ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity assessment — Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection.
NBE offers internationally recognized accreditation programs for inspection bodies. NBE accreditation shows that an organization has met the international standard for inspection bodies and is qualified to carry out inspections.
Inspection bodies that undertake calibrations or tests themselves must meet the requirements for calibration or test laboratories. Where applicable, they also have to participate in proficiency testing. NBE accredits inspection bodies on the basis of the ISO/IEC 17020 standard.
NBE provides ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation to organisations performing the following types of inspection, surveys and risk assessments:
Engineering Inspection (including Pressure Systems, lifting equipment/Hoists, electrical installations, power presses, local exhaust ventilation, cargo / pre-shipment inspection, manufacture of boilers/pressure vessels, fire equipments & systems, electrical equipments & systems welding inspections, oil, gas metering etc.)
Building and Construction Products Food Inspection (food safety, food hygiene, manufacturing and processed practices, cargo inspection, animal welfare, labeling)
Asbestos Surveys Legionella Risk Assessments Health and Social Care Care Home Inspection Nuclear New Build Inspection Fire Protection Systems Crime Scene Examination Railway Competence Plant Health Environmental Technology Verification.
- The scope of accreditation defines the activities covered by an organization’s accreditation. NBE accredits inspection bodies for the following programs:
- Electrical equipment
- Medical electrical equipment
- Medical gas piping systems
- Commercial and industrial gas-fired installations
Inspection bodies evaluate the safety of specific products and materials. They also make sure that the associated facilities, equipment and systems fit the work being done. Inspections may evaluate services as well as physical assets.
Inspection bodies from around the world seek NBE accreditation as proof that their work is in line with the most current national and international standards and regulations.
NBE accreditation of Inspection Agencies (Body) provides these advantages:
- Demonstrates compliance with ISO/IEC Standard 17020.
- NBE offers prompt, personal service, including rapid scheduling of assessments to meet the needs of inspection agencies.
- Accreditation serves as an internationally recognized “stamp of approval” for industry and regulators.
- Accreditation increases the recognition and acceptance of inspection reports across domestic and national borders.
- Accreditation helps to reduce costs for manufacturers and exporters by reducing or eliminating the need for re-inspecting in another economy.
