If an organization is filling gas cylinders and keeping gas cylinders in stock, as an exchange system, can it be a type A inspection body for periodic inspection of gas cylinders?
The filling is done after the inspection is completed, the inspection report is issued, and inspection label has been attached to the cylinder.
Relevant requirement of ISO/IEC 17020:2012:
Annex A, A.1 b) The inspection body and its personnel shall not engage in any activities that may conflict with their independence of judgment and integrity in relation to their inspection activities. In particular, they shall not be engaged in the design, manufacture, supply, installation, purchase, ownership, use or maintenance of the items inspected.
NOTE 1 This does not preclude exchanging technical information between the client and the inspection body (e.g. explanation of findings or clarifying requirements or training).
NOTE 2 This does not preclude the purchase, ownership or use of inspected items that are necessary for the operations of the inspection body, or the purchase, ownership or use of the items for personal purposes by the personnel.
March 2014
The inspection body is part of an organization that is a supplier of gas cylinders. This means that the inspection body inspects the same items that the organization later supply.
Even if the inspection is carried out after the filling of the gas cylinders, there is an interest of the inspection body for the inspection to be positive as the organization to which it belongs is providing cylinders.
This inspection body could be accredited as type B or C not as type A.