QA agencies should have internal procedures (written practices) that document how the agency performs and documents inspection and testing. Standard Specification for Agencies Engaged in Construction Inspection, Testing, or Special Inspection (ASTM E329) (ASTM, 2021) is commonly used as a guide in preparing and reviewing written practices. ASTM E329 defines the minimum requirements for inspection agency personnel or testing agency laboratory personnel, or both, and the minimum technical requirements for equipment and procedures utilized in the testing and inspection of construction and materials used in construction. Criteria are provided for evaluating the capability of an agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials and establish essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency. It can be used as a basis to evaluate an agency and is intended for use in qualifying and/or accrediting agencies, public or private, engaged in the testing and inspection of construction materials, including steel construction.
Loading…