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tel

1.212.591.8500

New York, NY

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U. S. A.

www.asme.org

GUIDE FOR
ASME SURVEY TEAMS
FOR ACCREDITATION OF
AUTHORIZED INSPECTION AGENCIES

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Conformity Assessment Department
Two Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016

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Page 1 of 10

INTRODUCTION
This Guide is prepared for the use of ASME Survey Team Leaders and Members. It is not
intended to replace or interpret the requirements of QAI-1 Qualifications for Authorized
Inspection.
In addition, to assist the ASME Survey Team, this Guide is provided to Applicants for ASME
Certificates of Accreditation for their use in verifying and identifying the paragraph where their
Program addresses the applicable requirements of QAI-1.
This Guide is based on the requirements of QAI-1. The Guide is subject to revision based on
changes made in the QAI-1 Standard.
A survey must cover a program and its implementation. It is recognized that the scope of work,
the program, and program implementation will vary from Applicant to Applicant. Therefore, the
ASME Survey Teams are advised that all aspects of this Guide may not apply and that this
Guide may not outline all possible aspects of each survey. The program need not follow the
format of the Guide.
Questions of possible need for interpretation raised by the survey team shall be submitted to
ASME Staff, at ca@asme.org. When a request for an interpretation is to be submitted by an
Applicant, the Team Leader shall advise the Applicant that all such inquiries must be submitted
to the Secretary, QAI-1 Standards Committee.
Suggestions for revisions or clarification to this Guide should be directed to the ASME Staff.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
The requirements of QAI-1 Parts (1), (2), (3), and (5) are reflected in the checklist. The
Applicant should advise ASME as to which Part or Parts are applicable. Please complete the
statement that precedes the checklist regarding the applicable Parts.
Review each checklist item in the "AIA Survey Checklist" and note the program reference that
covers the subject addressed in the column labeled "Program References." In the case where
an item gives more than one alternative for fulfilling the applicable QAI-1 requirement, mark
"N/A" in the column labeled "Quality Program References" adjacent to those alternatives that do
not apply.
Note that the terms "Inspector" and "Supervisor" have been used in this guide. "Inspector" is
used to designate Authorized Nuclear Inspector, Authorized Nuclear Inservice Inspector,
Authorized Nuclear Inspector (Concrete), and Authorized Inspector. Similarly, "Supervisor" is
used to designate Authorized Nuclear Inspector Supervisor, Authorized Nuclear Inservice
Inspector Supervisor, Authorized Nuclear Inspector Supervisor (Concrete), and Authorized
Inspector Supervisor.
The original of this Guide shall be provided to the Team Leader along with sufficient copies for
each member of the Survey Team (including the Team Leader).

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GUIDANCE INFORMATION TO APPLICANTS FOR ASME ACCREDITATION OF

AUTHORIZED INSPECTION AGENCIES (AIA)

Applicants applying for initial issue or renewal of an ASME Certificate of Accreditation (AIA)
should be aware that the ASME survey process will require that implementation of their AIA
Quality Program be demonstrated.
The ASME policies and Operating Procedures require the Survey Team to make a full review of
the applicants Quality Program Manual prior to visiting the applicants facilities. The Survey
Team performs this review on the first day of the Survey.
It is the responsibility of the Applicant to have copies of their Quality Program Manual
(Uncontrolled) for each member of the Survey Team and at least one (1) copy of implementing
procedures for the Survey Team use at the time of the manual review. The manual presented
must be the one proposed to be used. Any operational or procedural changes resulting from a
proposed change to the Quality Program Manual (either as proposed by the Applicant or as
recommended by the Survey Team after initial review) will be expected to be demonstrated
during the implementation portion of the survey.
The Quality Program shall be written in a manner that describes how the Applicant intends to
meet the requirements of QAI-1 and shall address all the requirements of Parts 1, 2, 3 and 5 as
applicable for the scope of the accreditation requested and Part 4.
The Applicant will be required to demonstrate the implementation of their Quality Program for
each QAI-1 Part (1, 2, 3, 4 or 5) applied for. If an Applicant is applying for accreditation for all
parts, the unique features of each part shall be described and demonstrated.
The purpose of the demonstration is to allow the Applicant to demonstrate their knowledge and
ability to comply with the requirements of their manual and the scope of QAI-1 for which they
are requesting accreditation. All elements of the program are required to be demonstrated.
When no actual AIA activities have been performed, a mock-up demonstration may be used. A
mock-up must completely demonstrate the Applicants ability to implement all elements of the
AIA Quality Program. All documents and forms intended to be used when AIA activities are
performed shall be mock completed as required by the Applicants Quality Program Manual
and QAI-1. The Survey Team will review these mock-up records in a similar fashion as if they
were operational records.
Prior to the survey, the applicant shall also have in its employ individuals who hold National
Board Commissions and applicable endorsements consistent with the requested scope.
On initial application this requirement may be demonstrated by having been issued Provisional
Acceptance from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors in accordance
with its established criteria (NB-360) and evidence issued from the National Board that the
Applicants employees to whom commissions and applicable endorsements will be issued meet
National Board requirements (NB-263).

