Monitoring via Incoming Inspection

Incoming inspection:

Do we have to inspect everything?

This is a common question from organizations starting ISO 45001 programs, so here is the good news: there is no requirement that you have to inspect everything. The requirement is that you determine how you will know that you have good parts, raw materials, and services that go into making your product and keeping your workplace safe and healthy.

This ties in very closely with procurement. The purchasing process is where you put controls in place to make sure that your suppliers provide you with the required products and services. When you establish these criteria, you will also establish compatible inspection and test criteria.

For more information, see Procurement process.

Users need to verify that equipment, installations, and materials are adequate before being released for use by the workers. This is to ensure that:

• Equipment is delivered according to specification and is tested to ensure it works as intended
• Installations are commissioned to ensure they function as designed
• Materials are delivered according to their specifications
• Any usage requirements, precautions or other protective measures are communicated and made available

Many companies have a program to designate “certified suppliers”. They receive goods and services from these suppliers directly into stock. If you qualify suppliers by auditing their management system, by inspecting trial orders or by other means you can determine what kind of sampling plan you need to monitor and measure their product or service.

Some products come with certain certifications or standards already met for the product. These come with a Certificate of Analysis or other evidence that control is exercised at the supplier’s location. If this is the case, your inspection may be checking for and locating a certificate.

Incoming inspection can be as simple as reviewing the packing slips and verifying that the correct item and quantity are received. It is up to your organization to determine how the performance of the suppliers affects your product or service and how you will measure and monitor.