Inspection bodies

 

Inspection bodies are responsible for conducting routine inspections of things and recording their conditions. This makes it possible to evaluate safety measures critically and lower the likelihood of accidents. Inspections of motor vehicles, manufacturing facilities, or amusement park attractions are popular examples. Inspectors are also in demand in the fields of medical and building. ISO/IEC 17020 is the global standard for inspection bodies.

How do inspections work?

Everyone is referring to inspections, but what exactly are they? An inspection is an examination of objects, such as materials, goods, installations, equipment, processes, workflows, or services, according to ISO 17020, the standard for inspection bodies. An inspection differs fundamentally from testing and certifications in that a technical specialist evaluates how closely the examined item conforms with the standards.

Here, factors like quantity, quality, suitability for use, or safety are relevant. It's important to note that an inspection can be applied to any step of an inspected item's life cycle, including the design stage.

Inspection bodies: Objectives and Conditions

These evaluations are performed by inspection bodies on behalf of private clients, parent businesses, or government agencies. The objective is to ascertain whether an inspected item complies with applicable laws or standards and whether conformity is guaranteed. A declaration of conformance that notifies the client or authorities of the item's current condition is included in the inspection report which is the end result.

The management and specific requirements for an inspection body's independence, organization, resources, and procedures are outlined in ISO/IEC 17020. It is utilized throughout the whole inspection process, from initial and in-service inspections to type testing. The prerequisite for accreditation as an inspection body is adherence to this standard.

What varieties of inspection bodies exist?

Regardless of the area of operation, DIN EN ISO/IEC 17020, the global standard for inspection bodies, distinguishes between three categories of inspection bodies:

A type An independent "third party" that accepts outside orders for the inspection of goods, procedures, or services is referred to as an inspection body. The goods, methods, or services are also external, meaning they don't fall inside the purview of the inspection body's activities.

After the examination is finished, Type A inspection bodies deliver their inspection results to the client.

In contrast, a type B inspection body is always a part of the organization that is involved with the goods being inspected. Only the organization's internal products are inspected by this kind of inspection body. It is a distinct but integrated section of the company and exclusively offers inspection reports to internal clients.

A type C inspection body, in contrast to a type B inspection body, is a distinguishable component of a non-clearly segregated organization that is involved with the products to be inspected. This kind of inspection body inspects both its own internal products and comparable or external items, and both internal and external clients can access the inspection reports.

For all forms of inspection bodies, the standard's general requirements are applicable.

The 14 main sections of ISO 17020 contain the following requirements:

1. Administrative needs,

2. Requirements for objectivity, honesty, and independence

3. Remaining unbiased

4. Management and organization

5. Quality management

6. Personnel

7. Resources and tools

8. Techniques and processes for inspection

9. Handling samples and items for inspection

10. Records control

11. Inspection results and certificates of inspection

12. Subcontracting Grievances and appeal

13. Collaboration with additional inspection agencies

Thus, ISO 17020 Certification help in improvements in the overall functioning of Inspection Bodies' efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness, as well as in their level of creativity, cohesion, quality, and capacity. A rise in confidence in assessment results and in staff members' work. Provide advice on knowledge analysis and accurate record keeping. Set aside funds for your time and money in case the necessity for re-assessment, re-work, and other similar activities decreases or disappears.