ASTM E1212-17

Standard Practice for Establishing Quality Management Systems for Nondestructive Testing Agencies

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice covers procedures for establishing and maintaining a quality system for nondestructive testing agencies.  
4.2 Controlling the quality of service rendered is a continuing process. This practice provides guidelines for establishing a quality management system that provides for: calibration, standardization, reference samples, examination plans, and procedures.  
4.3 The basic requirements for a quality management system encompass the following areas, all of which shall be documented.  
4.3.1 Quality policy statement, planning, and administration,  
4.3.2 Organization,  
4.3.3 Human resources,  
4.3.4 Physical resources, and  
4.3.5 Quality management.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers general requirements for the establishment and maintenance of a quality management system for agencies engaged in nondestructive testing (NDT).  
1.2 This practice utilizes criteria contained in Practice E543.  
1.3 This practice utilizes criteria contained in American National Standard ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001–2008, Quality management systems—Requirements.  
1.4 This practice recognizes the importance of establishing minimum safety criteria.  
1.5 The use of SI or inch-pound units, or combinations thereof, will be the responsibility of the technical committee whose standards are referred to in this standard.  
1.6 This practice does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this practice to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2017
• ICS: 03.100.70 - Management systems
• ICS: 03.120.20 - Product and company certification. Conformity assessment
• ICS: 19.020 - Test conditions and procedures in general
• Technical Committee: E07 - Nondestructive Testing
• Drafting Committee: E07.09 - Nondestructive Testing Agencies

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1212-12 - Standard Practice for Quality Management Systems for Nondestructive Testing Agencies
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM E543-13 - Standard Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM E1359-12 - Standard Guide for Evaluating Capabilities of Nondestructive Testing Agencies
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM E1359-09 - Standard Guide for Evaluating Capabilities of Nondestructive Testing Agencies
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Refers: ASTM E543-09 - Standard Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM E543-08a - Standard Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2008
• Refers: ASTM E543-08 - Standard Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2008
• Refers: ASTM E1359-02(2008) - Standard Guide for Evaluating Capabilities of Nondestructive Testing Agencies
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2008
• Refers: ASTM E543-06 - Standard Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM E543-04 - Standard Practice for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2004
• Refers: ASTM E1359-02 - Standard Guide for Evaluating Capabilities of Nondestructive Testing Agencies
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2002
• Refers: ASTM E543-99 - Standard Practice for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2002
• Refers: ASTM E543-02 - Standard Practice for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2002
• Referred By: ASTM E1359-17 - Standard Guide for Auditing and Evaluating Capabilities of Nondestructive Testing Agencies
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Referred By: ASTM E543-21 - Standard Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017

Overview

ASTM E1212-17: Standard Practice for Establishing Quality Management Systems for Nondestructive Testing Agencies specifies the general requirements for creating, implementing, and maintaining quality management systems (QMS) within organizations that perform nondestructive testing (NDT). Nondestructive testing is widely used in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, infrastructure, and energy for the inspection and analysis of materials and components without causing damage. Adopting a robust quality management system in NDT agencies promotes reliable results, consistent services, regulatory compliance, and continual improvement.

ASTM E1212-17 references established practices, such as ASTM E543 and ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001, and places emphasis on documentation, calibration, process control, supplier management, and customer satisfaction. This standard aligns with international quality management principles, making it globally relevant for NDT service providers.

Key Topics

ASTM E1212-17 covers essential areas required for an effective QMS in nondestructive testing agencies:

• Quality Policy, Objectives, and Planning: Organizations must define a clear quality policy, set measurable objectives, and establish systematic planning and administration procedures.
• Organizational Structure: Agencies are required to document their organization, including legal details, key personnel, service offerings, and affiliations.
• Human Resources: The standard mandates defined roles, responsibilities, job descriptions, personnel qualifications, and ongoing training programs. NDT personnel qualifications must meet recognized industry standards.
• Physical Resources: Agencies must maintain comprehensive inventories of NDT equipment and facilities, ensure proper calibration and standardization, and have documented procedures for all NDT methods used.
• Supplier and Subcontractor Management: ASTM E1212-17 requires quality programs for evaluating and monitoring suppliers and managing subcontracted services, including the use of supplier surveys, audits, and performance history.
• Process and Document Control: Procedures for process execution, document revision, and controlled distribution are vital to maintaining consistency and accuracy.
• Calibration and Reference Materials: Calibration of measuring equipment and maintenance of reference samples and materials must be performed regularly and documented.
• Handling, Storage, and Shipping: The standard sets requirements for protecting testing items, maintaining environmental controls, and ensuring traceability during storage and transportation.
• Nonconformance and Corrective Actions: Agencies must identify, segregate, and control nonconforming items, and develop documented corrective and preventive action processes.
• Continual Quality Improvement: There must be active programs for ongoing improvement of processes and customer satisfaction, utilizing data analysis and periodic audits.