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The survey will be conducted in five phases or segments as follows:

1. Manual Review: Will be performed by the Survey Team only on the first day of the
survey. This review will normally be held in a hotel remote from the Applicants facility. In
some rare instances and under extenuating circumstances it may be performed at the
Applicants facility, but, this is not normal and will only be done with the concurrence of
the Survey Team Leader.
2. Entrance Meeting: Will be normally held on the second day. The entrance meeting will
provide the Applicant and the Survey Team an opportunity to: introduce themselves;
review the Certificates and Scopes applied for; and establish the survey agenda. The
Team will also review confidentiality and due process procedures with the Applicant.
ASME fully encourages executive/senior management to attend the entrance meeting.
3. Implementation: The Applicant is expected to demonstrate implementation of all
elements of their program. If for some reason an element or part of an element cannot or
has not been implemented, how it will be implemented shall be demonstrated. Any
deficiencies discovered during the survey will be immediately identified to the Applicant
in order to provide an opportunity to correct them prior to the conclusion of the survey.
4. Team Closed Meeting: This meeting will be held at the Applicants facilities prior to the
exit meeting. This meeting will only be attended by the Survey Team and observers
authorized by the ASME. During this meeting the Survey Team will review the results of
the survey and develop a recommendation that the team will present to the QAI
Subcommittee on Accreditation.
5. Exit Meeting: This meeting will be held with the Applicants management and personnel
to review the results of the survey. ASME fully encourages executive/senior
management to attend the exit meeting. If there were any finding issued they will be
reviewed and the Applicant will be advised of their status. The Survey Teams
recommendation to the QAI-1 Subcommittee on Accreditation will be made known. The
Applicant will be allowed to ask any questions relative or pertinent to the survey. At the
conclusion of the exit meeting the survey is officially ended and there will be no more
discussion of the survey.

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AIA QUALITY PROGRAM SURVEY CHECKLIST

Applicant/Certificate Holder ______________________________________________
QA Manual Edition _________________Rev. # ______________ Date: ___________________
Page __________ of _____________
QAI-1 Part 1 [ ], Part 2 [ ], Part 3 [ ], Part 5 [ ]
Item
No.

Program Element and

Sub-elements

Program
References
(To be filled by
Applicant)

Sat.

See
Rep

Not
Appl

For ASME Team

Use Only
1.

Organization [1-1.3.2(a), 2-1.3.2(a), 3-1.3.2(a), 5-1.3.2(a)]

The program includes measures established to:
A. Provide for documentation by organizations, groups or
individuals (by title) performing activities affecting quality
including:
(1) Organization structure,
(2) Responsibilities,
(3) Level of authority.

2.

Program Description [1-1.3.2(b), 2-1.3.2(b), 3-1.3.2(b), 5-1.3.2(b)]

The program includes measures established to:
A. Provide a Quality Manual that documents in detail the Quality
Program policy and process for implementation of the
requirements of QAI-1.
B. Ensure that the Quality Program is planned, implemented and
maintained.
C. Identify the activities and scope for which the program applies.

