How should a Level 1 inspector handle nonconformities?

• A. Ignore them if they seem minor
• B. Document, report to supervisor, and follow QA procedures for corrective action
• C. Flag them to the customer for approval
• D. Proceed with production and address later

Answer: (B)

When a nonconformity is found, you must engage the quality system: document what happened, report it to your supervisor, and follow the QA procedures to determine the corrective action. Documenting captures all the facts—what, where, when, and who—so there’s a clear record for traceability and later review. Reporting to a supervisor ensures the issue is reviewed by someone with authority to decide disposition, halting production if needed and assigning the appropriate corrective actions. Following QA procedures guarantees a consistent, repeatable process for resolving the nonconformity and preventing recurrence, which is essential for meeting contract requirements and maintaining safety and reliability.

Ignoring a nonconformity undermines the quality system and can lead to unsafe or noncompliant products. Flagging the issue to the customer for approval without going through internal QA disposition bypasses established controls and can create miscommunication or liability. Proceeding with production and addressing it later neglects the need for prompt containment and corrective action, increasing the risk of shipping nonconforming work.