2022-02-09_PERMIT FILE - M2021046 (6)

Home Browse Search

DGM Environmental Monitoring QAPP Section 10 CORRECTIVE ACTION — IMPROVEMENT REQUEST AND RESPONSE SYSTEM 10.1 Purpose of a Corrective Action — Continuous Improvement System The focus of this quality assurance program is quality. Quality_can only be maintained or improved if action is taken 1) to correct deficiencies when noted or 2) to improve the system or program when the potential for improvement is discovered. It is essential to this QA program that this process be documented. The Corrective Action - Improvement Request and Response (CAIR) System is the primary vehicle that this QAPP uses for formally initiating and documenting corrective actions and improvements. It is intended that this system be implemented upon approval of this QAPP and also be actively employed at the outset of any subsequent environmental related activities. The principle of continuous improvement is essential to contemporary QA philosophies. One purpose of the CAIR System is to promote continuous improvement. The philosophy of continuous improvement of quality requires that all Key Individuals be continuously on the lookout for ways to correct deficiencies in any system and improve their work product. The need for correction or improvement may be detected through personal involvement, observation, communication, formal evaluation, etc. The need for action may be evident as insufficient, inappropriate or incorrect data, improper conclusions or no conclusion possible, no work product or improper work product, inefficient or inadequate work systems, system failures, adequate work product with obvious need for improvement, or potentially dangerous circumstances. During normal quality assurance evaluations, the QAO may discover opportunities for improving quality more often than conditions in need of correction. In either case some action may be appropriate. These actions must be communicated to all parties involved. 10.2 Responsibilities and Duties Each work system participant is responsible for the credibility and quality of their work. Therefore, any Key Individual or their supervisor may initiate a request for CAIR. The QAO is responsible for coordinating corrective action or action requested for improvement by overseeing and maintaining the CAIR System. The QAO may determine the required level of involvement of supervisors and department head depending on type of action requested. He also informs the General Manager of requests, action taken, and significant findings of any follow-up. It is ultimately the General Manager's responsibility to assure that corrective action or action requested for improvements are accomplished expeditiously and that these actions alleviate any deficiencies when their need is recognized. 10.3 CAIR System Operation and Documentation The operating sequence of the CAIR begins when a need for action is detected. A CAIR request is documented and sent to the QAO. A responsible party is identified and Page 19