ES Digital Global Assessment Guide - Flipbook - Page 8
An organizational structure to manage all aspects of
conformity assessment
Competent personnel
Infrastructure to conduct surveillance
Procedures for complaints and appeals
Periodic internal audits
Mark of conformity
Let us address the three most important areas referenced in
ISO/IEC 17065, namely:
Qualifying testing laboratories
Qualifying inspection agencies
Standard for use for conformity assessment
Qualifying Testing Laboratories
The competence of testing and calibration laboratories is governed
by the international standard ISO/IEC 17025. This standard outlines
requirements from the initiation of a contract to the publication
of test reports. The requirements include, but are not limited to,
management system, document control, supplies, equipment
and calibration, service, dealing with complaints, competence of
the personnel, test methods, validation of the methods, and the
uncertainly of measurements. The ICC family of solutions has two
testing laboratory subsidiaries, ICC-NTA and ICC-PEI, accredited to
conduct testing to a variety of building product standards.
Qualifying Inspection Agencies
The competence of inspection agencies is governed by the
international standard ISO/IEC 17020. The organization
requirements for the inspection agencies is like those of the
testing laboratories, except that this standard focuses on bodies
performing inspection. Inspection is a part of the surveillance
activities outlined in ISO/IEC 17065 and is one of the most
important elements of conformity assessment. Surveillance
inspections confirm the product/process is consistent with what
was certified. Not all surveillance activities are the same.
ICC NTA and ICC-PEI are accredited to conduct qualifying and
surveillance inspections for ICC-ES. The ICC-ES requirements during
such inspections include product verification activities, quality
system verification activities, and possible sample selection. These
rigorous activities are what sets ICC-ES certification apart.
Standard For Use for Conformity Assessment
The international standard governing such standards is ISO/IEC
17007. The requirements in this standard are to ensure consistency
and the repeatability of the prescribed requirements within a
standard normative document. It also promotes neutrality toward
parties performing the conformity assessment. The international
Code Council codes as well as standards and normative documents
meet the intent of ISO/IEC 17007 and are created with outmost
rigor to insure a very high bar for product compliance.
ISO Requirements for Personnel Certification
Product approval for installation is another important part of the
conformity assessment cycle. The personnel conducting such
approval must have competence in conducting such activities.
The ICC family of solutions offers personnel certification and is
accredited to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17024. This standard
covers the entire process, from the organizational structure,
to resources, examination, decision of certification, to the
suspension or withdrawal of certificates. ISO/IEC 17024 is one
of the many standards in the CASCO toolbox and has a number
of requirements that are similar to other ISO standards, such as
those in 17065 or 17025.
The Accreditation Role in Conformity Assessment
Many accredited agencies claim
compliance to minimum requirements, but
only some actually have the experience
that can give AHJs confidence to approve
products with peace of mind.
BUILDING SAFETY, BUILDING CONFIDENCE WORLDWIDE
The value of accreditation in conformity assessment is
immense – the accreditation process allows for independent
validation and declaration of the competence of a conformity
assessment body. ISO/IEC 17065 is the standard that accrediting
bodies use to accredit certification bodies. This standard
addresses the following areas:
General requirements regarding legal responsibilities,
management of impartiality, liability insurance, nondiscriminatory policies and procedures, and confidentiality.
Structural requirements that mandate a clear organization
structure, which includes the competence of the personnel,
responsiveness to complaints, and requirements for
evaluation, review and decisions on certification.
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