1.1This specification defines the minimum requirements for agencies engaged in any of the following:

(a)Inspection of specified methods and materials used in construction, (b)Special Inspection, and (c)Testing of materials used in construction.

1.2Criteria are provided for assessing the competence of an agency to properly perform designated inspections, tests, or Special Inspection services. This specification establishes essential characteristics pertaining to the organization, management, personnel, facilities, quality systems, responsibilities, duties, inspection and testing methods, records, and reports of the agency. This specification may be supplemented by more specific criteria and requirements, if required.

1.2.1This specification specifically addresses factors relevant to an agency''s ability to produce precise, accurate test data or determine the conformity of construction activities and materials used in construction with regulations, codes, standards, and approved project plans and specifications containing the requirements against which the inspection or test, or both, will be performed. Specific or general requirements include:

1.2.1.1Facilities and management of the agency,

1.2.1.2Sufficiency and technical competency of personnel,

1.2.1.3Suitability, calibration, and maintenance of equipment,

1.2.1.4Quality system, audit, and review,

1.2.1.5Responsibilities, duties, and authority of agencies,

1.2.1.6Validity and appropriateness of sampling, testing, and inspection methods and procedures,

1.2.1.7Management of records,

1.2.1.8Reporting, review, and transmission of test and inspection data or findings, and

1.2.1.9Specific requirements for identified fields (concrete, soil, etc.).

1.3This specification can be used as a basis to assess an agency and is intended for use in accrediting agencies, public or private, engaged in inspection, testing, and Special Inspection of construction activities and materials used in construction. These services include but are not limited to reinforced concrete, precast concrete, structural steel erection, welding, bolting, soil and rock, foundations, masonry, sprayed fire-resistive materials, fire stops, exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), and Special Cases. Building officials can use Specification E329 to assess the competency of agencies in the fields covered by Specification E329.

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

1.5The 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 inspections or tests requested by the user.

1.6This specification is not intended to:

(a)circumvent or replace the agreement between the agency and the owner that should clearly define the responsibilities and authorities of the agency; (b)address design requirements that supersede applicable codes, laws, and regulations; or (c)address construction means, methods, techniques, or sequences.

1.7This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.