IECEx 03-3

Edition 1.0 2013-03

IECEx PUBLICATION

IEC System for Certification to Standards relating to Equipment for use

in Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx System)

IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme –

Part 3: Ex installation and initial inspection – Rules of Procedure
IECEx 03-3:2013(E)

Copyright International Electrotechnical Commission

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Copyright International Electrotechnical Commission

 IECEx 03-3
Edition 1.0 2013-03

IECEx PUBLICATION

IEC System for Certification to Standards relating to Equipment for use

in Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx System)

IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme –

Part 3: Ex installation and initial inspection – Rules of Procedure

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION PRICE CODE
ZZ

Copyright International Electrotechnical Commission

 –2– IECEx 03-3 © IEC:2013(E)

CONTENTS

FOREWORD ........................................................................................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 5

1 Scope ............................................................................................................................... 7
2 Normative references ....................................................................................................... 7
3 Definitions ........................................................................................................................ 7
4 Governing of the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme ............................................. 8
5 Principles of the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme for Ex installation
and initial inspection ......................................................................................................... 9
5.1 IECEx Service Facility Certificate ............................................................................ 9
5.2 Method of application .............................................................................................. 9
5.3 Acceptance ........................................................................................................... 10
5.4 Permissions .......................................................................................................... 10
5.5 Editions of standards, documents and guides ........................................................ 10
6 Confidentiality ................................................................................................................ 10
7 Participation of countries in the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme ..................... 10
8 IECEx instruments .......................................................................................................... 10
8.1 IECEx Service Facility Certificate .......................................................................... 10
8.1.1 Issue ....................................................................................................... 10
8.1.2 Layout ..................................................................................................... 11
8.1.3 Content ................................................................................................... 11
8.2 IECEx Facilities Audit Report ................................................................................ 11
8.2.1 Content ................................................................................................... 11
8.2.2 Layout ..................................................................................................... 11
8.2.3 Issue ....................................................................................................... 11
8.2.4 Restrictions ............................................................................................. 12
9 Procedure to issue an IECEx Service Facility Certificate for Ex installation
and initial inspection ....................................................................................................... 12
9.1 Applicant ............................................................................................................... 12
9.2 Documentation ...................................................................................................... 12
9.3 Examination .......................................................................................................... 12
9.4 Assessment of Service Facility’s quality system .................................................... 12
9.5 Completion ............................................................................................................ 12
9.6 Surveillance .......................................................................................................... 13
9.7 Changes not covered by the FAR .......................................................................... 13
9.8 Ensuring conformity ............................................................................................... 13
9.9 Documentation retained ........................................................................................ 13
9.10 Surcharges ............................................................................................................ 13
9.11 Suspension or cancellation .................................................................................... 14
9.12 Notification of cancellation .................................................................................... 14
9.13 Compliance with rules ........................................................................................... 14
9.14 Appeals ................................................................................................................. 14

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10 Acceptance of certification bodies .................................................................................. 14

10.1 Acceptance of certification bodies (new ExCBs) .................................................... 14
10.1.1 Conditions for acceptance ....................................................................... 14
10.1.2 Application .............................................................................................. 15
10.1.3 Assessment............................................................................................. 15
10.1.4 Resolution of differences ......................................................................... 15
10.1.5 Report to ExMC ....................................................................................... 15
10.1.6 Acceptance ............................................................................................. 15
10.1.7 Notification .............................................................................................. 16
10.1.8 Changes in application ............................................................................ 16
10.1.9 Extension of scope within the IECEx 03-3 Scheme .................................. 16
10.1.10 Reporting of decisions ............................................................................. 16
10.1.11 Re-assessment ....................................................................................... 16
10.1.12 Withdrawal .............................................................................................. 16
10.1.13 Suspension ............................................................................................. 16
10.2 Acceptance of existing ExCBs ............................................................................... 17
11 IECEx publications ......................................................................................................... 17
11.1 Types of publications............................................................................................. 17
11.2 Information to be available .................................................................................... 17
11.3 IECEx Bulletin ....................................................................................................... 17
11.4 Source of information ............................................................................................ 17
12 Complaints ..................................................................................................................... 17

Annex A (normative) Declaration by a certification body applying to become

an Ex Certification Body for the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme
for Ex installation and initial inspection ................................................................................. 18

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INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

––––––––––––

IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme –

Part 3: Ex installation and initial inspection –
Rules of Procedure

FOREWORD

The IECEx Management Committee (ExMC) has prepared this publication.

