In the oil and gas sector, ISO 9001: Closing Non-Conformities is not just about passing audits — it’s about ensuring operational safety, compliance, and consistent service quality in one of the world’s most demanding industries.
Whether you’re supplying API-monogrammed equipment or executing field services, your Quality Management System (QMS) must be audit-ready at all times. Non-conformities (NCs), if not addressed properly, can disrupt certification, impact safety, and erode client trust.
In this blog, we’ll break down what ISO 9001 non-conformities are, why they matter in oilfield operations, and how to close them using a structured approach aligned with ISO standards.
What Is a Non-Conformity in ISO 9001?
An unconformity is any failure to meet the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard. It may involve:
➣ Deviations in process execution
➣ Missing or outdated documentation
➣ Uncontrolled design or service changes
➣ Incorrect product labeling or traceability
➣ Incomplete maintenance, calibration, or inspection records
These NCs are typically identified during:
➣ Internal audits
➣ Customer or third-party audits
➣ Field inspections
➣ Certification body audits
If you’re working toward ISO 9001 certification or already certified, closing non-conformities promptly and effectively is essential for compliance and continual improvement.
Why NC Closure Matters according to ISO 9001
The oil and gas industry operates in high-risk, high-regulation environments. Failing to address non-conformities in time can lead to:
➣ Loss of ISO certification
➣ Operational downtime
➣ Contractual disputes with clients
➣ Increased risk of HSE incidents
➣ Damaged reputation with regulatory authorities and OEMs
A structured, verified approach to closing non-conformities ensures that your QMS continues to support business continuity and safety.
Step-by-Step Process: ISO 9001 Non-Conformance Closure
1. Identify the Root Cause
Go beyond the symptoms—get to the real issue. Use proven tools such as:
➣ 5 Whys analysis
➣ Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagrams
➣ Process walk-throughs with cross-functional teams
Example: If an equipment tag is missing, is it a training issue, documentation failure, or supplier control gap?
2. Develop a Corrective Action Plan
Once the root cause is confirmed, build a clear, action-oriented plan that includes:
➣ What went wrong
➣ Why it happened
➣ What needs to change to prevent recurrence
➣ Who is responsible
➣ When it will be completed
Your plan should also address any impact on current operations or products already delivered.
3. Implement the Plan
Carry out the agreed actions. This might involve:
➣ Updating SOPs or quality procedures
➣ Retraining employees
➣ Revising inspection or calibration schedules
➣ Improving supplier controls
Effective implementation should be evidence-based—actions taken must be recorded, validated, and traceable.
4. Verify Effectiveness
Your auditor will want proof that the corrective action solved the issue for good. So:
➣ Conduct a follow-up audit or sample review
➣ Recheck impacted documents, equipment, or records
➣ Interview relevant personnel to verify understanding
➣ The goal is not just correction, but prevention.
5. Close the Non-Conformity
Once verified, document the closure:
➣ Mark the NC as closed in your tracking system
➣ Update the audit report with findings and evidence
➣ Keep a complete trail for future audits
If you’re also following API Q1 or Q2, you may need to align with more technical closure protocols.
Real-World example in oil & Gas
Let’s say an ISO 9001 audit finds your field service engineers are using outdated service procedures during a BOP inspection.
Root cause: Document revision control was not communicated to the field team.
Corrective action:
➣ Issue a controlled master document list
➣ Re-train the service team
➣ Implement digital access to the latest versions
➣ Conduct a verification audit after 30 days
This kind of non-conformity, if unresolved, can affect both your ISO and API compliance — especially if you’re dealing with Monogrammed equipment.
How NC Closure and Incident Reporting Are Connected in ISO 9001
Under ISO 9001, both non-conformities and incidents are considered critical inputs to your Quality Management System (QMS).
While they differ in nature — non-conformities stem from system or process failures, and incidents often relate to safety or operational disruptions — the approach to addressing them is closely aligned.
Both require root cause analysis, corrective action, and verification of effectiveness.
You can also refer to our blog that explains the differences between an NC report and an incident report in detail.
Final Thoughts
ISO 9001: Closing Non-Conformities is not a box-checking exercise — it’s a critical part of running a safe, efficient, and compliant oilfield operation. By following a structured process—root cause, action, verification, closure—you not only meet auditor expectations but also build long-term operational resilience.Need help closing non-conformities or preparing for ISO audits? Get started here.