Ask the Expert
Do you have a pressing technical question?
Ask the expert today, and see the answer in an upcoming newsletter, and then posted here for future reference.

“Ask the Expert” entries highlight valuable questions that have been submitted by YOU, our audience. These questions are answered in full detail by industry expert Bud Weightman. Submit your question today for up-to-date answers about ISO 9001, API Q1 / Q2, AS9100, and more!
Corrective Action and Control of Nonconforming Product
Question: ” I would like to know the difference in application between Clauses 6.4.2 (Corrective Action) and 5.10 (Control of Nonconforming Product).
When you detect a nonconforming product, there is a nonconformity, and Clause 6.4.2 states the steps to correct nonconformities; I just see that in 6.4.2 b). Corrections for nonconforming product are detailed in 5.10.2 (am I right?). Is it possible to manage nonconforming product just as corrective action?” View answer.
ISO 9001:2015 and Q1
Question: “How much of ISO 9001:2015 will we be able to adopt into Q1?” View answer.
Interpreting API Q1, Clause 5.10.2
Question: “Can you please explain API Q1, Clause 5.10.3?” View answer.
External Documents and Revisions
Question: “On external documents, do revisions only apply to API product specifications?” View answer.
Risk and Nonconforming Product
Question: “Risk assessment associated with product quality shall include: delivery of nonconforming product; is this about risk involved after a nonconforming product is delivered, or is this about risks which cause nonconforming product?” View answer.
Welder Continuity Records
Question: “During an API audit, an auditor wrote an audit nonconformity stating that we had disposed of welder continuity records that were older than 5 years; do you think this is really a finding since API Spec. Q1, Section 4.5 states in part “…Records shall remain legible, identifiable, and retrievable. Records shall be retained for a minimum of 5 years or as required by customer, legal, and other applicable requirements, whichever is longer.” View answer.
Top Auditing Issues
Question: “From your experience as an API auditor, which top issues do auditors and auditees face?” View answer.
Critical Supplier vs. Non-critical Supplier
Question: “How does an organization determine the difference between a critical supplier and non-critical supplier as deemed in API Spec. Q1, Section 3.1.6?” View answer.
Auditing Critical Suppliers
Question: “According to API Spec. Q1 sections 5.6.1.2 and 5.6.1.4, we are basically supposed to perform supplier audits annually on “critical” suppliers. I have an audit planned for suppliers of critical products and services. That’s OK. However, I found a few critical suppliers that are companies abroad with a global presence, and I don’t have any doubt of their capability, as they are a leading provider of steel cord! Should I audit them? Is it really necessary?” View answer.
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ISO 9001:2015
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