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Quality poster

Updated · Free to print and share

Correction vs corrective action poster

Correction, containment and corrective action are three different things that often get one box on a form. A correction fixes the nonconforming part. Containment stops more suspect parts reaching the customer while the cause is found. A corrective action removes the cause so the problem does not come back. ISO 9000 defines correction and corrective action; containment is the 8D step in between. This poster shows all three on one leaking hose.

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Correction vs corrective action posterThree panels for correction, containment and corrective action with a leaking hose example, and a band on checking it worked.
24 x 36 in18 x 24 inA2A3LetterA4PNG 300 dpi

The words on the poster

Fix the part, or fix the problem?

Correction, containment and corrective action are three different jobs.

  • Part Correction: fix this part. Rework, repair or scrap it. Example: replace the leaking hose.
  • Stock Containment: stop more escaping. Hold and sort suspect stock. Example: check every hose from the batch.
  • Cause Corrective action: remove the root cause. Example: the clamp tool was out of torque. Put it on the calibration plan.
  • Done means proven: a corrective action is closed when the problem has not come back.

Correction and corrective action as defined in ISO 9000:2015. Containment as in 8D (D3).

On the floor

How to use it

Putting the Correction vs corrective action poster to work

  1. 1

    Put it next to the NCR or CAPA board, so each action is put in the right box.

  2. 2

    Review open NCRs: does each one have a corrective action, not just a correction?

  3. 3

    Close a corrective action only when the problem has not come back.

  4. 4

    Pair it with the free corrective action form and CAPA log.

Where the poster goes and how to teach with it, in the order to try them.

Which size to print

  • 24 x 36 in or A2: a main wall or team board, read from a few metres away.
  • 18 x 24 in or A3: a station or notice board. The A3 file also fits 11 x 17 in paper.
  • Letter or A4: a clipboard, binder or handout, on any office printer.

Every PDF is vector, so it stays sharp at full size. Nothing runs to the edge of the page, so no bleed is needed.

Sources and notes

  • ISO 9000:2015 Quality management systems: Fundamentals and vocabulary, section 3.12: correction, corrective action and preventive action.
  • Containment as step D3 of Ford's 8D.

A poster reminds. A routine makes it stick.

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