The testing and inspection of concrete and concrete aggregates are important elements in obtaining quality construction. A testing agency providing these services must be selected with care.

A testing agency shall be deemed qualified to perform and report the results of its tests if the agency meets the requirements of this practice. The testing agency services shall be provided under the technical direction of a registered professional engineer.

This practice establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, personnel, facilities, and quality systems of the testing agency. This practice may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements for particular projects.

1.1 This practice identifies and defines the duties, responsibilities, and minimum technical requirements of testing agency personnel and the minimum technical requirements for equipment utilized in testing concrete and concrete aggregates for use in construction.

1.2 This practice provides criteria for the evaluation of the capability of a testing agency to perform designated ASTM test methods on concrete and concrete aggregates. It can be used by an evaluation authority in the inspection or accreditation of a testing agency or by other parties to determine if the agency is qualified to conduct the specified tests.

Note 1—Specification E329 provides criteria for the evaluation of agencies that perform the inspection of concrete during placement.

1.3 This practice provides criteria for Inspection Bodies and Accreditation Bodies that provide services for evaluation of testing agencies in accordance with this practice.

1.4 This standard 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 standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.