Personnel and qualification
Plain-language summary
Whether the people running the process are competent, qualified for their tasks, and available in sufficient numbers — including for special tasks and shifts.
What the clause is really asking
The risk controlled here is that capable equipment and good methods are undone by under-qualified or insufficient people. Operators, inspectors, and setters need the right training and authorization for their specific tasks, and the organization needs enough qualified people across shifts and absences. This sub-element confirms competence is managed, not assumed.
What auditors look for
The auditor reviews the qualification matrix against who is actually working each station, checks training and authorization for special operations (e.g. welding, vision checks, setup), and asks operators to demonstrate or explain their task. They look at how new and temporary staff are qualified, how competence is kept current, and whether staffing covers all shifts and peak demand without putting quality at risk.
Typical evidence
Skills/qualification matrix mapped to stations; training and authorization records; special-process operator certifications; eye-test/visual-inspection qualification where relevant; staffing/shift plans; onboarding records for new and temporary staff.
How to comply — recommendations
Keep a live qualification matrix that maps required competence to each station and shift, and only let authorized people perform special or critical tasks. Train new and temporary staff before they work unsupervised and refresh competence on a schedule. Plan staffing so shifts, absences, and peaks are covered by qualified people. Make it easy to see, at a glance, that the person at the station is cleared for it.
Common nonconformities
Qualification matrix out of date or not matching who is at the station; operators performing special tasks without authorization; temporary staff working before being qualified; no requalification cycle; understaffing on later shifts compromising checks.
Related clauses
IATF 16949 7.2 / 7.2.1–7.2.3 (competence/training), 8.5.1 (controlled conditions); ISO 9001 7.2
Get the free NC Writing Checklist
Free, instant download. We'll only email you the occasional practical quality update — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Qlause provides interpretive guidance only and is not a substitute for the standard. Refer to your licensed copy of the relevant standard for the authoritative text.