The requirements for the proficiency and objectivity of inspection bodies are outlined in the widely used ISO 17020 certification. This standard applies to companies that perform inspections of components, manufactured products, installations, or operational procedures to verify adherence to rules, specifications, or other requirements.
The ability to execute consistent, dependable inspections while upholding objectivity and secrecy is demonstrated by inspection organizations with the aid of ISO 17020 accreditation. The certification procedure entails a thorough evaluation of an inspection body’s management structure, staff, tools, processes, and documentation against the requirements. The ability to execute consistent, dependable inspections while upholding objectivity and secrecy is demonstrated by inspection organizations with the aid of ISO 17020 accreditation. The certification procedure entails a thorough evaluation of an inspection body’s management structure, staff, tools, processes, and documentation against the criteria.
To be accredited under the ISO 17020 standard, inspection bodies must meet stringent requirements. To become an ISO 17020-accredited lab, a business must meet the regulations and requirements outlined below:
General Requirements: General rules must be followed by labs with ISO accreditation. It is ensured that findings are unaffected by extraneous influences by upholding independence and impartiality. They must also maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy of product and service outcomes. These regulations are essential because they support labs in upholding their credibility.
Structural Requirements: For labs to receive ISO 17020 accreditation, they must follow structural requirements that cover organizational requirements, management requirements, and administrative necessities. To demonstrate its proficiency in particular tasks, an inspection body needs to provide documents. Additionally, the company needs to make provisions, such as reserves or insurance, to cover any potential liabilities that might result from its operations. These clauses have to be comparable to the type and magnitude of potential liabilities for the company.
Organizations with ISO 17020 accreditation are required to submit ISO 17020 documents defining the legal terms of their activities and inspections, as well as job descriptions outlining the roles, obligations, and authority of each employee. Moreover, the ISO 17020 standard mandates that inspection organizations deliver documents outlining their reporting lines and obligations.
Resource Requirements: According to the ISO 17020 standard, an inspection body must establish and document each employee’s competency and qualifications. This standard applies to all individuals involved in the inspection process and contains the following requirements:
- ISO 17020 awareness Training
- Education
- Skills
- Experience
- Technical knowledge
Each employee should be educated about the following aspects of the products or services they inspect:
- The processes used to make the products and how the technology works
- Process operations
- Delivery of services and potential deficiencies in service delivery
- Potential defects that may occur when consumers use the product
- Any failures in the operation process
The following methods must also be documented by inspection bodies:
- Selecting inspection personnel
- Training procedures, including ongoing education
- Formally authorizing personnel
- Monitoring personnel involved in the inspection process
Process Requirements: ISO 17020-accredited organizations must utilize inspection methods and procedures that are by legislation, schemes, contracts, and standards or specifications. ISO 17020 requires them to thoroughly document any non-standard methods or practices they use. It also requires organizations to perform the following:
- Before beginning work, make sure they have enough resources to fulfil the needs of the client.
- Define customer needs clearly so that personnel receive clear instructions.
- Perform regular reviews and corrective action to keep inspection workers under control.
- Comply with the requirements of the work order or contract.
- Identify samples uniquely to avoid sample identification confusion and to accurately detect any irregularities.
- Record measures for avoiding product damage or deterioration during the inspection.
- Keep a record system that allows for full reporting and inspection evaluations.
- Create a process for receiving, assessing, and making decisions on appeals and complaints.
Management System Requirements: The ISO/IEC 17020 standard requires the top management of an organization to define, document, and maintain objectives and policies. Management should guarantee that the established objectives and policies are recognized and implemented at all levels of the business. High management must also designate a lower-level manager to oversee processes and procedures and report performance to upper management. In addition to these duties, management should perform the following:
- Create procedures for controlling internal and external documents.
- Retrieve, identify, store, protect, retain, and dispose of documents by international standards.
- Establish methods for conducting periodic reviews of the management system.
- Schedule internal audits at least once a year.
- Identify relevant corrective steps that the organization can take if probable nonconformities occur.
- Develop preventative action plans to eliminate the causes of nonconformity.
Online ISO Documentation Consultancy 