Applications

ASTM E1212-17 is intended for any agency, laboratory, or organization conducting nondestructive testing. Key applications include:

• NDT Service Providers: To establish or upgrade their quality management system, ensuring service reliability and compliance with industry and customer requirements.
• Contracting Authorities: For evaluating and selecting third-party NDT agencies with proven quality management practices.
• Manufacturing and Infrastructure Sectors: Supporting supplier qualification programs and in-house NDT operations.
• Accreditation Bodies: As a baseline for auditing and accrediting NDT agencies and assessing ongoing compliance.
• Continuous Improvement Programs: Serving as a framework for managing quality records, implementing corrective actions, and enhancing overall service quality.

Related Standards

Organizations implementing ASTM E1212-17 should also be familiar with the following standards and guidelines for a comprehensive approach to quality management in nondestructive testing:

• ASTM E543: Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
• ASTM E1359: Guide for Evaluating Capabilities of Nondestructive Testing Agencies
• ASNT SNT-TC-1A: Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
• ANSI/ASNT CP 189: Standard for Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel
• ISO 9001 / ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001: Quality Management Systems - Requirements
• NAS 410: Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel (Aerospace Industry)

Keywords: nondestructive testing, NDT agencies, quality management system, ASTM E1212, process control, calibration, document control, supplier management, continual improvement, quality assurance, personnel qualification.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1212 − 17
Standard Practice for
Establishing Quality Management Systems for
Nondestructive Testing Agencies
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1212; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* 2.2 ASNT/ANSI Standards:
ASNT Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A Personnel
1.1 This practice covers general requirements for the estab-
Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
lishment and maintenance of a quality management system for
ANSI/ASNT CP189 Qualification and Certification of Non-
agencies engaged in nondestructive testing (NDT).
destructive Testing Personnel
1.2 ThispracticeutilizescriteriacontainedinPracticeE543.
2.3 ANSI/ASQ Standards:
1.3 This practice utilizes criteria contained in American A8402 Management and Quality Assurance-Vocabulary
Q9000 Series of Quality Management and Quality Assur-
National StandardANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001–2008, Quality man-
agement systems—Requirements. ance (Q9000 through Q9004 inclusive) Standards (These
are exact equivalents to the ISO 9000 through ISO 9004
1.4 This practice recognizes the importance of establishing
series)
minimum safety criteria.
2.4 AIA Standard:
1.5 The use of SI or inch-pound units, or combinations
NAS 410 NAS Certification and Qualification of Nonde-
thereof, will be the responsibility of the technical committee
structive Testing Personnel
whose standards are referred to in this standard.
3. Terminology
1.6 This practice does not purport to address all of the
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this practice to establish appro- 3.1.1 agency, n—the public, independent, or in-house non-
destructive testing organization selected by the authority to
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. perform the examination(s) required by the purchase order or
specification.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.2 authority, n—the owner, prime contractor, engineer,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
architect, or purchasing agent in responsible charge of the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
work, or duly recognized or designated representative.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.3 continual quality improvement, n—anongoingquality
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
improvement activity for achieving results. Improvement may
be directed at individual processes, finished products, or
2. Referenced Documents
administrative processes. The continual quality improvement
2.1 ASTM Standards:
program utilizes statistical methods, team projects, and other
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
tools as appropriate to obtain and sustain improvements.
Testing
3.1.4 customer, n—customer is used with the same meaning
E1359 Guide for Auditing and Evaluating Capabilities of
as “authority.”
Nondestructive Testing Agencies
3.1.5 process capability, n—the degree to which a process
can produce the same results without variation, that is, repro-
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde-
ducibility.
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.09 on
Nondestructive Testing Agencies.
Current edition approved June 1, 2017. Published June 2017. Originally AvailablefromAmericanSocietyforNondestructiveTesting(ASNT),P.O.Box
