The question is related to requirement 8.6.4 where it establishes that “internal audits must be carried out at least once every 12 months” It also defines that the frequency can be adjusted based on the proven effectiveness of the management system and its stability proven”. Valid justifications for expanding the audit frequency can be situations such as pandemics (covid 19), legal situations, country regulations, natural situations (hurricanes, earthquakes, other), war situations, death of key personnel, contagion of key personnel, illness of key personnel, among others?
STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: 8.6.4 · TOPIC: Internal Audits
Answer:
| While pandemics, wars and illness can certainly affect the timing, those are not the justifications the standard is referencing. Internal audits can be completed remotely or delayed temporarily. The exception is more of a systemic change in frequencies, not an emergency event. |
ILAC/IAF Committees FAQs 