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FAQ Question 43.8 EA-6/02 M:2022
Question 43.8 EA-6/02 M:2022

Confirmation for the correct application of the following requirements of EA-6/02 M:2022 document:

  • 4.1 states: “Technical Experts shall be recognized by the Conformity assessment body as experienced specialists in a specific welding field, or trained and qualified to the level of I/EWE or equivalent, or for group1, 2, 8 and 22 without PWHT (Post Welding Heat Treatment) to the level of I/EWT or equivalent…” According to ACCREDIA interpretation, qualification of auditors/technical experts have to be carried out in 2 ways: I/EWE or I/EWT competence certification or through a CAB procedure that ensure equivalence to I/EWE or I/EWT certification. Is that correct?
  • 6.1.2 states: “For testing, the manufacturer or sub-contractor shall meet the applicable requirements of EN ISO/IEC 17025 and for inspection, shall meet the applicable requirements for EN ISO/IEC 17020”. What kind of evaluation has to be carried out by Certification Body in order to comply to this requirement? Manufacturers and/or sub-contractors typically are not ISO 17025 or ISO 17020 accredited bodies. Furthermore ISO 17065 states at §6.2.1 and §6.2.2 that this kind of evaluation is in charge of the Certification Body and not of the customer.

March 2022

Answers:

  1. ACCREDIA’s interpretation is correct. Cla. 4.1 states that “Technical Experts shall be recognized by CAB or trained and qualified …”, in this respect, the technical experts can be trained and qualified by a CAB or this competence can be proven by recognized certification for the level of I/EWE or its equivalent, or for group 1, 2, 8 and 22 without PWHT to the level of I/EWT or its equivalent. Both cases seem to be acceptable according to EA-6/02 M:2022.
  2. Indeed, the manufacturers and/or subcontractors are typically not the accredited CABs, but they should have the ability or capability to conduct requested conformity assessment activities, such as testing or inspection, as a separate body. The accreditation is not mandatory, but having conditions given in the relevant accreditation standard is required. According to ISO/IEC 17065 cla. 6.2.2.2, the CB can use its client’s laboratory (meaning a laboratory inside the client’s premises) as an outsource. In this case, the activities of this client laboratory shall meet the applicable requirements of ISO/IEC 17025.