All of the annexes to this publication are normative.

This publication is directly related to Publication IECEx 01 containing the Basic Rules of the
IECEx System.

This edition of IECEx 03-3 takes effect immediately upon publication.

The text of this publication is based on the following documents:

Document Report on Voting

1. ExMC/819A/RM
Not applicable
2. ExMC/746/INF

This edition of the Rules of Procedure was approved for publication during the 2012 ExMC
Calgary meeting subject to any further comments received during a three month extension of
nd
the comment period. All comments received by 22 March 2013 have been incorporated and
accepted by ExMC Working Group 10.

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 IECEx 03-3 © IEC:2013(E) –5–

INTRODUCTION

The IECEx is a single global certification framework based on the IEC International
Standards. It caters for countries whose national standards are either identical to those of the
IEC or else very close to IEC International Standards.

The IECEx is truly global in concept and practice, reduces trade barriers caused by different
conformity assessment criteria in various countries, and helps industry to open up new
markets.

The goal is to help manufacturers reduce costs and time while developing and maintaining
uniform product evaluation to protect users against products that are not in line with the
required level of safety.

The aim of the IECEx System and its Schemes is to ease international trade of Explosion
Protected Equipment (termed Ex equipment) by eliminating the need for duplication of testing
and certification, while preserving safety. IECEx operates as an international certification
system covering products and services associated with the Ex industries and plants.

IECEx Schemes also aim the true view and approach of assure safety in hazardous areas
during the whole life-cycle of Ex plants, which requires proper hazardous area classification,
design, installation, inspection, maintenance and repair of explosion protected equipment.

The certification of the required competence of personnel engaged in tasks in hazardous

areas is also covered by an IECEx Scheme.

Where do we commonly find Ex equipment and hazardous locations?

Flammable gases, vapours and combustible dusts create potentially explosive atmospheres.
Ex equipment in such areas include:

• Automotive refuelling stations or petrol stations

• Oil refineries, rigs and processing plants
• Oil and gas tankers, drilling ships and FPSO (Floating Production Storage Offloading
vessels)
• Chemical processing plants
• Printing industries, paper and textiles
• Hospital operating theatres
• Aircraft refuelling and hangars
• Surface coating industries
• Underground coal mines
• Sewerage treatment plants
• Gas pipelines and distribution centres
• Grain handling and storage and processing (flour-milling industry)
• Woodworking areas
• Sugar refineries
• Light metal working, where metal dust and fine particles can appear

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IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme – Part 3: Ex Installation and initial inspection

While certification of new Ex equipment is covered by the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme,
as detailed in IECEx 02, the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme provides a single
international scheme for the assessment and certification of Ex related service facilities that
have an impact on the ongoing compliance of Ex equipment and Ex installations with Ex
safety standards.

Manufacturers producing new Ex equipment in accordance with their Ex Equipment

Certification regime cannot be held responsible for the actions or in actions taken during Ex
installation and initial inspection, required during the whole life cycle of the plant.

The IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme provides Ex equipment users, regulators and
the community with the confidence that Ex compliance is maintained when Ex equipment is
installed and verified as compliant with IEC 60079-14 by an IECEx Certified Service Facility in
accordance with this Scheme.

Ex Service Facilities that achieve IECEx Certification are required to demonstrate compliance
with stringent IECEx requirements including:

• Operational procedures and Ex installation and initial inspection methods meet the IECEx
technical requirements encompassing IEC 60079-14
• Possess and maintain in operating condition necessary facilities and equipment including
test equipment and traceability of measurements
• IECEx Quality Management System (QMS) requirements, based on ISO 9001
• Competent responsible persons and operatives with current competencies related to Ex
equipment and Ex installation and initial inspection standards or certification requirements,
encompassing IEC 60079-14 and Units of Competency Ex 003 (Install explosion-protected
equipment and wiring systems), Ex 006 (Test electrical installations in or associated with
explosive atmospheres) and Ex 008 (Perform detailed inspection of electrical installations
in or associated with explosive atmospheres) set forth in IECEx OD 504 (Specification for
Units of Competency assessment outcomes)
• Others necessary for proper Ex installation and initial inspection

More information

Further information is available from the IECEx website: www.iecex.com, (containing free
copies of the IECEx Rules of Procedure), from any of the IECEx Certification Bodies or
directly from the IECEx Secretariat via the coordinates shown on the IECEx website.

