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.

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.