What are Defects and Defectives?
A defect is any nonconformance of the unit of product with the specified requirements. A defective is a unit of product which contains one or more defects. Failure to meet requirements with respect to quality characteristics are usually described in terms of defects or defectives.
Critical - A critical defect is on that judgment and experience indicate is likely to:
- result in hazardous or unsafe conditions for individuals using, maintaining, or depending upon the products; or
- prevent performance of the tactical function of a major end item. A critical defective is a unit of product that contains one or more critical defects.
Major - A major defect is one, other than critical, that is likely to result in failure, or to reduce materially the usability of the unit of product for its intended purpose. A major defective is a unit of product that contains one or more major defects.
Minor - A minor defect is one that is not likely to reduce materially the usability of the unit of product for its intended purpose, or is a departure from established standards having little bearing on the effective use or operation of the unit of product. A Minor defective is a unit of product that contains one or more defects.