21.A.148 Changes of location

1.The relocation of any work, to an unapproved location, or a location with inappropriate scope of approval, constitutes a change of significance to the organisation and requires approval by the competent authority as prescribed in 21.A.147. An unapproved relocation will invalidate the production organisation approval, and may necessitate re-application for any similar approval required at the new location. However, suitable transitional arrangements may be agreed with the competent authority, in advance of the relocation, which can allow continuation of the approval.

2.When an organisation expands its facility to include a new production location or moves parts of its production to a new location the production organisation approval may continue in force, but the approval does not include the new location until the competent authority has indicated its satisfaction with the arrangements.

3.For a change in location, taking an extended period of time, suitable transitional arrangements would require preparation of a co-ordination plan for the removal. The plan must, at least, identify the following:

(a)A clearly identified person, or group of persons, responsible for co-ordinating the removal and acting as focal point for communication with all parties, including the competent authority.

(b)The basis of the co-ordination plan, e.g., whether by product or area.

(c)Planned timing of each phase of relocation.

(d)Arrangements for maintaining the standards of the approval up to the point where the production area is closed down.

(e)Arrangements for verifying continued production quality upon resumption of work at the new location.

(f)Arrangements for check and/or re-calibration of inspection aids or production tools and jigs before resuming production.

(g)Procedures which ensure that goods are not released from the new location until their associated production and quality systems have been verified.

(h)Arrangements for keeping the competent authority informed of progress with the relocation.

4.From the co-ordination plan, the competent authority can determine the points at which it wishes to conduct investigation.

5.If an agreed co-ordination plan is in operation, the competent authority will normally allow the existing approval to remain in force and will, where appropriate, grant an additional approval to cover the new address for the duration of the move.