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IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme –

Part 3: Ex installation and initial inspection –
Rules of Procedure

1 Scope

This publication contains the Rules of Procedure of the IECEx Scheme, hereinafter referred to
as the "Rules", for the certification of installation service facilities involved in the Ex
installation and initial inspection which is intended for use in explosive atmospheres IECEx
Certified Service Facilities Scheme – Part 3).

Rules covering the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme and the IECEx Certification of
Personnel Competencies Scheme are given in Publications IECEx 02 and IECEx 05
respectively.

These Rules relate to the Basic Rules of the IECEx System, as given in Publication IECEx 01.

2 Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of these Rules. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of
the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

IECEx 01, IEC System for Certification to Standards relating to equipment for Use in
Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx System) – Basic Rules

IECEx OD 504, IECEx Scheme for Certification of Personnel Competencies for Explosive
Atmospheres – Specification for units of competency assessment outcomes

IEC 60079-14, Explosive atmospheres – Part 14: Electrical installations design, selection and
erection

ISO/IEC Guide 2, Standardization and related activities – General vocabulary

ISO/IEC 17000, Conformity assessment – Vocabulary and general principles

ISO/IEC 17011, Conformity assessment – General requirements for accreditation bodies

accrediting conformity assessment bodies

ISO/IEC 17020, Conformity assessment – Requirements for the operation of various types of
bodies performing inspection

ISO/IEC 17021, Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies providing audit and
certification of management systems

ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity assessment - Requirements for bodies certifying products,

processes and services

ISO 9001, Quality management systems – Requirements

3 Definitions

ISO/IEC Guide 2 and ISO/IEC 17000 give the basic definitions.

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For the purpose of the IECEx Service Facilities Scheme – Part 3, the definitions contained in
IECEx 02 and those below apply:

3.1
IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme – Part 3
the IECEx Scheme for the certification of service facilities involved in Ex installation and initial
inspection of equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres

3.2
IECEx Service Facility Certificate
a document issued under these Rules indicating that adequate confidence is provided that a
duly identified Service Facility has been found to operate procedures that provide confidence
that the work undertaken complies with IECEx requirements and is under the surveillance of
an IECEx Certification Body (ExCB)

3.3
IECEx Facilities Audit Report (FAR)
a document that presents the results of an on-site assessment of a service facility’s quality
control system, equipment, operating procedures and competence of their staff, by an ExCB,
to the requirements of the IECEx Scheme

3.4
Applicant
an organization who applies to an ExCB for an IECEx Service Facility Certificate for
installation and initial inspection

3.5
Service facility
an organization that carries out or controls such stages in Ex installation and initial inspection,
as required in IEC 60079-14

4 Governing of the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme

This IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme (referred to throughout this document as
“Scheme”) shall be governed by the Ex Management Committee (ExMC), whose
responsibilities in this respect are defined in the Basic Rules of the IECEx System,
Publication IECEx 01.

IECEx 03-3 sets out the general rules and procedures of the IECEx Service Facilities Scheme
covering Ex installation and initial inspection. These general rules are supplemented by the
IECEx Scheme’s Operational Documents. These Operational Documents are available to all
IECEx Member Bodies, ExCBs, and participating Service Facilities.

The ExMC Secretary shall be responsible for the issuing and maintenance of Operational
Documents which generally fall under the following categories:

a) Document containing explanatory guidance (IECEx 03A)

b) Document containing rules and procedures that supplement those contained in IECEx 03-3

The ExMC shall be kept informed on the currency of Operational Documents with ExMC
agreement required for Operational Documents that fall under category b) above.

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5 Principles of the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme for Ex installation

and initial inspection

5.1 IECEx Service Facility Certificate

The IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme provides the means for service facilities to
obtain an IECEx Certificate that is intended to provide the international Ex community with
confidence that such Service Facilities undertake work in accordance with the technical and
quality management system requirements of the IECEx Service Facilities Scheme for Ex
installation and initial inspection.

