About Accreditation

• Accreditation Schemes
  • Laboratory Accreditation
  • Accreditation of Inspection Bodies
  • Accreditation of Certification Bodies
  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Regulations
  • European Eco-Management & Audit Scheme (EMAS)
  • Good Laboratory Practice
• Why Is Accreditation So Important?
• The Benefits Of Accreditation
• Who Can Be Accredited?
• The Accreditation Process
• The Assessment Team
• Accreditation Symbol
• INAB Policy on Handling Complaints
• Glossary of Terms
• INAB Brochure

Accreditation of Inspection Bodies

INAB accredits Inspection Bodies to the standard ISO 17020 whose functions include the examination of materials, products, installations, plant, processes, work procedures or services and the determination of their conformity with requirements including the subsequent reporting of the results of these activities. Examples of inspections that these organisations perform include periodic inspection of pressurised gas cylinders and inspection of buildings for the presence of asbestos, lifts, hoists, cranes, electrical installations, escalators etc.

The requirement for the independence of inspection bodies may vary according to legislation and market needs.  There may be a requirement to have inspections carried out by an Inspection Body having third party status, that is, that are independent relative to the seller/producer and purchaser. They generally perform inspection of facilities, equipment, installations etc. in respect of which the authorities have special regulations for safety reasons.

INAB, in cooperation with the EPA and the Dept of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DOELG), established a national accreditation programme for prospective Accredited Inspection Contractors (AIC's) under the Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Directive, Council Directive 1999/13/EC which is being implemented in Ireland as per Statutory Instrument No. 543 of 2002, "Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds from Organic Solvents Regulations 2002" and which came into force on 30th November 2002.

The Solvents Regulations require that specified activities not requiring an IPPC licence should be registered and operate in accordance with a certificate of compliance issued by the competent authority. The competent authority is the local authority (County Council or City Council) in whose functional area the specified installation is located. A certificate of compliance will be issued by the local authority on the basis of an annual inspection and report by an Accredited Inspection Contractor (AIC) confirming that the installation is in compliance with the Regulations.

Installations requiring an AIC/VOC inspection to demonstrate compliance with the Directive should have the inspection conducted by one of the Accredited Inspection Contractors (AIC).

If you need any further information please contact Patrick O'Brien.