What is a critical action when handling non-conforming materials?

Notifying the Team Leader (TL) or Group Leader (GL) is essential when handling non-conforming materials because it ensures that the situation is managed properly and efficiently. This action is critical in maintaining quality control and preventing potential issues that could arise from using materials that do not meet the required specifications.

By alerting a higher authority, appropriate measures can be taken to investigate the non-conformance, determine the root causes, and decide on the next steps. These might include quarantining the materials, assessing their impact on production, and implementing corrective actions to avoid future occurrences. Prompt notification promotes a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, which is vital for maintaining operational integrity.

In contrast, ignoring the issue or attempting to mix non-conforming materials with conforming ones could lead to significant quality problems and increase the risk of producing defective products. Reporting to HR would not be relevant in this context, as handling non-conforming materials is more aligned with quality assurance and production protocols rather than human resources matters.