FAQ 54

In the context of ISO/IEC 17020 and independence, could you explain the position of ISO/IEC 17020 on a situation where the Inspection Body (Type A) utilises a separate sister company (common ownership, no parent or holding company) to complete the accredited testing used to determine the result of the inspection, where personnel from the IB also have a role in the laboratory testing.

STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020  ·  CLAUSE: 6.3.1  ·  TOPIC: Independence

Answer:

If a company relies on another legal entity to perform an accredited test or inspection, clause 6.3.1 spells out what must be assured by the accredited inspection body. There are many variables in the situation described to be able to give a comprehensive answer. However, if somebody is performing an accredited test or inspection, they need to meet all of the requirements of the applicable standard. If the individual works for both companies in this scenario, such as a construction inspection company that provides both testing and inspection, then they would need to be authorized by the company to perform the accredited test or inspection. They must also follow the procedures that are laid out by the accredited company, to include training, oversight, etc.