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E1212 - 12. DOI: 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
10.1520/E1212-17. Available from American Society for Quality (ASQ), 600 N. Plankinton Ave.,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Milwaukee, WI 53203, http://www.asq.org.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available fromAerospace IndustriesAssociation ofAmerica, Inc. (AIA), 1000
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on WilsonBlvd.,Suite1700,Arlington,VA22209-3928,http://www.aia-aerospace.org.
the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1212 − 17
3.1.6 process control, n—managing a process to ensure that 5.3 Quality Management System—A quality management
it is performing to its designed capability. system shall be established that will carry out the stated
policies and objectives.
3.1.7 quality management system, n—the organizational
structure,responsibilities,practices,procedures,processes,and
5.4 Quality Planning—Planning for each new or modified
resources for implementing and maintaining the quality pro-
process or test method should define those characteristics to be
gram.
controlled. Quality planning also includes providing for ad-
ministrative processes needed to implement compliance with
3.1.8 quality manual, n—a comprehensive document stating
this practice.
the quality policy and specifying organizational structure,
practices, and procedures necessary to empower the quality
5.5 Quality Manual—Thequalitypolicyandsystemshallbe
policy and quality management system.
documented and be in accessible form, such as a quality
3.1.9 quality objectives, n—specific obtainable improve- manual or series of manuals. Key elements should include, as
ment goals supporting the quality program. necessary:
5.5.1 The general quality statement,
3.1.10 quality policy, n—the overall intentions and direction
of an organization regarding quality as formally expressed by 5.5.2 A description of the quality system,
top management.
5.5.3 Ageneraldescriptionofqualityplanningrequirements
with specifics for each product category where appropriate,
3.1.11 quality records, n—formal documentation of exami-
5.5.4 The requirements of Practice E543 pertaining to the
nation results or data supporting the quality management
laboratory procedure manual, and
system.
3.1.11.1 Discussion—Examples are: audit reports, calibra- 5.5.5 Typically used examination procedures.
tion data, NDT records, process qualification results, qualifi-
5.6 Administration—Clear lines of authority shall be estab-
cation data, and test data.
lished to administer the quality management system.
5.6.1 Quality Responsibility—The quality responsibility of
4. Significance and Use
eachunitwithintheorganizationshallbeapprovedbythechief
4.1 This practice covers procedures for establishing and
operation officer of each unit.
maintaining a quality system for nondestructive testing agen-
5.6.2 Quality Performance Reporting—Responsibility for
cies.
reporting performance against stated quality objectives to
higher management should rest with functions independent of
4.2 Controlling the quality of service rendered is a continu-
those responsible for the attainment of those objectives. Pro-
ing process. This practice provides guidelines for establishing
cedures for documentation and record retention should be
a quality management system that provides for: calibration,
established.
standardization, reference samples, examination plans, and
procedures. 5.6.3 Quality System Audits—To provide assurance, a peri-
odic audit of the quality management system should be made
4.3 The basic requirements for a quality management sys-
by an organizational element independent of the unit being
tem encompass the following areas, all of which shall be
auditedorbyaqualifiedthirdpartytomonitortheeffectiveness
documented.
of various quality management system processes. It may
4.3.1 Quality policy statement, planning, and
include, as appropriate:
administration,
5.6.3.1 Management audits to determine how well quality
4.3.2 Organization,
policy and objectives are being met,
4.3.3 Human resources,
5.6.3.2 System audits, including examination process audits
4.3.4 Physical resources, and
to determine how well quality planning has been implemented
4.3.5 Quality management.
and to identify areas where changes would be beneficial to the
quality services performed, and
5. Quality Policy Statement, Planning, and
5.6.3.3 Records documenting findings and corrective and
Administration
preventive actions taken.
5.1 Policy Statement—A policy statement shall describe
management’s specific intention and policy with respect to
6. Organization
quality. The policy statement should specify an organized
6.1 The following information concerning the organization
approach for carrying out those intentions and should address
of the agency shall be documented.
itself to all major quality parameters. It should be approved by
the chief executive officer for company-wide policies or by 6.1.1 A description of the organization including:
subordinate officers for specialized policies. Periodic audits
6.1.1.1 The complete legal name and address of the main
should be required to ensure adherence to quality policies.
