What must be marked on a copy of a company's quality manual provided to an auditor?

When providing a copy of a company's quality manual to an auditor, it is essential to indicate whether the document is controlled or uncontrolled. This designation is crucial because it communicates the document's status in relation to the organization's document control system. A controlled document is one that is regularly reviewed, updated, and managed according to specific quality management policies, ensuring that only the most current and relevant information is being utilized. Conversely, an uncontrolled document may not have received the same level of scrutiny, and it could be outdated or inaccurate, which poses a risk in maintaining quality standards.

By marking the quality manual as controlled, the auditor can be confident that the document adheres to the organization's protocols for quality assurance and that it is reliable for reference during the audit process. This distinction facilitates transparency in the audit and assures the auditor of the reliability of the information contained within the manual.