Chapter 05 · Standards & assuranceConformity Assessment, Certification & Assurance
Preventive action
Definition
Preventive action is action taken to reduce the likelihood that a potential problem, failure or nonconformity will occur.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Preventive action” is defined and used.
Overview
What it means in practice
Preventive action should be read as a conformity-assessment term. Its meaning depends on the criteria, assessor competence, scope and decision that relies on the assessment.
In practice, users should state the standard, boundary, method and evidence behind the term. That keeps preventive action useful without overstating assurance or performance.
Why it matters
Preventive action matters because certification and assurance language affects trust. Clear use helps readers understand who assessed what, against which criteria, with what independence and with what limits.
Common misconception
A common error is to treat Preventive action as a guarantee by itself. The stronger approach is to state the applicable standard, scope, assessor role and limits of the conclusion.
Review questions
What criteria or boundary gives the term meaning? Who assessed or evidenced it? What limitation should be stated so a reader does not treat the term as broader than it is?
How it is used
In professional practice, “Preventive action” helps standard setters, scheme owners, certification bodies, auditors and organisations seeking assurance describe or assess action taken to reduce the likelihood that a potential problem, failure or nonconformity will occur. It is commonly encountered in standards, certification, conformity assessment, audits, controls and assurance engagements.
A credible application identifies the named standard or scheme, version, scope, criteria, assurance level and competent decision-maker.