office,
6.1.1.2 Thenamesandpositionsoftheprincipalofficersand
5.2 Quality Objectives—Objectives should be established
directors,
for appropriate key elements of performance such as safety
requirements, internal performance levels, vendor 6.1.1.3 The agency’s ownership, managerial structure, and
performance, training, and qualification of personnel. principal members,
E1212 − 17
6.1.1.4 The functional description of the agency’s organiza- 8.1.2 An inventory of equipment used to perform NDT
tional structure, operational departments, and support depart- including the following for each item of equipment:
ments and services. This may be demonstrated in the form of
8.1.2.1 Type of equipment and use,
charts that depict all the divisions, departments, sections and
8.1.2.2 Name of manufacturer,
units, and their relationships,
8.1.2.3 The equipment model and serial number,
6.1.1.5 All relevant organizational affiliates of the agency
8.1.2.4 Properties of the equipment subject to standardiza-
and principal officers of affiliates and directors of affiliates
tion or calibration,
where applicable,
8.1.2.5 The range of operation and range of calibration,
6.1.1.6 External organizations and organizational compo-
8.1.2.6 Reference to a recognized calibration procedure,
nents and their functions that are utilized for significant
8.1.2.7 Frequency of calibration, and
technical support services, and
8.1.2.8 Allowable tolerances or maximum sensitivity.
6.1.1.7 A brief history of the agency including its relation-
8.1.3 A system of written procedures for each NDT service
ship with its organizational component affiliations and other
performed by the agency. The procedures shall include a
supporting information.
description of the methods used for NDTand the methods used
6.1.2 A listing of the relevant technical services offered.
for data recording, data processing, data reporting, and for
6.1.3 A list giving applicable dates of qualifications and
certification of the results. When required, customer approval
accreditations.
shall be obtained.
7. Human Resources
8.1.4 An inventory of reference material including a library
of standards, applicable technical publications, and pertinent
7.1 General—Those aspects of the quality system where the
specifications and amendments.
work of the employees will affect the quality of products shall
be identified, and specific action taken to control them.
9. Quality Management
7.2 Management Responsibilities—The quality-related
9.1 Purchased NDT Equipment, Materials, and Services:
requirements, duties, and responsibilities of all personnel shall
9.1.1 General—The quality management system shall in-
be identified. Job criteria that are quality-related should be
clude procedures to ensure effective supplier quality manage-
specified in job descriptions to permit proper employee selec-
mentforallpurchasedmaterialsandservices.Controlsshallbe
tion.
provided for materials, equipment, and any subcontracted
7.3 Employee Selection and Training—Employees shall be
services.
selected on the basis of capability and experience or the
9.1.2 Supplier Quality Program and Selection Methods—
potential to fully qualify for the job. A training program shall
Procedures shall be established for the selection and qualifica-
be maintained to ensure employees develop and retain skill
tion of suppliers, such as supplier surveys, past quality history,
competence. Nondestructive testing (NDT) personnel shall be
and industry history. Each supplier’s quality capability shall be
qualified in accordance with a nationally recognized NDT
periodically evaluated, including audit visits where
personnel qualification practice or standard such as ANSI/
appropriate, based upon performance. The requirements for
ASNT-CP-189, ASNT/SNT-TC-1A, AIA/NAS 410, or a simi-
quality
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1212 − 12 E1212 − 17
Standard Practice for
Establishing Quality Management Systems for
Nondestructive Testing Agencies
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1212; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*Scope
1.1 This practice covers general requirements for the establishment and maintenance of a quality management system for
agencies engaged in nondestructive testing (NDT).
1.2 This practice utilizes criteria contained in Practice E543.
1.3 This practice utilizes criteria contained in American National Standard ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001–2008, Quality management
systems—Requirements.
1.4 This practice recognizes the importance of establishing minimum safety criteria.
1.5 The use of SI or inch-pound units, or combinations thereof, will be the responsibility of the technical committee whose
standards are referred to in this standard.
1.6 This practice does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this practice to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
E1359 Guide for Evaluating Capabilities of Nondestructive Testing Agencies
2.2 ASNT/ANSI Standards:
ASNT Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
ANSI/ASNT CP 189 Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
2.3 ANSI/ASQ Standards:
A8402 Management and Quality Assurance-Vocabulary
