Can you help with my understanding of BRC Issue 8, Clause 3.7.3?

hi everyone,

i am trying to understand what clause 3.7.3 is asking.

" a set of parameters that will initiate the use of an appropriate tool (the site must define when the analysis will be completed if it is not already prescribed by the standard)" ??? i am not sure what it is asking for here.

it seems that this clause is requesting the site to use 5 why techniques when conducting root cause analysis?

Hi hadtoregister,

That is partially correct, there are requirements for root cause analysis based on a documented procedure, it doesn’t have to be the five whys technique but the guidance does suggest using it:

3.7.3 The site shall have a procedure for the completion of root cause analysis.

Guidance:

When errors occur, such as non-conforming product, product recalls or non-conformities raised at audits, the site should prevent recurrence of these errors using root cause analysis.

Root cause analysis should include:

• a set of parameters that will initiate the use of an appropriate tool (i.e. the site must define when the analysis will be completed if it is not already prescribed by the Standard)

• who is trained and/or authorised to complete the analysis

• the methods that the site will use to conduct the analysis

• the records which detail the analysis and any subsequent preventive actions the methods for the verification of the completed actions.

The auditor will expect to see a documented procedure that includes this information, as well as evidence of any root cause analysis and preventive action that the site has carried out.

While there are a number of techniques for undertaking root cause analysis, one of the most common and simplest to use is the ‘five whys’ technique.

There is further guidance on using the five whys technique.

Kind regards,

Tony