The aim of this IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme is to ensure that Ex installation and
initial inspection Service Facilities comply with the following:

• Possess and maintain in operating condition the equipment (including specialized

equipment) required for installation and initial inspection of Ex equipment
• Establishment and implementation of system procedures
• Engage a sufficient number of operatives (as defined in IEC 60079-14) to enable
installation
• Possess as a minimum one person determined as the Responsible Person according to
IEC 60079-14 and competent in the Ex installation and initial inspection field by the ExCB
• Possession and maintenance of necessary test and measuring equipment that is adequate
and under calibration control
• Compliance with ISO/IEC 17020 general criteria for the operation of various types of
bodies performing inspection

IEC 60079-14 and IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme’s Quality Management System
(QMS) requirements, based on the relevant requirements of ISO 9001 with additional
requirements specific to installation and initial inspection of Ex equipment, form the basis of
the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme for Ex installation and initial inspection
requirements.

The IECEx Service Facility Certificate for installation and initial inspection shall be issued for
the full scope of activity covered by IEC 60079-14 but may be issued for a specific activity
that is clearly defined on the certificate.

Ex Service Facilities that have attained and maintain IECEx Certification may affix the IECEx
logo to IECEx installation and initial inspection Reports providing that there is no
misrepresentation of the scope of certification.

5.2 Method of application

An ExCB approved by the ExMC in accordance with these Rules and associated IECEx
Operational Documents may issue IECEx Service Facility Certification for Ex installation and
initial inspection.

Applications from organizations seeking ExCB acceptance for the purpose of issuing IECEx
Service Facility Certificates can be accepted from bodies that reside in an IECEx Participating
Member Country. The application is made to the Secretary of the ExMC.

Refer to IECEx 01 regarding country membership of the IECEx.

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5.3 Acceptance

Certification bodies are accepted into the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme for Ex
installation and initial inspection following satisfactory assessment of their competence by
assessors appointed by the ExMC as providing adequate confidence to regulatory authority,
user, manufacturer and certification body interests. Competence is judged by reference to
ISO/IEC 17065 and ISO/IEC 17021 and IECEx Scheme requirements.

5.4 Permissions

Only ExCBs that have been accepted for the purpose of issuing IECEx Service Facility
Certificates and reside in an IECEx Participating Member Country are permitted to issue
IECEx Service Facility Certificates for installation and initial inspection.

5.5 Editions of standards, documents and guides

A new IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC) may be issued only to the current edition of
standards, documents and guides indicated in Clause 2.

An upgrading of existing CoCs after publishing of a new edition of an IEC International

Standard is required to be undertaken within a time period not exceeding 3 years.

CoCs not upgraded to the latest editions within this period shall be suspended or cancelled.

6 Confidentiality

All those participating in the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme shall respect the
confidentiality of any information that they obtain and take all reasonable steps to bind their
staff and those working under contract to preserve that confidentiality. The effectiveness of
such steps taken shall be evaluated as part of the IECEx assessment of the ExCB.

7 Participation of countries in the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme

In order for a country to participate in the management of the IECEx Certified Service
Facilities Scheme the country must first be a member of the IECEx System and comply with
the requirements for IECEx Membership, as detailed in IECEx 01.

Countries that are existing members of the IECEx System shall be considered members of the
IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme.

8 IECEx instruments

8.1 IECEx Service Facility Certificate

8.1.1 Issue

An ExCB, on the basis of a satisfactory IECEx Facilities Audit Report (FAR), issues an IECEx
Service Facility Certificate certifying that the Ex installation and initial inspection service
identified on the certificate conforms in all relevant respects with the IECEx requirements
concerning technical and Quality Management System procedures; and utilizes at least one
person, identified as a Responsible Person, as defined in IEC 60079-14 and demonstrated as
competent by the ExCB.

The principle purpose of an IECEx Service Facility Certificate is to provide independent

verification that the Service Facility, listed on the IECEx Service Facility Certificate, has the
capability to comply with IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme requirements.

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NOTE 1 The ExCB obtains evidence to verify the competence of the Service Facility staff, as claimed by the
Service Facility, during the assessment which may be by way of examination, interviews, demonstration of skills or
a combination of these. Formal training, both internal and external, concerning Ex should also be taken into
account.

NOTE 2 The requirements set forth in IECEx OD 504 (Specification for Units of Competency Assessment
Outcomes), Units of Competency Ex 003 (Install explosion-protected equipment and wiring systems), Ex 006 (Test
electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres) and Ex 008 (Perform detailed inspection of
electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres) should be used as a reference.

