FAQ21

What is the meaning of the word “use” A.1 b, c and d and in the notes in Annex A? An inspection body and its personnel are obliged not to be engaged in any activity that constitutes a conflict/threat to its independence of judgment. At the same time the inspection body is allowed to purchase, own and use the inspected items for the performance of inspection activities. Likewise, the inspection body personnel may use such items for personal purposes. Then what type of “use” is forbidden?

STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020  ·  CLAUSE: 4.1.6  ·  TOPIC: Maintaining independence  · 

Answer:

Note 2 to bullet c) in A.1 points out that the limitation to use the items inspected does not preclude use that is necessary for the operations of another part of the same legal entity or for personal purposes of the personnel. Such cases may be when an inspection body uses lap top computers (specific brand and model) for their inspection work even though they might have performed an inspection on the same brand and model of lap top computer. Another example would be that personnel should still be able to take the elevator to the 4th floor, even if it has been engaged in the inspection of the same brand and model of elevator. However, the inspected item cannot be an integral part of the business of the inspection body or the company of which it is a part. E.g. an inspection body of a power company cannot inspect turbines of the same brand and model as it uses in its own operations.