This specification covers the minimum requirements for agencies performing nondestructive testing. It can also be used as a basis to evaluate testing or inspection agencies, or both that are intended for use in qualifying or accrediting, or both of testing or inspection agencies that are either public or private. A nondestructive testing agency's capabilities shall include, but not limited to, one or more of the following methods: magnetic particle, penetrant, radiographic/fluoroscopic, ultrasonic, eddy current, and leak testing. Minimum requirements include: a written Procedures Manual for the type of work for which the agency is contracted; process control or operation procedures that shall contain the information necessary to control the various activities necessary for materials examination; personnel qualification which include procedures for training, certification, and recertification; equipment maintenance and calibration which shall contain inventory listings; equipment operation and technique file; and records and documentation that shall be maintained in a central file and in other accessible files as necessary and shall be available for authority examination.

1.1 This specification covers minimum requirements for agencies performing nondestructive testing (NDT).

1.2 When using this specification to assess the capability of, or to accredit NDT agencies, Guide E 1359 shall be used as a basis for the survey. It can be supplemented as necessary with more detail in order to meet the auditor's specific needs.

1.3 This specification can be used as a basis to evaluate testing or inspection agencies, or both, and is intended for use for the qualifying or accrediting, or both, of testing or inspection agencies, public or private.

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.