Introduction
A Non-Conformance Report (NCR), also known as a Non-Conformance Procedure Report, is a key requirement of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS).
The purpose of an NCR is to ensure that any product, process, or service not meeting specified requirements is identified, documented, and corrected, with appropriate actions taken to prevent recurrence.
Ensuring quality — whether in materials, workmanship, or service — is at the heart of the ISO 9001 standard and essential to achieving customer satisfaction.
NCRs in the Construction Industry
In the construction industry, non-conformance can occur at many stages — during design, material procurement, execution, or inspection.
An NCR must be raised whenever work or material does not meet the specified requirements outlined in the contract, specifications, drawings, or approved method statements.
Common examples:
- Materials not meeting technical specifications
- Workmanship below acceptable quality standards
- Deviation from approved drawings or procedures
- Failed inspection or test results
- Improper installation or finishing
- Unapproved design changes
Whenever such issues occur, the organization’s Non-Conformance Procedure shall be followed to ensure timely identification, correction, and prevention.
The procedure is given below.
Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to:
- Identify, segregate, and control all non-conforming materials, works, and processes.
- Prevent the use or installation of non-conforming items in construction.
- Investigate root causes and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
- Document and track all NCRs until final closure.
- Highlight minor issues to contractors or concerned parties through project instructions when appropriate.
Scope
This procedure applies to:
- All materials, equipment, processes, and services were found non-conforming to specified requirements.
- All departments and project functions are involved in planning, execution, and inspection.
It ensures that any non-conforming work is identified and controlled to prevent unintended use, installation, or delivery.
Requirements
This procedure aligns with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, Clause 8.7 – Control of Nonconforming Outputs, and supports the organization’s Quality Management System (QMS) through:
- Defined documentation and traceability
- Timely corrective and preventive actions
- Verification and closure of each non-conformance
Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| All Site Personnel | Study contract documents, ITPs, and method statements; detect and report non-conformances immediately. |
| QA/QC Engineers | Issue NCRs, verify corrective actions, and follow up on closure. |
| Quality Manager (QM) | Approve and authorize disposition of NCRs; decide whether the issue can be promptly corrected or requires formal documentation. |
| Design Coordinator | Review and approve NCRs related to design or documentation errors. |
| Project Manager | Ensure all NCRs are properly addressed, closed, and reported to management. |
Procedure
1. Detection of Non-Conformance
Non-conformances can be identified during:
- Site inspections
- Testing and commissioning
- Material receipt
- Routine surveillance or audits
When detected, the issue must be immediately reported to the QA/QC team for assessment.