3.

Authorized Inspection Agency [1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 5-1]

A. Jurisdiction
(1) Has adopted and does administer the appropriate ASME
Code Section as a legal requirement.
(2) Is qualified to be represented on the ASME Code
Conference Committee.
(3) May designate one or more organizations to act on their
behalf to enforce their regulations and shall:

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AIA QUALITY PROGRAM SURVEY CHECKLIST

Applicant/Certificate Holder ______________________________________________
QA Manual Edition _________________Rev. # ______________ Date: ___________________
Page __________ of _____________
QAI-1 Part 1 [ ], Part 2 [ ], Part 3 [ ], Part 5 [ ]
Item
No.

Program Element and

Sub-elements

Program
References
(To be filled by
Applicant)

Sat.

See
Rep

Not
Appl

For ASME Team

Use Only

(a) Provide evidence establishing that such delegation of

authority is duly authorized by the laws of the Jurisdiction.
(b) Describe how the ASME Code is accepted by the
Jurisdiction
(c) Describe how the ASME Code is enforced by the
organization.
B.

An Insurance Company
(1) Licensed or registered by the appropriate authority of a State of the
United States or a Province of Canada.

(2) Writes Boiler and Pressure Vessel insurance in the State or

Province (actively engaged).
(3) Authorization to provide inspections from the jurisdiction.
C. A company in the business of providing third party services within
a Jurisdiction which has government recognition to perform
inspection and design reviews for boilers and pressure vessels
D. Provide qualified inspectors to monitor construction.
E. Maintain qualified supervisors:

(1) To monitor the performance of the inspector.

(2) To audit the shop and field site activities under agreement.
F. Provide written notice to the inspector of the name, office and phone
number of the respective supervisor.
G. Provide instructions in writing to the inspectors and supervisors,
specifying their respective duties and responsibilities.
H. Provide instruction to inspectors to contact their supervisor when
unable to resolve questions concerning ASME Code compliance,
procedure, quality provisions or its implementation.
I.

Provide instructions that the inspector has the authority and duty to
refuse to sign any Data Report involving nonconformance.

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Page 6 of 10

AIA QUALITY PROGRAM SURVEY CHECKLIST

Applicant/Certificate Holder ______________________________________________
QA Manual Edition _________________Rev. # ______________ Date: ___________________
Page __________ of _____________
QAI-1 Part 1 [ ], Part 2 [ ], Part 3 [ ], Part 5 [ ]
Item
No.

Program Element and

Sub-elements

Program
References
(To be filled by
Applicant)

Sat.

See
Rep

Not
Appl

For ASME Team

Use Only
J.

Annual audits of activities performed by Supervisors are

performed by trained personnel, in accordance with written
procedures, and results documented, reviewed by management,
and follow-up action is taken

K.

Provide special applications for inspectors and supervisors for

endorsements to National Board.

L.

Provide certification and documentation for each inspector and

supervisor performing ASME Code work.

M. Certification and documentation of each inspector qualification

is retained by the employer.
N.

Verify annually to National Board that the required audits of

inspector has been conducted.

O.

Notify ASME of termination of Inspection Agreements with

Holders of Certificate of Authorization (not applicable for Part
3).

P. Demonstrate the capability to perform the duties and have the

necessary resources to comply with Part 5.

4.

Q.

Has no commercial interest in, or is independent of any

organization with interest in the product being inspected.

R.

Has adequate arrangements to safeguard the confidentiality of

information obtained during the inspection activities.

Authorized Supervisor [1-2, 2-2, 3-2, 5-2]

A. Is selected and designated as such by the employer.
B. Maintain a record of shop and field sites
(1) Assigned by the AIA for supervision.
(2) Record the date of visits when performing supervisory
duties.
C. Maintain a record of inspectors assigned and a description of
their assignments.

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AIA QUALITY PROGRAM SURVEY CHECKLIST

Applicant/Certificate Holder ______________________________________________
QA Manual Edition _________________Rev. # ______________ Date: ___________________
Page __________ of _____________
QAI-1 Part 1 [ ], Part 2 [ ], Part 3 [ ], Part 5 [ ]
Item
No.

