QSI Newsletter - February 2010
R.T. (Bud) Weightman QHSE Management Integrity Management Business Support Planning Process Improvements

In this Issue:

API Health Check for Internal Audits


20 Years Shield
20 Years
 Serving the Oil & Gas Industry

QSI Services
Since 1989, QSI has maintained a central focus on process standards for the oil and gas industry. We have broad and deep capabilities to help your company achieve its goals. As the new refinements to API Q1 take effect, look to QSI for complete solutions

Not certified yet? We can assist with:

• Developing your Quality Management System

• Reviewing your manual to the requirements to API Spec. Q1

• Performing a pre-assessment prior to the API Audit

Does your QMS need a tune up? We can assist with:

• Gap Analyses between your existing system, API Spec. Q1 and product specifications

• Annual internal audits

• Assistance with the management review process

• QMS Training

• Liaison with API to help resolve issues and respond to audit results and corrective actions

• Assistance with being reinstated if you have been suspended or cancelled

Are your goods and services improving as a result of your QMS? We can assist with:

• Continual improvement initiatives

• Restating quality & product objectives

• Tracking and reporting of nonconformances, corrective and preventive actions

• Deploying statistical results for decision making and the management review

Next Issue:

What are the ramifications of standards being referenced by the
Code of Federal Regulations?

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Want more information on this and related subjects?

Please see Articles & Presentations

Want more information on Quality Management System expectations and the result on product quality?

Please see Analysis of Quality System Implementation versus Stakeholder Perception

QSI also offers:

Pre-Assessments and Internal Audits for API Q1 / ISO TS 29001 / ISO 9001.

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API Health Check for Internal Audits

The API Monogram Program requires that companies conduct internal audits to determine whether their quality management system meets requirements, is effectively implemented and is properly maintained. The checklist below will help determine if your internal audit program is in compliance with API requirements.


Subject Yes No
  1. Has an audit of your API Monogram Program License / Certification requirements been performed recently?
    
  1. Was the audit plan documented?
 		   
  1. Was the audit checklist documented?
   
  1. Did the audit(s) include all elements of the quality management system over a year's period of time?
    
  1. Did the audit(s) include questions about the applicable API Monogram Program Product Specifications?
   
  1. Were the results of your audit documented, including any audit nonconformities?
   
  1. Was the audit independent?
    
  1. Has it been determined whether or not your quality management system is in compliance with API Spec. Q1? With the applicable API Product Specifications?
   
  1. Have response times for addressing detected nonconformities been documented?
   
  1. Did the assessment of the nonconformities include:
    
  • An explanation of the immediate corrective action?
   
  • A root cause analysis?
   
  • Subsequent corrective action depending upon the root cause analysis outcome?
   
  • Implementation of the corrective action?
   
  • Preventive action to mitigate the recurrence of the condition(s) identified?
   
  • The determination of corrective / preventive action effectiveness?
   
  • A review of training effectiveness, if training was part of the preventive action?
   
  1. Are all of the above items being retained as records?
   
 

In recent months, API has suspended or cancelled numerous companies for noncompliance. If your internal audit program does not address these steps, there is a high probability that you are in noncompliance with API Q1 requirements.

API Suspensions & Cancellations
 

Avoid being suspended and keep your API License(s) intact.

QSI can assist you by performing:

  • a PRE-ASSESSMENT - if your quality management system has not yet been audited
  • an INTERNAL AUDIT - if your quality management system has been in place for one year or longer.

QSI has been working with the API Monogram Program since 1986 and is internationally renowned for supporting its customers in implementing the Monogram Program's requirements.

QSI's pre-assessment or internal audit will meet the requirements of API Spec. Q1, 8.2.2 for internal audits and QSI will demonstrate how to ensure compliance with the associated clauses: 4.2.4, 6.22, 8.5.2, 8.5.3.

Is it time to get a professional evaluation of your quality management system?

For more information about QSI, visit www.isoconsultants.com.

For more information about Bud Weightman's qualifications and experience, visit http://www.isoconsultants.com/committees-and-memberships.html.


  Bud Weightman
President / Managing Consultant
Qualified Specialists, International
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