Q9000 Series of Quality Management and Quality Assurance (Q9000 through Q9004 inclusive) Standards (These are exact
equivalents to the ISO 9000 through ISO 9004 series)
2.4 AIA Standard:
NAS 410 NAS Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.09 on Nondestructive
Testing Agencies.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2012June 1, 2017. Published November 2012June 2017. Originally approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 20092012 as
E1212 - 09.E1212 - 12. DOI: 10.1520/E1212-12.10.1520/E1212-17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
Available from American Society for Quality (ASQ), 600 N. Plankinton Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203, http://www.asq.org.
Available from Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc. (AIA), 1000 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209-3928, http://www.aia-aerospace.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1212 − 17
3.1.1 agency, n—the public, independent, or in-house nondestructive testing organization selected by the authority to perform
the examination(s) required by the purchase order or specification.
3.1.2 authority, n—the owner, prime contractor, engineer, architect, or purchasing agent in responsible charge of the work, or
duly recognized or designated representative.
3.1.3 continual quality improvement, n— an ongoing quality improvement activity for achieving results. Improvement may be
directed at individual processes, finished products, or administrative processes. The continual quality improvement program
utilizes statistical methods, team projects, and other tools as appropriate to obtain and sustain improvements.
3.1.4 customer, n—customer is used with the same meaning as “authority.”
3.1.5 process capability, n—the degree to which a process can produce the same results without variation, that is,
reproducibility.
3.1.6 process control, n—managing a process to ensure that it is performing to its designed capability.
3.1.7 quality management system, n—the organizational structure, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes, and
resources for implementing and maintaining the quality program.
3.1.8 quality manual, n—a comprehensive document stating the quality policy and specifying organizational structure, practices,
and procedures necessary to empower the quality policy and quality management system.
3.1.9 quality objectives, n—specific obtainable improvement goals supporting the quality program.
3.1.10 quality policy, n—the overall intentions and direction of an organization regarding quality as formally expressed by top
management.
3.1.11 quality records, n—formal documentation of examination results or data supporting the quality management system.
3.1.11.1 Discussion—
Examples are: audit reports, calibration data, NDT records, process qualification results, qualification data, and test data.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice covers procedures for establishing and maintaining a quality system for nondestructive testing agencies.
4.2 Controlling the quality of service rendered is a continuing process. This practice provides guidelines for establishing a
quality management system that provides for: calibration, standardization, reference samples, examination plans, and procedures.
4.3 The basic requirements for a quality management system encompass the following areas, all of which shall be documented.
4.3.1 Quality policy statement, planning, and administration,
4.3.2 Organization,
4.3.3 Human resources,
4.3.4 Physical resources, and
4.3.5 Quality management.
5. Quality Policy Statement, Planning, and Administration
5.1 Policy Statement—A policy statement shall describe management’s specific intention and policy with respect to quality. The
policy statement should specify an organized approach for carrying out those intentions and should address itself to all major
quality parameters. It should be approved by the chief executive officer for company-wide policies or by subordinate officers for
specialized policies. Periodic audits should be required to ensure adherence to quality policies.
5.2 Quality Objectives—Objectives should be established for appropriate key elements of performance such as safety
requirements, internal performance levels, vendor performance, training, and qualification of personnel.
5.3 Quality Management System—A quality management system shall be established that will carry out the stated policies and
objectives.
5.4 Quality Planning—Planning for each new or modified process or test method should define those characteristics to be
controlled. Quality planning also includes providing for administrative processes needed to implement compliance with this
practice.
5.5 Quality Manual—The quality policy and system shall be documented and be in accessible form, such as a quality manual
or series of manuals. Key elements should include, as necessary:
5.5.1 The general quality statement,
5.5.2 A description of the quality system,
5.5.3 A general description of quality planning requirements with specifics for each product category where appropriate,