8.1.2 Layout

The ExMC shall decide on the layout and content of IECEx Service Facility Certificates.

8.1.3 Content

The IECEx Service Facility Certificate for Ex installation and initial inspection shall contain at
least the following information:

• Certificate number
• Date of issue
• Indication of changes to certification and amendment issue
• Clear description of the Ex installation and initial inspection service and any limitations of
scope
• Reference to the requirements set forth in IEC 60079-14
• Name and address of the Service Facility installation and initial inspection
• Location that is within the scope of the IECEx Service Facility Certificate. A certificate
shall only cover one location; in case of multiple locations each location shall have its own
certificate
• Reference number of the original FAR that enabled the IECEx Service Facility Certificate
to be issued
• Name of the issuing ExCB
• Conditions on certification, if any

8.2 IECEx Facilities Audit Report

8.2.1 Content

A FAR is prepared and issued by an ExCB recording the assessment of an Ex Service

Facility’s quality system for compliance with the IECEx installation and initial inspection
requirements. The assessment includes assessing conformity of the Service Facility’s
documented quality system with the requirements of the IECEx Certified Service Facilities
Scheme in addition to assessing the implementation of the quality system by the Service
Facility and the system for verifying competency of Ex installation and initial inspection staff.

8.2.2 Layout

The ExMC shall prepare a document detailing Quality Management System (QMS)
requirements for the Scheme and the layout and content of FARs.

8.2.3 Issue

Upon issuing FARs, ExCBs shall ensure that the FAR refers to the location(s) of the Service
Facility’s activities.

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8.2.4 Restrictions

The FAR is a document used in the preparation of the IECEx Service Facility Certificate and
is the basis for ongoing surveillance of the Service Facility. It shall not be used in any form of
advertising or sales promotion in a way that the information may be misrepresented.

9 Procedure to issue an IECEx Service Facility Certificate for Ex installation

and initial inspection

9.1 Applicant

An Ex Service Facility may make an application for an IECEx Service Facility Certificate for
Ex installation and initial inspection to any ExCB that has been accepted for this purpose by
ExMC. The applicant shall declare that the same application is not ongoing with any other
ExCB nor has been refused in a previous stage with the same ExCB.

9.2 Documentation

The documentation submitted by the applicant shall accurately identify the Ex installation and
initial inspection services for which certification is required, the names of the Responsible
Persons and Ex installation and initial inspection operatives that are to be verified as being
competent as well as their location where the Ex Service Facility conducts its activities.

The Service Facility shall have a competence management system for the appointment and
maintenance of Responsible Persons and operatives. This competence management system
shall be reviewed by the ExCB.

Reference should be made to the requirements set forth in IECEx OD 504 (Specification for
Units of Competency Assessment Outcomes), Units of Competency Ex 003 (Install explosion-
protected equipment and wiring systems), Ex 006 (Test electrical installations in or associated
with explosive atmospheres) and Ex 008 (Perform detailed inspection of electrical installations
in or associated with explosive atmospheres).

9.3 Examination

The ExCB shall conduct an examination of the documentation to verify that the Ex installation
and initial inspection service is in conformity with IECEx requirements, which embody the
requirements of IEC 60079-14.

9.4 Assessment of Service Facility’s quality system

The ExCB shall assess the conformity of the Service Facility’s Quality Management System
(QMS) and associated quality plan(s) for compliance with IECEx Certified Service Facilities
Scheme requirements. The ExCB shall issue an IECEx FAR, only when full conformity with
IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme requirements has been established.

A FAR has a limited duration of 3 years and can be withdrawn or suspended if the results of
intermediate surveillance assessments are unsatisfactory.

9.5 Completion

Upon satisfactory completion of the work, the ExCB shall review the FAR to ensure that it
covers the Service Facility location, the specified scope of Ex installation and initial inspection
service, and the type of product and Ex types of protection, where applicable. If the review is
satisfactory the ExCB shall issue the FAR together with an IECEx Service Facility Certificate
to the applicant, with a copy of each being retained by the ExCB. The Service Facility and the
ExCB shall each retain a set of the documentation referred to in the certificate.

