C2.2.15 Nonconformity and Corrective Action
Formerly referred to as “Nonconformity, Corrective Action and Preventative Action” The specific requirement for preventive action has been removed. The entire management system should be a tool for preventive action, and the concept of preventative action is now captured in clauses 4.1 Understanding the organisation and its context and 6.1 Actions to address risks and opportunities. Actions to prevent recurrence of nonconformities shall specifically include a determination of whether similar nonconformities exist or could potentially occur.
ISO 14001 requires that responsibility and authority is defined for managing non-conformances. This includes investigating them and taking corrective and preventative action.
The organisation needs to determine opportunities for improvement and implement actions needed to achieve the intended outcomes of the environmental management system.