Program Element and

Sub-elements

Program
References
(To be filled by
Applicant)

Sat.

See
Rep

Not
Appl

For ASME Team

Use Only

D. Assist in maintaining the competency of the inspector

(1) Periodic panel discussions.
(2) Written communications of unique problems other means
deems suitable.
E. Report in writing to management significant nonconforming
ASME activities as a result of reports and/or investigations on
the part of the:
(1) Inspector.
(2) Certificate Holder.
F.

Provide a system to record and limit radiation exposure of

inspectors and supervisors (not applicable to Part 5).

G. Audit the performance of each inspector.

H. Confirm corrective action verification conducted by the inspector.
5.

Authorized Inspector [1-3, 2-3, 3-3, 5-3]

A. Is selected and designated based on qualifications.
B. Maintain a bound (not loose leaf) record or diary of inspection
activities.

6.

Document Control [1-1.3.2(c), 2-1.3.2(c), 3-1, 3.2(c), 5-1.3.2(c)]

The program includes measures established to:
A. Describe the process for review and revision to the Quality
Program Manual.
B. Describe how changes to the Quality Program are controlled and
specify the process for review and approval.
C. Describe how changes to the Quality Manual are reviewed and
accepted by the Society prior to implementation.
D. Provide control to assure distribution to and use at location where
the prescribed activities are performed.

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Page 8 of 10

AIA QUALITY PROGRAM SURVEY CHECKLIST

Applicant/Certificate Holder ______________________________________________
QA Manual Edition _________________Rev. # ______________ Date: ___________________
Page __________ of _____________
QAI-1 Part 1 [ ], Part 2 [ ], Part 3 [ ], Part 5 [ ]
Item
No.

Program Element and

Sub-elements

Program
References
(To be filled by
Applicant)

Sat.

See
Rep

Not
Appl

For ASME Team

Use Only
7.

Training [1-1.3.2(d), 2-1.3.2(d), 3-1.3.2(d), 5-1.3.2)(d)]

The program includes measures established to:
A. Provide for indoctrination, and training affecting inspection
activities and define documentation requirements.

8.

Records [1-1.3.2(e), 2-1.3.2(e), 3-1.3.2(e), 5-1.3.2(e)]

The program includes measures established to:
A. Describe the process for records management including
responsibilities for record generation, distribution, retention,
maintenance and disposition.

9.

Corrective Action [1-1.3.2(f), 2-1.3.2(f), 3-1.3.2(f), 5-1.3.2(f)]

The program includes measures established to:
A. Identify and correct conditions adverse to quality.
B. Corrective action is taken to preclude the repetition of the
nonconforming conditions.
C. Includes how corrective action is implemented, documented and
reported to management.

10.

Audits [1-1.3.2(g), 2-1.3.2(g), 3-1.3.2(g), 5-1.3.2(g)]

The program includes measures established to:
A. Ensure that internal audits are performed to verify compliance
with QAI-1 and the Quality Program.
B. Provide written procedures or checklist.
C. Ensure that audit results are documented.
D. Provide for audit results to be review by the responsible
management.

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Page 9 of 10

AIA QUALITY PROGRAM SURVEY CHECKLIST

Applicant/Certificate Holder ______________________________________________
QA Manual Edition _________________Rev. # ______________ Date: ___________________
Page __________ of _____________
QAI-1 Part 1 [ ], Part 2 [ ], Part 3 [ ], Part 5 [ ]
Item
No.

Program Element and

Sub-elements

Program
References
(To be filled by
Applicant)

Sat.

See
Rep

Not
Appl

For ASME Team

Use Only
E. Ensure that the audit follow-up is taken and documented where
indicated.
F.

11.

Ensure that the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the

implementation of the program is reviewed annually,
documented and reported to management.

Case Alternatives [QAI Cases]

A. The use of alternative requirements of QAI-1 Cases is
documented in the program (when applied).

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