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A FAR summary report is published on the IECEx website: www.iecex.com, containing at least
the Service Facility’s location, the type of service, any limitations, the types of protection of
the Ex equipment to be installed and initially inspected and the expiration date of the FAR.

9.6 Surveillance

The ExCB shall sign an agreement with the Service Facility to enable the ExCB to carry out,
or arrange for another body to carry out on its behalf, periodic surveillance of the Service
Facility’s Quality Management System (QMS) and quality plan(s) that shall include on-site
assessments at the Service Facility’s premises. The frequency of such surveillance,
inspection and assessment shall be set at a frequency of at least every 12 months.

9.7 Changes not covered by the FAR

If the Service Facility wishes to make any changes, not covered by the FAR, that may
compromise the Ex installation and initial inspection service listed on the certificate, the
Service Facility shall apply for an addendum to the ExCB which granted the IECEx Service
Facility Certificate. The Service Facility is required to describe the changes and the measures
adopted to ensure continuing conformity with IECEx requirements.

The ExCB shall arrange for such work as is necessary to be carried out to verify that the
service incorporating the change will still conform to the Scheme requirements. The ExCB
shall issue a FAR, only when (continued) full conformity with IECEx Certified Service
Facilities Scheme requirements has been established.

Upon satisfactory completion of the work, the ExCB shall review the FAR to ensure that it
covers the required change(s). If the review is satisfactory the ExCB shall issue the FAR
together with a new certificate authorizing the change to the applicant, with a copy of each
being retained by the ExCB.

The Ex Service Facility and the ExCB shall each retain a set of the documentation referred to
in the certificate.

9.8 Ensuring conformity

The Service Facility has the responsibility to ensure that all Ex equipment is installed and
initially inspected in accordance with IECEx and IEC 60079-14 requirements. Following such
work, the Service Facility shall issue their clients with an IECEx installation and initial
inspection Report that may bear the IECEx logo.

The Ex Service Facility shall ensure that the IECEx logo or IECEx Service Facility Certificate
is not subjected to misuse or misrepresentation. Such misuse or misrepresentation could lead
to suspension or withdrawal of the IECEx Service Facility Certificate.

9.9 Documentation retained

In placing an application with an ExCB, the Service Facility authorizes the ExCB to keep, for
future reference, photographs and technical documentation of the Service Facility. Such
reference material shall be confidential.

9.10 Surcharges

An Ex Service Facility who is not located in an IECEx participating country and an applicant
acting on behalf of a Service Facility in such a country shall pay a contribution to the costs of
the IECEx Scheme in the form of a surcharge for each application, the amount to be decided
by the ExMC. The surcharge is to be collected by the ExCB handling the application, and
remitted to the IECEx account.

NOTE At the moment of the publication of these Rules, the surcharge amount is zero.

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9.11 Suspension or cancellation

An IECEx Service Facility Certificate may be suspended or cancelled by the issuing ExCB in
case:

• there is no payment of outstanding fees;

• it has been issued in error;
• the holder requests cancellation;
• where the certificate or IECEx logo or Mark is used in a misleading way;
• the Ex installation and initial inspection service no longer complies with the IECEx
requirements; or
• the Service Facility’s Quality Management System (QMS) and associated quality plan(s)
no longer provide adequate confidence that Ex equipment will be installed and initially
inspected in accordance with IECEx requirements.

The ExCB shall give due notice to the Service Facility of such suspension or cancellation and
shall give the reason(s).

When an IECEx Service Facility Certificate is suspended or when it has been cancelled, the
Service Facility shall no longer describe the Ex installation and initial inspection service, or
their organization, as "IECEx certified", nor shall he use the IECEx logo on IECEx installation
and initial inspection Reports.

The ExCB responsible for issuing the IECEx Service Facility Certificate shall determine the
effect of Ex equipment already installed prior to the cancellation of the certificate.

9.12 Notification of cancellation

When an IECEx Service Facility Certificate has been cancelled, the issuing ExCB shall notify
the ExMC Secretary immediately. Cancellation of certificates shall be published on the IECEx
website: www.iecex.com.

9.13 Compliance with rules

The applicant shall follow the rules of procedure of the ExCB and shall confirm readiness to
comply with all the relevant provisions regarding, for example, facility surveillance and
payment of fees.

