than the uncertainty of the instrument or system used to measure it.)

As standards change; or if a requirement arises, FLW will establish a system for statistical techniques, especially in the area of statistical methods for inspection and testing. It will be the responsibility of both the QA Manager and the Service Manager to implement and document this process.

FLW realizes that the documentation resulting from the application of statistical methods can be an effective means of demonstrating conformance to requirements for quality, and can be used as a form of quality records.


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