Inspection
Accreditation of bodies performing inspection.
An inspection is, most generally, an organized examination or formal evaluation exercise.
In engineering activities, inspection involves the measurements, tests, and gauges applied to certain characteristics of an object or activity. The results are usually compared to specified requirements and standards to determine whether the item or activity is in line with these targets. Inspections are usually non-destructive.
In international trade, several destination countries require pre-shipment inspection: the importer instructs the shipper which inspection company should be used, and the inspector produces pictures and a report certifying that the goods shipped and produced are in accordance with the accompanying documents.
Quality-related inspection is an essential part of quality control. In Europe, bodies involved in engineering inspection may be assessed by accreditation bodies according to ISO/IEC 17020 “General criteria for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection”. This standard defines inspection as examination of product design, product, service, process or plant, and determination of conformity with specific requirements or, on the basis of professional judgment, general requirements.
Common inspection methods
- Visual, microscopy, liquid/dye penetrant, magnetic-particle inspection
- X-ray / radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing, eddy-current testing
- Acoustic emission testing, thermographic inspection, check-weighing and precision measurement
ICVR accredits inspection bodies (Type A, B and C) operating in engineering, trade, construction, health, and product safety sectors. Bodies must demonstrate inspector competence, impartiality, calibrated equipment and reliable reporting.