5.5.4 The requirements of Practice E543 pertaining to the laboratory procedure manual, and
5.5.5 Typically used examination procedures.
E1212 − 17
5.6 Administration—Clear lines of authority shall be established to administer the quality management system.
5.6.1 Quality Responsibility—The quality responsibility of each unit within the organization shall be approved by the chief
operation officer of each unit.
5.6.2 Quality Performance Reporting—Responsibility for reporting performance against stated quality objectives to higher
management should rest with functions independent of those responsible for the attainment of those objectives. Procedures for
documentation and record retention should be established.
5.6.3 Quality System Audits—To provide assurance, a periodic audit of the quality management system should be made by an
organizational element independent of the unit being audited or by a qualified third party to monitor the effectiveness of various
quality management system processes. It may include, as appropriate:
5.6.3.1 Management audits to determine how well quality policy and objectives are being met,
5.6.3.2 System audits, including examination process audits to determine how well quality planning has been implemented and
to identify areas where changes would be beneficial to the quality services performed, and
5.6.3.3 Records documenting findings and corrective and preventive actions taken.
6. Organization
6.1 The following information concerning the organization of the agency shall be documented.
6.1.1 A description of the organization including:
6.1.1.1 The complete legal name and address of the main office,
6.1.1.2 The names and positions of the principal officers and directors,
6.1.1.3 The agency’s ownership, managerial structure, and principal members,
6.1.1.4 The functional description of the agency’s organizational structure, operational departments, and support departments
and services. This may be demonstrated in the form of charts that depict all the divisions, departments, sections and units, and their
relationships,
6.1.1.5 All relevant organizational affiliates of the agency and principal officers of affiliates and directors of affiliates where
applicable,
6.1.1.6 External organizations and organizational components and their functions that are utilized for significant technical
support services, and
6.1.1.7 A brief history of the agency including its relationship with its organizational component affiliations and other
supporting information.
6.1.2 A listing of the relevant technical services offered.
6.1.3 A list giving applicable dates of qualifications and accreditations.
7. Human Resources
7.1 General—Those aspects of the quality system where the work of the employees will affect the quality of products shall be
identified, and specific action taken to control them.
7.2 Management Responsibilities—The quality-related requirements, duties, and responsibilities of all personnel shall be
identified. Job criteria that are quality-related should be specified in job descriptions to permit proper employee selection.
7.3 Employee Selection and Training—Employees shall be selected on the basis of capability and experience or the potential
to fully qualify for the job. A training program shall be maintained to ensure employees develop and retain skill competence.
Nondestructive testing (NDT) personnel shall be qualified in accordance with a nationally recognized NDT personnel qualification
practice or standard such as ANSI/ASNT-CP-189, ASNT/SNT-TC-1A, AIA/NAS 410, or a similar document. The practice or
standard used and the applicable revision shall be specified in the contractual agreement between the using parties.
7.4 The agency shall provide the following documentation:
7.4.1 A written outline or chart giving operational personnel positions and their lines of responsibility and authority, and
7.4.2 A summary job description for each professional, scientific, supervisory, and technical position category including the
required education, training and experience, certification, or professional licenses.
7.5 The agency shall provide a description of its methods of maintaining personnel records to document the qualifications, work
experience, and training history of each person in the positions described in 7.4.2. The agency shall also provide a description of
its means of ensuring confidence in its human resources including the maintenance of records.
8. Physical Resources
8.1 The agency shall provide an inventory of its relevant physical resources including:
8.1.1 A general description of the agency’s facilities for NDT related activities.
8.1.2 An inventory of equipment used to perform NDT including the following for each item of equipment:
8.1.2.1 Type of equipment and use,
8.1.2.2 Name of manufacturer,
8.1.2.3 The equipment model and serial number,
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8.1.2.4 Properties of the equipment subject to standardization or calibration,
8.1.2.5 The range of operation and range of calibration,
8.1.2.6 Reference to a recognized calibration procedure,
8.1.2.7 Frequency of calibration, and
8.1.2.8 Allowable tolerances or maximu
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