Management reviews – Keeping the team engaged
Management reviews were reinstated back in 2016 after a five-year absence and were fully implemented and observed by the assessors during an onsite assessment in April 2017. As we talk with laboratories, there seems to be a common theme of receiving non-conformities in this area.
Solving this problem boils down to periodic reviews of the AASHTO R18 standard, and reviewing and implementing the changes that take place. Everyone has their idea of what is required so let’s take a deeper dive into what the standard and the assessor are looking for.
First, if you have made no effort to address the management review requirement, that’s an obvious non-conformity. The standard states the laboratory’s top management shall review the Quality Management System as outlined in AASHTO R18 at least every 12 months. This is found in section 5.7.1 of the standard. This is where laboratories tend to get into trouble, lack of reviewing documentation and not actually meeting with and having a detailed discussion with laboratory staff.
If you follow the guidelines and complete the information/form in figure X1.5 of the R18 standard, you will find the requirements of the management review process details. Don’t have one-word answers within the management review form. This is a big red flag! The assessor will be looking for noteworthy content within the management review form.
Document your management reviews
Within R18LabQMS, go to the reports tab, and then management reviews. Create a template document (X1.5 format) to be uploaded.
User questions
Q: I have a piece of equipment that was sent out and calibrated by an outside calibration service, should we use the actual calibration date or the date we received it?
A: Use the actual calibration date (by the calibration service), rather than the date it was received.
Resources
Training and informational videos that include version updates, R18LabQMS demos, and more.
R18LabQMS has a knowledge base
Accessible from the dashboard within the application, top right “help”.
Training opportunities
Once you work through the setup process, the following links can be found in the lower right-hand corner of the application;
• Support
• R18 Blog
• Webinar – Additional training, please let us know and we can set this up.
• Onsite Training – Fee-based, please inquire.
Upcoming meetings
SEAUPG 2018 Annual Meeting & Exhibits
Southeastern Asphalt User / Producer Group
Raleigh, NC
November 12-15, 2018
For all questions regarding your quality management system, whether your lab is accredited or not, please contact us and learn how R18LabQMS can add value to your company.
– Gary Irvine
R18LabQMS Program Manager