9.14 Appeals

Should a Service Facility or applicant be refused the issuing of an IECEx FAR or IECEx
Service Facility Certificate or be the subject of suspension or cancellation of an IECEx
Service Facility Certificate and disagree with this decision, he may lodge an appeal to the
IECEx Board of Appeals.

10 Acceptance of certification bodies

10.1 Acceptance of certification bodies (new ExCBs)

10.1.1 Conditions for acceptance

A certification body shall be accepted as an ExCB by the ExMC and given the right to issue
IECEx Service Facility Certificates and FARs, under the following conditions:

• The certification body shall be located in a participating country

• The certification body shall be recognized at national level for operating Ex certification or
approval schemes for Ex Service Facilities

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• The competence of the certification body to comply with these Rules shall be
demonstrated by assessment. The general competence, efficiency, experience, familiarity
with the relevant standards and the types or concepts of protection included in those
standards and competence to carry out quality management system assessments as well
as compliance with ISO/IEC 17065 and ISO/IEC 17021 shall be assessed. Acceptance in
another IEC Conformity Assessment System or IECEx Scheme or accreditation by a
recognized national accreditation body shall be taken into account. In those cases, the
ExMC shall decide upon the extent of the assessment that is necessary

10.1.2 Application

The candidate certification body, via the national Member Body of the IECEx System, shall
make an application for the acceptance of a certification body for the issuing of IECEx Service
Facility Certificates.

The application shall be submitted to the Secretary of the ExMC and shall be accompanied by
a declaration as detailed in Annex A. Applications from ExCBs currently operating in the
IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme, seeking to participate in the IECEx Certified Service
Facilities Scheme shall submit an application for extension of scope to the IECEx Secretariat.

10.1.3 Assessment

The candidate certification body shall be assessed according to the IECEx Assessment
procedures to determine that the conditions according to 10.1.1 are fulfilled. The assessment
may include witnessing by an IECEx Assessor of an assessment of a service facility
conducted by the candidate ExCB.

Assessors approved by ExMC shall carry out the assessment. The candidate shall be given
the names and current appointments of the assessors proposed. All those IECEx Assessors
proposed will have a working knowledge of Ex installation and initial inspection practises.
Candidates may object "for cause" (reasons to be stated) to the appointment of the
assessors.

The candidate to be assessed shall express its willingness to pay the professional fees of the
assessors. The amount will be decided by the ExMC, and will include reasonable travelling
and living expenses arising from the assessment. An estimate of these expenses shall be
provided to the candidate in advance and agreed by the candidate.

IECEx Assessment Teams shall report to the Secretary of the ExMC who shall manage all
assessments, including the appointment of assessment teams from a list of assessors
approved by the ExMC, to ensure assessments are carried out in a timely manner and in
accordance with the requirements of the Scheme.

10.1.4 Resolution of differences

During the assessment, the assessors shall prepare a draft report that shall be discussed with
the management of the candidate certification body. Efforts should be made to resolve any
differences of opinion between the assessors and the candidate during this discussion.

10.1.5 Report to ExMC

The assessors shall submit to the ExMC, with a copy to the representatives of the candidate
certification body, a confidential report containing their findings and recommendations, taking
into account the declaration submitted together with the application. The candidate may
attend an ExMC meeting or submit written comments in order to respond to enquiries
regarding its application.

10.1.6 Acceptance

The ExMC shall decide upon the acceptance of the candidate certification body at a meeting
or by correspondence. In the latter case, the decision shall be reported to the next meeting of
the ExMC and recorded in the minutes.

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10.1.7 Notification

If the decision of the ExMC is positive, the Secretary of the ExMC shall inform the candidate
certification body in writing.

If the decision of the ExMC is negative, the Chairman of the ExMC may, depending on the
findings, suggest to the candidate certification body

a) to withdraw the application, or

b) to accept a new assessment.

10.1.8 Changes in application

Each ExCB shall inform the Secretary of the ExMC about changes in the information given
according to 10.1.2.

10.1.9 Extension of scope within the IECEx 03-3 Scheme

When an ExCB wishes to extend its scope of acceptance, an application shall be made to the
Secretary of the ExMC via the Member Body of the IECEx System. When the ExCB has been
assessed within the last five years, the members of the Assessment Team who assessed the
ExCB should give their comments on the application.

The IECEx Officers shall decide whether the extension can be accepted on the basis of the
information thus available or whether a full or limited assessment will be needed. Decisions of
the officers shall be reported to the next ExMC meeting for endorsement.

