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04.

Understanding ISO/IEC 17020

ISO/IEC 17020 specifies the requirements that inspection bodies must meet to achieve and maintain competence in the areas specified in the scope below. These requirements cover various aspects of an inspection body’s operations, including its organisational structure, management system, personnel competence, inspection processes, and quality assurance practices.

05.

Scope of ISO/IEC 17020

SO/IEC 17020 applies to inspection bodies of type A, B, or C, as defined in the standard. Type A bodies are independent from the parties involved in the inspection, while type B and C bodies may have a different level of independence. It should be noted that being designated type A,B or C is equivalent and does not demonstrate one is better than the other. The standard covers the activities of inspection bodies whose work can include the examination of materials, products, installations, plants, processes, work procedures or services, and the determination of their conformity with requirements and the subsequent reporting of results. Inspection can concern all stages during the lifetime of these items, including the design stage.

03.

Importance of accreditation

Accreditation is a voluntary process through which a national accreditation body evaluates the competence of an inspection body against specific criteria. Accreditation provides independent assurance that the inspection body operates in accordance with recognised standards and meets internationally accepted best practices. It enhances the credibility and reliability of inspection results, instilling confidence in customers, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Accreditation enables inspection bodies to showcase their technical competence, impartiality, and commitment to providing reliable inspection services. Accredited inspection bodies may use specific symbols or marks to indicate their accreditation status, further enhancing their reputation and visibility in the marketplace.