FAQ 29
The standard states the time between consecutive on-site assessments shall not exceed two years unless the accreditation body determines that an on-site assessment is not “applicable”. When would an on-site assessment not be applicable? If an on-site assessment can reasonably be conducted under normal conditions, is it “applicable” to be on-site, or does the accreditation…
FAQ 49
In bullet a) of Annex A.3 it is stated that the inspection body shall provide safeguards within the organisation to ensure adequate segregation of responsibilities and accountabilities between inspection and other activities. Could you give examples of such safeguards? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Annex A.3 · TOPIC: Independence Type C Answer: Safeguards that ensure adequate segregation can include e.g.- Maintenance…
FAQ 48
The wording of bullet b) in Annex A.1 indicates that there may be more activities than those listed in the 2nd sentence that may conflict with the inspection body’s and/or its personnel’s independence of judgment and integrity. Could you give examples of such activities? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Annex A.1 · TOPIC: Independence Type A Answer: In many cases,…
FAQ 47
In clause 6.2.13, bullet b) it is stated that the inspection body shall ensure that procedures are established and implemented to protect the integrity and security of data. Could you give examples of such procedures? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Clause 6.2.13 · TOPIC: Facilities and Equipment Answer: Procedures for protecting the integrity and security of data may include:-…
FAQ 46
In clause 5.2.5/section 6.1.1 of the standard it is stated that the technical manager shall be technically competent. What type of technical competence should the technical manager have? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Clause 5.2.5 · TOPIC: Management Answer: Examples of competencies a technical manager may need are to;- Understand the requirements for the items inspected- Understand the risks…
FAQ 45
In clause 4.1.3 of the standard reference is made to threats to impartiality arising from the inspection body’s activities. Can you give examples of activities which may constitute a threat to the inspection body’s impartiality? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Clause 4.1.3 · TOPIC: Impartiality Answer: Examples of activities of the inspection body that can influence its impartiality include:- Making…
FAQ 28
Can an Accreditation Body that is linked to a separate legal entity that provides consulting services have a website with direct hot links to the website of the linked separate entity that provides consulting services and meet the impartiality requirements of ISO/IEC 17011:2017 Section 4.4? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17011 · CLAUSE: Clause 4.4 · TOPIC: Impartiality Answer: No, if an AB…
FAQ 27
Can an Accreditation Body that is linked to a separate legal entity that provides consulting services have personnel (internal staff or external contractors) carry out consulting activities for that linked body and meet the impartiality requirements of ISO/IEC 17011:2017 Section 4.4? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17011 · CLAUSE: Clause 4.4 · TOPIC: Impartiality Answer: No, unless exceptional conditions are met.If the AB’s…
FAQ 26
Can an Accreditation Body that is linked to a separate legal entity that provides consulting services have shared resources (office space, finances, sales, marketing, accounting, human resources, legal counsel, etc.) and meet the impartiality requirements of ISO/IEC 17011:2017 Section 4.4? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17011 · CLAUSE: Clause 4.4 · TOPIC: Impartiality Answer: The absence of ‘shared resources’ is not required by…
FAQ 25
Can an Accreditation Body that is linked to a separate legal entity that provides consulting services have common owners, or a person who holds a higher position above the managers of both organizations meet the impartiality requirements of ISO/IEC 17011:2017 Section 4.4? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17011 · CLAUSE: Clause 4.4 and Clause 5.7 · TOPIC: Impartiality Answer: No, unless strict and…
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ILAC/IAF Committees FAQs 