The matter shall either be submitted to a meeting of the ExMC for decision or handled
according to 10.1.10.

10.1.10 Reporting of decisions

The ExMC may delegate the decisions according to 10.1.9 to the Chairman and Vice-
Chairman of the ExMC to be made by correspondence between meetings. Such a decision
shall be reported to the next meeting of the ExMC and recorded in the minutes.

10.1.11 Re-assessment

By means of re-assessment to the extent and frequency deemed necessary, the ExMC shall
verify whether ExCBs are still fulfilling the conditions of 10.1.1.

10.1.12 Withdrawal

An ExCB wishing to withdraw from the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme shall notify
the Secretary of the ExMC via the Member Body of the IECEx Certified Service Facilities
Scheme at least one year in advance and shall indicate the reason for the withdrawal and the
date from which the withdrawal will become effective.

10.1.13 Suspension

The acceptance of an ExCB may be suspended or withdrawn by the ExMC if the ExCB no
longer fulfils the conditions of 10.1.1 or if in the opinion of the ExMC, the ExCB hampers the
aim, operation or development of the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme, fails to take
action regarding misuse of IECEx Service Facility Certificate, or violates these Rules.

Before such a decision is made, the ExCB shall be given the opportunity to take corrective
action over a period of six months and state its own opinion on the matter.

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A decision to suspend or withdraw the acceptance of an ExCB shall require agreement at a

meeting of the ExMC by a majority of at least four fifths of the total number of members.
Members not attending that meeting shall have the right to cast their vote in writing by
registered mail, or e-mail to the Secretary of the ExMC prior to the meeting.

In case of a suspension or a withdrawal, the certification body in question shall not be allowed
to claim any relationship with the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme.

10.2 Acceptance of existing ExCBs

ExCBs previously accepted according to IECEx 02, IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme, shall
be assessed according to 10.1.3.

11 IECEx publications

11.1 Types of publications

The publications of the IECEx System shall accommodate the relevant information regarding
Ex installation and initial inspection.

In addition, the ExMC through its Secretariat may issue Operational Documents to ensure the
common application of these Rules of Procedure by all ExCBs.

The ExMC Secretary shall maintain a current list of all Operational Documents.

11.2 Information to be available

The following information shall be made readily available to the public:

• A current list of accepted ExCBs

• Service facilities holding IECEx Service Facility Certificates
• IECEx Service Facility Certificates

This and other relevant information may be made available on the IECEx website:
www.iecex.com.

11.3 IECEx Bulletin

The Bulletin detailed in IECEx 02 shall be amended to accommodate the relevant information
regarding the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme.

11.4 Source of information

The information published in the IECEx publications is based on information given by the
Member Bodies of the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme and ExCBs. Neither the IEC
nor the Secretary of the ExMC is therefore liable for the accuracy of that information.
Publication of commercial information shall be avoided.

12 Complaints

If there are complaints concerning the actions of an ExCB that the ExMC cannot resolve, the
ExMC or the complainant shall have the right to request the IEC Conformity Assessment
Board (CAB) for appropriate action.

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Annex A
(normative)

Declaration by a certification body applying to become

an Ex Certification Body for the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme
for Ex installation and initial inspection

The declaration by a certification body applying to become an Ex Certification Body (ExCB)

under the IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme, shall be a self-contained document
including the following information:

a) A description of the body which gives, in addition to an organization chart, information

about the legal status of the body, the address(es) at which it carries out its operations
b) The means by which the body will demonstrate compliance with ISO/IEC 17021, ISO/IEC
17065 and ISO/IEC 17020
c) The responsibilities at national level concerning certification and the schemes operated
d) The arrangements for appeal, the documents available for providing supporting
information, for example with regard to existing accreditation
e) The details of senior management and staff with competence in the validation of Ex
Service Facilities
f) A list of the type of Ex installation and initial inspection services for which the body wishes
to issue IECEx Service Facility Certificates
g) A statement of the number of certificates issued in the preceding two years for each type
of protection, concerning any related Ex Certification Scheme
h) A statement that the body will abide by the Rules and use its best endeavours to assist in
the achievement of the aims and objectives of the IECEx System

___________

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ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION

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Tel: + 41 22 919 02 11
Fax: + 41 22 919 03 00
info@iec.ch
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