ASTM E329-07a - 15.11.2007
 
Significance and Use

The testing and inspection of construction materials is an important element in obtaining quality construction. A testing and inspection agency must be selected with care after a comprehensive evaluation of its competency to perform the work properly.

This standard provides basic minimum criteria for use in evaluating the qualifications of technically oriented testing or inspection agencies, or both. The criteria may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular classes of testing or types of inspection agencies. An individual user can also use it to judge the competency of an agency. The existence of a formal accrediting authority such as a federal, state, or independent agency is not necessary for the use of this specification, but the specification can be used as a basis for accreditation, if desired.

The intent of this standard is to provide a consensus system standardized basis for requirements for a technically oriented testing or inspection agency, with respect to the agency's capability to objectively and competently provide the specific services needed by the user without prejudice.

Typically, evaluating an agency involves the following three essential sequential phases:

Submittal of basic information in accordance with the criteria of this specification to the evaluator by an agency desiring to be qualified to this standard,

Evaluation of the agency-submitted information, and

On-site verification of the agency-submitted information by the user or a qualified national authority.

 
1. Scope

1.1 This specification 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.

1.2 Criteria is provided for evaluating the capability of agency to properly perform designated tests on construction materials, and establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular projects.

1.3 This specification 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 and materials. Building officials can use Specification E 329 as a tool in the qualification and establishment of competency of inspection and testing agencies in the fields covered by Specification E 329.

1.4 A certificate of accreditation, including the scope of accreditation, is required to comply with this standard.

1.5 The users of an accredited agency must review the agency's scope of accreditation to ensure the agency has been accredited for its technical competence to perform the specific tests or inspections requested by the user.

 
2. Referenced Documents

E1513-93(2000)

Standard Practice for Application of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRMs)

E736-00

Standard Test Method for Cohesion/Adhesion of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Materials Applied to Structural Members

E4-21

Standard Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Testing Machines

E2393-20a

Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Fire Resistive Joint Systems and Perimeter Fire Barriers (Includes all amendments and changes 10/13/2020).

E605-93(2000)

Standard Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) Applied to Structural Members

D3740-23

Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction

A880-95

Standard Practice for Criteria for Use in Evaluation of Testing Laboratories and Organizations for Examination and Inspection of Steel, Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys (Withdrawn 2004)

C1077-24

Standard Practice for Agencies Testing Concrete and Concrete Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for Testing Agency Evaluation

C1093-23

Standard Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Masonry

D3666-16

Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials

E543-21

Standard Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing

E2174-20a

Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Firestop Systems (Includes all amendments and changes 6/11/2020).