When should preventive actions be implemented according to ISO/IEC 17025?

Preventive actions should be implemented as part of the quality management system according to ISO/IEC 17025 because this standard emphasizes a proactive approach to quality and reliability in laboratory processes. By integrating preventive actions into the quality management system, organizations can systematically identify potential issues and risks before they occur. This helps to ensure that processes are robust, and it fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

Implementing preventive actions as part of the overall quality management system allows laboratories to establish procedures that address not only current deficiencies but also potential future challenges. This approach enhances the laboratory’s ability to maintain compliance with the standard and promotes consistent quality in its operations.

In contrast, taking actions only during audits, or in response to issues that have already arisen, does not align with the proactive mindset that the ISO/IEC 17025 standard advocates. It is important to consider that initiating preventive actions during specific events or projects, while potentially useful, does not fully encompass the need for an ongoing commitment to quality embedded within the organization's practices.