AS9100 Clause 2

What is AS9100 Clause 2 About?

AS9100 is a standard that defines quality management system requirements for organizations involved in the aviation, space, and defense industries. Clause 2 of AS9100 outlines the scope of the standard, essentially defining its applicability and the boundaries within which the organization’s quality management system operates.

Here’s a breakdown of what AS9100 Clause 2 typically covers:

Scope Definition

This part clarifies which parts of the organization, and which products or services are covered by the AS9100 standard.

Exclusions

It specifies any exclusions or exemptions from the standard’s requirements that the organization might claim. Exclusions can be justified based on factors such as product type, regulatory requirements, or organizational structure.

Applicability to Suppliers

Clause 2 may also outline the requirements for extending the AS9100 quality management system to suppliers or subcontractors, ensuring consistency and quality throughout the supply chain.

Regulatory and Statutory Requirements

The clause often emphasizes the organization’s responsibility to comply with relevant regulatory and statutory requirements in addition to the AS9100 standard.

Customer Requirements

It may address the organization’s commitment to meeting customer-specific requirements beyond those stipulated in AS9100.

Clause 2 of AS9100 sets the boundaries and context for the quality management system within the aerospace and defense industries, ensuring clarity on what the standard covers and how it applies to the organization.

The AS9100 Clauses:

What is the difference between AS9100 Clause 2 and ISO 9001 Clause 2?

AS9100 Clause 2 and ISO 9001 Clause 2 serve similar purposes in their respective standards, but there are some differences due to the specific contexts and requirements of the industries they address.

Scope Definition:

AS9100: In AS9100, the scope often includes the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of aerospace products, as well as the provision of related services.

ISO 9001: ISO 9001 is more general and applicable to a wide range of industries. The scope can vary significantly depending on the organization’s activities and the products or services it provides.

Exclusions:

AS9100: Exclusions in AS9100 might be more limited compared to ISO 9001, as the aerospace industry has stringent requirements and regulations that may leave less room for exemptions.

ISO 9001: ISO 9001 allows organizations to exclude certain requirements if they can justify that those requirements do not apply to their particular situation.

Applicability to Suppliers:

AS9100: AS9100 often places a strong emphasis on extending quality management system requirements to suppliers and subcontractors, given the critical nature of the aerospace supply chain.

ISO 9001: While ISO 9001 encourages organizations to consider their suppliers and subcontractors, it does not explicitly require extending the quality management system to them in the same way AS9100 does.

Regulatory and Statutory Requirements:

AS9100: AS9100 typically includes more specific references to regulatory and statutory requirements relevant to the aerospace industry, such as aviation authorities’ regulations and defense standards.

ISO 9001: ISO 9001 emphasizes compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements but does not delve into industry-specific regulations to the same extent as AS9100.

Customer Requirements:

AS9100: AS9100 often requires organizations to address specific customer requirements beyond the standard itself, reflecting the highly customized nature of many aerospace products and services.

ISO 9001: ISO 9001 also emphasizes meeting customer requirements but does not typically require addressing customer-specific requirements beyond what is stated in the standard.

While AS9100 Clause 2 and ISO 9001 Clause 2 share similarities in defining the scope and context for quality management systems, AS9100’s requirements are more tailored to the aerospace industry’s unique needs and regulatory environment.

What is an AS9100 Quality Management System?

An AS9100 Quality Management System (QMS) is a set of interconnected processes within an organization aimed at achieving and maintaining high levels of quality in products and services specifically within the aerospace industry. AS9100 is a standard developed by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) and is based on the ISO 9001 quality management standard. However, AS9100 includes additional requirements and specific provisions tailored to the aerospace sector.