Which of the following can be considered a cause of nonconformance?

Nonconformance in environmental management or quality systems can arise from multiple factors, and in this case, each of the options listed can indeed be considered a potential cause.

Failure to follow an Operating Procedure is a clear cause of nonconformance because adhering to established procedures is critical for ensuring compliance with regulations and standards. When personnel deviate from these procedures, it can lead to results that do not meet the required specifications or legal mandates.

Additionally, if the procedure itself is inadequate, this could lead to nonconformance as well. Inadequate procedures may not address all necessary steps or contingencies, potentially leading to gaps in compliance or operational failures. A well-defined and robust procedure is essential to guide users toward compliance and effectiveness.

Furthermore, an equipment failure contributes to nonconformance as equipment is often integral to maintaining compliance with operational standards. If equipment malfunctions, it may prevent effective operation or cause processes to deviate from recognized standards, resulting in noncompliance.

Since each of these elements—failure to follow procedures, inadequacy of those procedures, and equipment failure—can independently contribute to instances of nonconformance, the most comprehensive answer in this scenario is that all listed options can be considered causes of nonconformance.